Murray & Roberts is pleased to announce that the 2005 winner of the JD Roberts Award is Dr Sharon Biermann. This award recognizes Dr Biermann’s research contribution into public sector infrastructure investment and development spending, focused on integrated land use, infrastructure planning, land suitability assessment, development prioritization and spatial infrastructure economics.

Sharon Biermann is a geographer and leading expert in sustainable urban development. She has a PhD in Geography and has made a significant contribution to creating a better understanding of the challenges of low-cost and affordable housing in a rapidly urbanizing South African environment. She has won many awards for her work and was a finalist in the 2004 Woman of the Year award.

The annual JD Roberts Award is sponsored by Murray & Roberts and is held in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The award was instituted by Murray & Roberts in the late 1970’s in remembrance of one of the Group’s founding fathers, Dr J D “Douglas” Roberts. It recognizes and promotes competitive and environmentally sustainable solutions to human dilemmas and encourages scientific research into technology that will enhance the quality of life of all South Africans.

Douglas Roberts was a doyen of the construction industry in South Africa, well known for his entrepreneurial flair and passion for seeking and trying new techniques and ways of doing things. It is in this spirit that the JD Roberts Award takes place annually, recognizing talent and research within the CSIR.

Murray & Roberts and CSIR congratulates Dr Sharon Biermann.

For further information contact:
Ms Gwendolene Lilleike
Office of the Group Chief Executive
Murray & Roberts
Tel: +27 11 456 6200
Fax: +27 11 455 3524
e-mail: clientservice@murrob.com