FUTURES CHALLENGE

Each year, IPWEA-QNT invites final-year university students studying civil engineering or related disciplines to participate in the IPWEA-QNT Futures Challenge. The Futures Challenge is part of IPWEA-QNT's commitment to the development and promotion of our future leaders in public works engineering.

Students are invited to present their thesis or research project to 400+ industry professionals on stage at the IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference. Students will also be able to receive feedback on their thesis with a poster board displayed in the exhibition area.

The Futures Challenge winner is voted by the Conference delegates and will be presented with a trophy at the 2025 Excellence Awards Gala Dinner. The program is an invaluable opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders, experts and future colleagues.

NOMINATE HERE

Previous Futures Challenge Participants
2024 - Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane, 7 November 2024

Winner

Jessica Tse, Queensland University of Technology
Investigating the Effect of Microbial-induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) on the Hydromechanical Properties of Field Clay

**Callym Dunleavy, Griffith University**
Transitioning towards water - sensitive regions: just an aspiration or an achievable vision?

**Vili Siale, University of Southern Queensland**
Analysis of 2022 Worst Road Fatalities in a Decade in Tasmania

2023 - Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club, 11 October 2023

**Winner**
**Murtaza Aziz-Ahmad, University of Southern Queensland**
Effect of different Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) densities on the mechanical properties of EPS

**Ella Nicholas, Queensland University of Technology**
Dam Risk Analysis – Contemporary Methods and Techniques

**Alex Whitehead, Griffith University**
Shear performance investigation of timber-steel composites exposed to accelerated aging conditions

2022 - Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 12 October 2022

*Winner*
Thomas Murphy, University of Southern Queensland
Rail Track Structure Review and Analysis

**Lauren Lord, University of Southern Queensland**
The Impact of Historic Combined Sewer House Connections on Wastewater Authorities

2021 - Cairns Convention Centre, 13 October 2021


Winner Lucinda Sterling, University of Southern Queensland Alkali-silica reaction crack evaluation using artificial intelligence	Hadi Nourizadeh, University of Southern Queensland Axial performance of fully grouted rock bolts	Clare Ferguson, University of Southern Queensland Management of repeated damage to regional unsealed roads due to flooding	Ryan Ball, University of Southern Queensland Shear strength properties of sand with fines for various moisture contents