Dr Rodrigo Juarez wins the 2026 FIDIC Future Leaders Award
We are delighted to share that our colleague, Dr Rodrigo Juarez, Lecturer in Project Management and Programme Leader for the MSc in Engineering Project Management (EPM), has been named the winner of the FIDIC 2026 Future Leaders Award. The award was presented at the ceremony held in New Delhi, India, on 15 September 2026 as part of the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference (GIC26).
The judges commented that it was inspiring to read Rodrigo's entry. They were impressed not only by his professional achievements, but also by his dedicated involvement in the Future Leaders Advisory Council and regional and national associations. They highlighted his integrity, commitment to the profession, and significant social contributions, including volunteering activities.
The FIDIC GIC26 brought together infrastructure professionals, policymakers, engineers, consultants, financiers, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the future of infrastructure development. Under the theme "Engineering a Bright Future, Together: Quality Infrastructure for People and Prosperity," the conference explored how the sector can deliver sustainable, resilient, and high-quality infrastructure that supports economic growth and societal well-being.
The event featured keynote speeches from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Arianna Fontana, Italy's most decorated Olympian with 14 medals across six consecutive Winter Olympic Games, and Hon'ble Mr Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Their contributions highlighted topics ranging from social impact and human development to the importance of clear contracts, balanced risk allocation, and effective dispute-avoidance mechanisms.
Rodrigo was also actively involved in the conference as a Trainer for the Future Leaders Management Course (FLMC) and in his role as Vice Chair of the FIDIC Integrity Management Committee (IMC). He served as a joint moderator of the Integrity Forum 2026, titled "From Principles to Practice", an interactive session focused on turning integrity commitments into everyday practice. He moderated the session alongside Dr Ahmed Stifi (Chair of the IMC) and Hamish Goldie-Scot (Technical Adviser at CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative).
On receiving the Award, Rodrigo commented: "I am truly honoured to receive this award. It recognises my involvement with FIDIC and the wider infrastructure sector over the years. Receiving this award motivates me to continue contributing my knowledge and expertise and to support the development of the profession."
Congratulations to Rodrigo on this well-deserved achievement!