Built Environment Research Forum 2025

The School of Architecture and Built Environment is delighted to invite you to the University of Newcastle’s inaugural Built Environment Research Forum 2025, themed “Driving Housing Developments and Policy Reforms: Advanced Construction Technologies and Materials.”

We are pleased to announce that The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth and Minister for the North Coast and James Sherrard the NSW Building Commissioner will be our Keynote Speakers at this event.

Joining our Keynote Speakers, we are pleased to announce Bob Hawes, Professor Srinath Perera, Anna Chubb, Valentina Misevska, Philip Tondl and Craig Jennion as Panel Members for this event.

The housing crisis, particularly in regional and peri-urban areas demands innovative solutions to enhance affordability, sustainability and efficiency. This forum explores the intersection of advanced construction technologies, sustainable and innovative materials, policy reforms and collaboration to drive housing development and address affordability challenges.

This forum provides a platform to explore innovative strategies and approaches, technologies, research findings and best practices, to create a sustainable, affordable housing and built environment's future in regional NSW.

The event features a keynote, panel sessions, pitch and networking opportunities, where industry attendees can connect directly with key staff members across the University.

The forum will facilitate collaboration and engagement opportunities between industry professionals, local businesses, manufacturers, government agencies, training and education providers, community groups and stakeholders, research centres and academics to contribute to the creation of an equitable housing market and operational built environment in regional environs. It will also highlight the University of Newcastle’s latest research and innovations addressing the regional housing affordability challenges.

Event Details

Date:  Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Time:  10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Brennan Room, Shortland Building, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus

The University of Newcastle serves as a hub for housing innovations and skills development in regional NSW. It’s strong industry collaboration fosters strategic solutions and pathways that require commitment from all levels of government and business to address housing gaps.

We hope to see you there!

NUspace Shuttle 

The NUspace shuttle is a free inter-campus service that runs Monday to Friday from 7:10am – 10:15pm between Callaghan and Newcastle City campuses. The shuttle services NUspace and the surrounding buildings before travelling past the Q building and stopping at Marketown before making its' way back to Callaghan.

The shuttle service runs during semester on a 30-minute frequency. During semester break the shuttle will change to a hourly service