Innovating Tomorrow’s Resilience

This two-week in-person intensive course fostered a curiosity- and solutions-driven mindset through a series of actions — open dialogue, consultation, exploration, and reflection — and to create a dynamic feedback loop that leads to transferable and scalable outcomes.

University College London (UCL) hosted the third cohort of the Holcim Foundation Fellowship in July/August 2025, open to candidates studying at a university in Europe. Students came to UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus to collaborate closely with lecturers, tutors and industry experts, observing, analyzing, and challenging ideas while developing interdisciplinary strategies to scale local innovations focusing on tomorrow’s resilience.

Fellows engaged with case study projects in London, connected with professionals to gain first-hand insights into the pioneering work and leadership shaping transformative, regionally inspired solutions. They produced final projects that were documented in a digital publication to serve as a reference for future students and professionals worldwide. Selected Fellows will be chosen to take part in the next step of the journey - the Holcim Foundation Emerging ChangeMakers.

• Expose final year professional degree students within the built environment to realities of practice on building sites and the end-user’s experience – bridging the gaps between academia, the profession and society.
• Foster the adoption of a humble posture of learning among professionals and students as a way to close the knowledge and execution gap.
• Empower students by equipping them with the skills required to succeed as catalysts for industry transformation in their studies and future careers.
• Support career development, continued learning, mentorship, and collaboration through future participation in Holcim Foundation international programs, events and networking opportunities.

• 15 candidates from across Europe were selected as Holcim Foundation Fellows taking part in this unique program - from July 21 to August 1, 2025 - at UCL in London.
• Participants engaged in focused lectures, discussions and talks on relevant themes, led by UCL faculty and other guest interdisciplinary experts, lecturers and building industry practitioners.
• Learnings will be shared in discussions with professionals aligned with Holcim Foundation’s goals and principles.
• Selected participants will embark on the next phase of the journey as a Holcim Foundation Emerging ChangeMaker and open the door to a transformative experience that could shape their future and contribute to the transformation of the industry.

Partnering Firms

Site visits of real projects provided an immersive experience, exploring user needs, planning requirements and innovative construction methodologies, in collaboration with AL_A, BDP, Buro Happold, Eckersley O’Callaghan and Expedition Engineering.