Keynotes
Alan Kwan
Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
Alan Kwan
Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
Alfonso Rodríguez Dono
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech (UPC), Spain
Alfonso Rodríguez Dono
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech (UPC), Spain
A graduate of Sheffield and Cambridge University, Professor Kwan specialises in lightweight, cable and foldable structures, Computational Mechanics, and Sustainable Informatics. He has a teacher with a keen interest in pedagogy, and evolving / adapting pedagogy with diverse learning characteristics.
Title
Beyond digital native: envisioning Civil Engineering programmes for Gen Alpha
Abstract
The current generation of “digital native” students will soon be phasing out, as the new Generation Alpha arrives at our universities. Born into a world of smart devices, touch screens, ubiquitous connectivity, raised with immersive tech, streaming, and AI-augmented schooling, they come with unprecedented digital fluencies alongside distinct pedagogical needs. This talk will outline how we might re-construct our Civil Engineering programmes to best serve this incoming generation of student engineers. By exploring how to equip them as both inheritors and innovators, we can prepare Gen Alpha to proudly carry the torch of our discipline as they go on to tackle the new and increasing demands of our rapidly changing infrastructural world.
Institutional or personal webpage
https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/kwan
Associate professor at UPC BarcelonaTech and a researcher at CIMNE. He holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (University of Vigo, 2011) and an International Master’s in Sustainable Exploitation of Mineral Resources (Technical University of Madrid). His research combines rock mechanics and numerical modelling — including the post-failure behaviour of rock masses, tunnelling and underground-excavation design, and slope stability — with a strong interest in sustainability, ecodesign and the circular economy.
Winner of the 2025 EUCEET Award for Excellence in Teaching in Civil Engineering for his initiative “Engineering Education for a Sustainable Future: Confronting Environmental Challenges”, which integrates structured classroom debates, interdisciplinary teaching and large-scale public engagement (such as the “Beyond Growth” conference). His teaching has also been recognised with the UPC Award for Quality in University Teaching and the Jaume Vicens Vives Distinction.
Title
Engaging engineers in the green transition through debate
Abstract
Preparing engineers for the green transition requires critical reflection on the relationships between technology, economic growth, human well-being and ecological limits. This presentation explores how structured classroom debates can strengthen students’ ability to question underlying assumptions, weigh evidence, consider alternative perspectives and recognize cognitive biases. The aim is to develop the critical thinking needed to assess alternative pathways towards sustainability and take an informed, responsible role in shaping a sustainable and equitable society.
Presenters
Damir Lazarević
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Damir Lazarević
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Mladen Vukomanović
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Mladen Vukomanović
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Petra Gidak
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonko Sigmund
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonko Sigmund
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Associate Professor and Vice-Dean for Education
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering
Kačićeva 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Professional experience
Petra Gidak has been Vice-Dean for Education at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering since October 2022 and Associate Professor at the same faculty since June 2022. Before that, she was Assistant Professor (2016–2022), Postdoctoral Researcher (2015–2016) and Research Assistant (2007–2015) there. She began her career as a junior structural designer at MATIM d.o.o. in Karlovac (2003–2007).
She co-teaches Numerical Methods for the Analysis of Discontinuous Media (doctoral level), Tensile Membrane and Cable Structures (graduate level), Mathematical Software for Engineers and Structural Analysis 1 and 2 (undergraduate level).
Education
2014 PhD, University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering
2012 MSc (Magister scientiae), University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering
2003 Diploma in Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering
Research Projects
She is currently the principal investigator or a team member on several research projects. Previously, she worked on the Croatian Science Foundation project “New, efficient iterative procedure for structural analysis – generalisation of contemporary methods” (YODA, 2015–2019, PI Prof. Damir Lazarević) and on the Ministry of Science project “Non-standard models of civil engineering structures” (2007–2013).
Selected professional projects
Her professional work includes condition assessments of Zagreb Cathedral and the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, and seismic assessment of building block B17 in the historic centre of Dubrovnik. She also worked on the preliminary design of the Kantrida stadium roof in Rijeka. She contributed to the Croatia December 2020 Earthquake – Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report.