After the RILEM weeks in Vancouver, Canada (2023) and Toulouse, France (2024) it will be a true pleasure for the RILEM delegates and conference attendees to meet again on the Asian continent, in a true international spirit.

This meeting will provide great opportunities for scientific discussions and sharing of research results in the field of materials and structures, with the aim of promoting optimal performance and sustainable development. I am looking forward to the exciting program that the team in Hanoi has prepared for us!

It is a distinct honor and privilege for Hanoi University of Civil Engineering to welcome you all to 79th RILEM Week 2025 and 2nd ICONS Conference in the vibrant city of Hanoi.

Hanoi University of Civil Engineering has long stood as a pillar of academic excellence and a beacon for innovation in Vietnam especially in the field of Construction and Architecture. We are proud to host this conference, which provides a platform to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and address some of the most pressing challenges in this field. This is also a very important event in a series of activities towards the 60th anniversary of the founding of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering in 2026.

The 79^th RILEM week and the 2^nd ICONS will bring together a diverse and accomplished group of experts, researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners from around the globe, united by a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in the construction field. As a new member of the RILEM, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering is very proud to host this great event.

The construction sector in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular is facing some extraordinary challenges. Everything will be prepared to affirm that the 79th RILEM Week in Hanoi is a place to initiate international cooperation towards sustainable development.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Vietnam!

The RILEM Secretariat team is fully committed to supporting the organizers of the 79th RILEM Week and ICONS 2025. Throughout the event, the team will be at the disposal of organizers and participants to ensure the resounding success of this major event, which will bring together the scientific community to pave the way for a more sustainable future."

Picture (from left to right): Anne Griffoin, TAC Secretary, Aurélie Martingale, RILEM Assistant, Judith Hardy, RILEM General Secretary, Daniela Cancio, RILEM Implementation Manager.