Prof Nora Dainton takes over as Head of the FHNW Institute of Digital Construction
Since April 2025, Prof. Nora Dainton has been acting head of the Institute for Digital Construction at the FHNW School of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geomatics. With her experience in research, teaching, and digitalization, she strengthens the university's integrated approach and continues to drive forward the transformation of the construction and real estate industry.
Prof Nora Dainton takes on dual responsibility as interim head of the institute. She heads the Institute of Digital Construction and at the same time remains head of the MSc in Virtual Design and Construction programme. This combination enables a close integration of research, teaching and strategic development. “I look forward to actively shaping the future of digital construction together with our students and colleagues,” she emphasises.
Prof. Dainton has been working at the institute since 2021 and is shaping the content and strategic direction of the VDC Master’s programme. A degree programme that focuses on digital processes in construction and real estate.
Bridging the gap between research and practice
One of Prof. Dainton’s key concerns is applied research in close collaboration with practice partners. As a link between industry, teaching and research, she wants to actively support the digital transformation in the construction industry. The focus here is on new planning and construction processes, innovative forms of organisation and digital tools that increase efficiency, sustainability and quality in the construction process.
Her cross-institutional role within the university also enables her to contribute to the further development of the departments and university development at a strategic level.
Handover with perspective
Prof. Dainton succeeds Prof. Manfred Huber, who has built up and shaped the Institute of Digital Construction with great commitment over eight years. From August 2025, Prof Huber will take on a new management role as Director of the Department of Engineering & Architecture at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
The transition marks a new phase for the institute, which is positioning itself as a regional, national and international driving force for digital transformation in the construction industry.