AECOM in innovative philanthorpic partnership with UCL

AECOM, a trusted global infrastructure consultancy, has announced an innovative philanthropic partnership with University College London (UCL) to address the most urgent and complex societal challenges through programme management.

The partnership launches the AECOM Infrastructure Scholarship Programme, supporting the next generation of infrastructure researchers through PhD scholarships. 

The scholarships will advance the science in topics related to infrastructure and programme management, to deliver complex infrastructure solutions more sustainably, unlock value, and transform societies around the world.

“It is a privilege to partner with UCL and embark on this scholarship programme which will have an impact on the future of infrastructure programmes,” said Drew Jeter, chief executive of AECOM’s Program Management global business line. 

“What excites me about this opportunity is to truly make a significant and positive difference in how the next generation will approach and deliver programmes with an evidence-based, solution-oriented, outcome driven and sustainable mindset. 

"AECOM and UCL have a shared vision and commitment and I can’t wait to begin this journey with such a great partner.”

AECOM’s Programme Management global business provides the structure, tools, techniques, and process to achieve the company’s purpose of delivering a better world. 

By connecting its technical expertise across services, markets, and geographies, it manages outcome-driven programmes that deliver social, economic, and environmental value.

The researchers will be based at The UCL Megaproject Delivery Centre in The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, and will leverage UCL’s extensive research capabilities as one of the world’s top universities. 

Under the direction of Dr Juliano Denicol, The UCL Megaproject Delivery Centre develops research to change the delivery of major infrastructure projects, not only advancing strategies and metrics to improve project performance, but also emphasising the societal benefits of infrastructure development. 

The researchers will work closely with AECOM’s Programme Management leadership to disseminate cutting-edge scientific findings and improve the delivery of major infrastructure programmes globally.

“AECOM and UCL are writing history with this partnership to advance the science in Programme Management,” said Dr. Juliano Denicol, Director, Megaproject Delivery Centre. 

“It will support a diverse cohort of future leaders and create a platform to address global societal challenges through infrastructure delivery. 

"I’m absolutely thrilled with this effort to transform our industry through science and look forward to working closely with AECOM’s Programme Management leadership over the next years.”

Programme management leaders are often required to integrate expertise located in several silos (teams, technology, systems) across multiple organisational levels (client, programme partner, supply chain organisations), and phases of the project (development, delivery, operations). 

Integration and collaboration are key to unlock value in such complex and fast-paced environments.

The creation of such an integrated environment is essential to incorporate the right expertise from different teams at the right time. 

Such a combination of expertise is fundamental to addressing the urgent need to deliver major infrastructure programmes sustainably, with net zero and sustainability as a strategic driver and at the heart of decision-making.

“The partnership between AECOM and UCL promises to transform sectors and communities through advancing the science of infrastructure projects,” said Professor Christoph Linder, Dean, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. 

“Bringing together organisations at the forefront of the built environment and infrastructure programme management, AECOM’s generous gift will accelerate knowledge creation and dissemination, bringing significant benefits to society and to the planet. 

"The Bartlett is delighted to be part of this innovative partnership, united by a shared vision to build a better future.”

Professor D'Maris Coffman, recent director at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and incoming Vice Dean Innovation and Enterprise added: “We are thrilled to partner with AECOM and very grateful for the generous support for doctoral students in major infrastructure delivery and programme management at BSSC. 

“I am very pleased about the strategic alignment between AECOM’s vision to address the challenges of the 21st century through programme management and the research agenda of the UCL Megaproject Delivery Centre.”