Prof. Scrivener received a Special Award for the development of sustainable cementitious materials from the Faculty Members of SUPSI, at the Rilem Annual Spring Convention in Mendrisio.
Prof. Martina Hirayama, Secretary of State for Research, Education and Innovation, and an expert on polymer technology in her own right, gave a dedicatory speech, which was warmly received.
“Sustainability is one of the key themes of the current Swiss federal policy on education, research and innovation,” explained Dr. Hirayama. “The federal council seeks to strengthen sustainable development by implementing the UN’s 2030 agenda, to harness sustainable development, and to keep Switzerland competitive as a location for education, research and innovation.”
Dr. Hirayama thanked Prof. Scrivener for her loyalty. Having served as professor at EPFL since 2001, Prof. Scrivener has also been editor of the journal Cement and Concrete Research for 15 years. She also drew attention to Prof. Scrivener’s role as the founder of Nanocem, a collaborative organisation of Academics and Industry leaders in cement technologies, and to her new role as member of a group of advisors to the UN Secretary General from 2024 to 2026.
In conclusion, Dr. Hirayama thanked Prof. Scrivener for the enthusiasm and expertise which is inspiring the next generation of engineers in sustainable construction.