DMU's learning environment praised by industry leader

The chief executive of the world’s leading professional body in construction has praised the “progressive learning environment” at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

Caroline Gumble, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) visited DMU where she met with researchers and learned about DMU’s support for students studying architecture, energy, engineering and built environment programmes.


She also had a tour of DMU’s unique campus, parts of which date from the 12th century, during the visit which was hosted by Professor Mike Kagioglou, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research, Business and Innovation and the incoming CIOB president.

Professor Subhes Bhattacharyya, Director of the Institute of Sustainable Futures, and Kate Cheyne, DMU’s head of school for Arts, Design and Architecture, introduced their teams who are working at the forefront of sustainable building design and renewables research.

She said: “It was clear in my meeting with the academic team from the built environment and architecture that their research is making great progress in turning ideas into reality. It’s a progressive learning environment.

“The CIOB is all about the built environment, from facilities management to construction and I was struck by the quality and variety of programmes at De Montfort. I was so impressed by the campus itself, and the mix of buildings from the historic to the modern is something to be proud of.”



Professor Kagioglou becomes president of the CIOB next month. The organisation represents 48,000 members all over the world who work in all aspects of the construction industry.

He said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Caroline to DMU and discuss not only our plans for the coming year but be able to show some of the work being done in sustainable design and the built environment.

“I am keen to develop collaboration between academia and industry to advance research and foster innovation to tackle challenges which affect us all.”