The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and the Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM Vienna) are pooling their expertise to jointly organise CIRCON 2027 – the specialist conference on the future of the circular economy in the construction sector. The conference will take place on 26 January 2027 in Vienna and will focus on the key challenges and opportunities presented by the circular transformation of the construction industry. With the official announcement of the event, ticket sales are now open.
The construction industry is facing far-reaching changes in the face of resource scarcity, climate targets and increasing regulatory requirements. CIRCON 2027 highlights how the circular economy can be successfully implemented in the construction sector and the role that innovation, digitalisation, new business models and nature-inspired approaches play in this. The conference brings together experts from research, industry, politics and public administration across the DACH region to discuss concrete solutions for a resource-efficient and resilient construction industry.
The conference will focus on topics such as the reuse of building materials, the straightforward dismantling and recycling of buildings, digital information on materials used, and the framework conditions for a functioning circular economy. The role of artificial intelligence and innovative business models for sustainable construction will also be discussed. In addition to presentations and specialist papers, the event offers interactive discussion sessions and numerous opportunities for exchange and networking for representatives from the construction sector, research, industry and public administration.
The partnership between the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and the Natural History Museum Vienna brings together two institutions with complementary strengths. Whilst the AIT contributes its technological and systemic research expertise in the fields of the circular economy, digitalisation and sustainable transformation, the Natural History Museum Vienna complements the conference with its scientific expertise on natural systems, biodiversity and the long-term interactions between people, resources and the environment.
Dr Brigitte Bach, Managing Director and Spokesperson for the Management Board of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, explains:
“The transition to a circular economy requires new forms of collaboration between research, industry and policy-making. With CIRCON 2027, we are creating a platform where scientific insights, technological innovations and practical implementation come together. The partnership with the Natural History Museum in Vienna combines technological innovation with a deep understanding of natural systems, thereby opening up new perspectives for tackling the major challenges of our time – from resource conservation and climate protection to the sustainable transformation of the construction industry.”
Dr Katrin Vohland, Director-General and Scientific Director of the Natural History Museum in Vienna, emphasises:
“Nature provides a wealth of materials and inspiration for a sustainable construction industry. Natural cycles can also serve as a guide for our economic and production systems. CIRCON 2027 brings together insights from the natural sciences, technology and innovation, and creates a space for discussion on sustainable pathways towards a resource-efficient future. The collaboration with AIT makes it possible to link scientific perspectives with specific fields of application and potential solutions.”
Ticket sales have begun
Tickets for CIRCON 2027 are now on sale. Anyone interested can find information about the programme, speakers and registration on the official event website.
Further information and tickets:
https://circon.ait.ac.at
Event information
CIRCON 2027 – The specialist conference on the future of the circular economy in the construction sector
Date: 26 January 2027
Venue: Natural History Museum, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Organisers: AIT Austrian Institute of Technology & the Natural History Museum, Vienna
Website: https://circon.ait.ac.at
About the Natural History Museum Vienna
“The realm of nature and its exploration”
The Vienna Natural History Museum preserves, expands, researches and presents its extensive biological, earth science, anthropological, archaeological and cultural studies collections in a building designed as a total work of art. It showcases the diversity of nature, the evolution of planet Earth and of life, as well as the associated cultural development of humankind, and provides an inspiring meeting place where evidence-based education, dialogue and exchange between science and society take place.
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