The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has opened a construction research fund with £50,000 worth of grants available.

The Bowen Jenkins Legacy Research Fund aims to support practitioners and researchers with their unique ideas associated with the construction industry.

Now in its second year, the initiative will focus on five areas of research:

• Sustainability in the Built Environment

• Corporate Social Responsibility


• Building Performance Improvement

• Application of Digital Technologies

• Employment Practices in construction

All CIOB members and international non-members can apply for the funding, which offers between £2,000 - £10,000 for each project and over a duration of one to two years.

Saleem Akram CIOB Director, said: "There were more than 50 applications last year from 12 countries and we are convinced that many more untapped ideas exist out there in the industry. All they need is help getting off the ground and that is where we can offer support.

"The challenges facing construction are many and while the future may seem uncertain what we know is the industry is packed with innovative techniques, technology and people."

The fund is open for entries until 15 July 2016.

(LM)