Ibrahim Qadir, Building Services Engineering Apprentice at Vital Energi scooped this year’s CIBSE Ken Dale Bursary with his proposed research project, Technical Challenges and opportunities of future AI technology in buildings: A comparative study.
The competition to secure this year’s bursary was steep, with 3 shortlisted proposals. Alongside Ibrahim’s winning entry, were proposals addressing issues around light pollution and homelessness. Ibrahim's proposal and research focus on the potential to integrate AI technology and automation for renewable energy in buildings.
“With a focus on technical challenges, economics, and environmental impact, I aim to provide practical solutions, attract investment, and raise awareness. Together, we can drive sustainable advancements for CIBSE and the wider community.”
The Ken Dale Bursary grants the winner up to £4000 to spend three to four weeks travelling the world and researching how different conditions impact the built environment.
The other two finalists were Cehao Yu, lighting scientist and senior lighting designer and Isik Goren, building technology and sustainability consultant.
This year’s applications covered an impressive array of important issues, highlighting the central role of building services engineering in delivering a safe, healthy, and sustainable built environment. The three finalists’ applications stood out in their approach towards addressing environmental, social, and technological challenges.
CIBSE established the Ken Dale Travel Bursary to commemorate Ken Dale’s contribution to the Institution and the building services profession. The bursary allows the winner to travel and research areas of particular interest and application to the Institution.
The award is the subject of an open competition among CIBSE members. Candidates are shortlisted based on their proposals and the final selection is made following presentations by the short-listed candidates at the interview stage.
For more information about the CIBSE Ken Dale Travel Bursary, visit https://www.cibse.org/about-cibse/awards-and-medals/ken-dale-travel-bursary