2026 RILEM Colonnetti medallists

Each year, RILEM assigns up to two Gustavo Colonnetti Medals to researchers under 35 years old who have performed high-level scientific research in the field of construction materials and structures. For this medal, already being a member of the Association is not a requirement.

The two 2026 Gustavo Colonnetti medals are awarded to Dr Johannes Mirwald and Dr Muhmmad Riaz Ahmad.

Dr Muhmmad Riaz Ahmad

Dr. Muhammad Riaz Ahmad is a Research Assistant Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). His research focuses on developing sustainable construction materials, including alkali-activated & geopolymer materials, low clinker cements, magnesium phosphate cement, and bio-based composites. He has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles (H-index 41) and secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator.
His presentation, "Low-Carbon Cement Technologies for Sustainable Construction," will explore innovative strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete. He will discuss the use of industrial by-products and chemical activators to formulate high-performance, clinker-less and low-clinker binders, addressing the critical balance between material performance and environmental impact.

Dr Johannes Mirwald

Johannes Mirwald is a post-doctoral researcher at the TU Wien in Austria. He is a material chemist by training, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary work towards road engineering, bridging the gap between these two schools of research.
His research and presentation "Understanding Bitumen: From Chemistry to Engineering" will focus on the chemo-mechanical characterization of bituminous materials and understanding the challenges in mimicking field ageing conditions in the lab. Recent efforts in replacing bitumen with biogenic alternatives and subsequent application of the previously developed chemo-mechanical toolbox will also be shown and critically questioned for potential adaptations to meet future sustainability criteria.