The Smart Construction and Infrastructure Research Cluster, established at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, aspires to drive the evolution of the construction industry towards a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable future. The cluster brings together a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and strategic partners from various industries to collaborate on a diverse range of cutting-edge construction-related research topics, including urban design and planning, construction policy, sustainable building systems, and the implementation of innovative construction technologies including robotics, software/AI integration and new construction materials. The ultimate goal of the cluster is to make a tangible impact on the future of the construction industry.

About SICRC

The Smart Construction and Infrastructure Research Cluster engages with local and regional governments, private sector organizations and community groups to inform policy and planning decisions and promote the implementation of sustainable, efficient, and rapid construction solutions.

Focus

We have decades of experience working with industry, government and other institutions. Our researchers work closely with UBC campus operations as well as a variety of BC communities to discover and implement new solutions.

Impact

More than 1.7 million households in Canada are without housing that they can afford and that meets their needs. SICRC seeks to address this crisis through reducing the construction time, cost, and carbon footprint while increasing the building sustainability and resiliency.

We are using an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to resolve the challenges associated with the construction sector.

News

SICRC Funding Secured for 2025/26

Mar 27, 2025

The Smart Infrastructure and Construction Research Cluster (SICRC) has secured continued support for the 2025/26 academic year through UBC’s Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) competition. This extended funding will allow SICRC to expand its research initiatives, foster new collaborations, and accelerate the development of innovative solutions in smart infrastructure and construction. The sustained support […]

Smart Construction Solution Workshop

Oct 18, 2024

UBC’s Smart Construction and Infrastructure Research Cluster (SICRC) hosted a workshop on smart construction solutions on October 18th aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and in-depth research.  This workshop attended by 27 professionals including UBC research community, industry and government organizations. This workshop provided a platform for detailed discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the formulation of strategic […]

Funding secured from Rogers, Mitacs, and NSERC

Sep 27, 2024

Dr. Tony Yang and Dr. Vincent Wong have been awarded $812,000 in industrial funding from Rogers, Mitacs, and NSERC to advance cutting-edge research in 5G-enabled smart construction, robotic automation, and AI-driven inspections. Over the next two years, this funding will fuel the development of innovative construction technologies that could revolutionize the industry.

Research Excellence Cluster Grant Secured

Mar 20, 2024

Research Excellence Clusters are interdisciplinary networks of researchers addressing societal and cultural problems, and working together to solve challenges that transcend traditional boundaries associated with departments, institutions, and funding agencies. Funding is awarded through Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) competitions. With the support of UBC’s Vice President of Research and Innovation (VPRI) office and the Faculty […]

Construction Digitalization Workshop and Demonstration

Sep 18, 2023

UBC’s Smart Construction and Infrastructure Research Cluster (SICRC) is hosting a workshop on construction digitalization on Monday October 23rd. The workshop includes professionals from the construction sector ecosystem along with representatives from the Construction Research Center at the National Research Council (NRC). The attendees will discuss and identify the current challenges that the sector is […]