CII Research Shines at the 2025 Annual Conference
The 2025 CII Annual Conference was a vibrant celebration of research, collaboration, and impact. More than a venue for reporting results, the conference serves as a dynamic platform for shaping, sharing, and recognizing research that drives industry transformation.
CII research is supported in five distinct and complementary ways:
1. Research Team Presentations
2. Ideation by Communities for Business Advancement (CBAs)
3. Strategic Planning by the Funded Studies Committee (FSC)
4. Deployment Strategies from the Implementation Forum
5. Recognition through Awards
Let’s take a closer look at each of these pillars.
1. Research Team Presentations: Delivering New Tools and Insights
Six research teams presented their latest findings, each contributing new tools and insights to enhance project performance. Links to the presentations are included this blog article. (Recordings will be uploaded later in August, and publications are scheduled for release this fall.)
These presentations require significant effort to ensure they are practical and immediately applicable for member companies. We are grateful to all staff and members whose contributions helped bring these presentations to life.
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2. Ideation by CBAs: Shaping the Future of Research
On the Monday before the conference, several Communities for Business Advancement (CBAs) held idea generations sessions. CBAs play a vital role in ensuring that research topics are grounded in real-world challenges and their ideas will help shape the direction of future CII research.
3. Funded Studies Committee: Guiding CII Research
The Funded Studies Committee also met on the Monday before the conference – an opportunity to reflect on the direction and state of CII research, and how the committee can continue to effectively guide the process. We welcomed some new members including Carmel Glumac (Kiewit), Todd Dinesen (Matrix), and Jared Fogleman (TVA).
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4. Implementation Forum: Turning Research into Results
After the conference, the Deployment Committee held its third Implementation Forum, which included an interactive workshop focused on how members will implement the presented results in their organizations. The Implementation Forum has proved to be a great way to drive more awareness and facilitate implementation, ensuring that research doesn’t just stay on paper and driving real improvements in the field. Thanks for the Deployment Committee for the initiative.
5. Recognition through Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Research
The conference also celebrated outstanding contributions to CII research. Among the honorees were the Outstanding Student Award recipients: In Bae Chung (UT Austin) and Daniel Mehrabi Moezabadi (Arizona State University). The Outstanding Academic Award was presented to Behzad Esmaeili (Purdue University) and Jeyoung Woo (Cal Poly Pomona). We also recognized Tricia Thibodeaux (Fluor), recipient of the Tucker Award, for her impactful service as a past member and Chair of the Funded Studies Committee. These awards highlight the diverse and talented individuals who make CII research possible—from emerging scholars to seasoned professionals.
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Looking Ahead: Your Role in CII Research
The 2025 Annual Conference reminded us that CII is not just a research institute—it’s a community of action. By engaging in the process, members help ensure that CII research is not only rigorous but also relevant and ready to drive change.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Start planning now to join us in 2025-2026—and consider how you can contribute to the journey between now and then.
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