Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials (CISM)

Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials

pictures-1440x450_bridge-1.jpg

The Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials (CISM) is led by Yi Min ‘Mike’ Xie who is a Distinguished Professor of RMIT University and an internationally renowned expert in computational design of structures.

Members of the CISM have conducted pioneering work on the theoretical development and practical application of various structural optimisation techniques. These techniques have been used by thousands of engineers and architects around the world to design innovative buildings and bridges, and to create novel microstructures of materials and composites.

CISM researchers have been awarded a large number of major grants by the Australian Research Council, including the prestigious Laureate Fellowship, the Future Fellowship and several Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards (DECRA). Financial support to the research team has also been provided by various companies such as Arup, Boeing and Aurecon.

Research at the CISM focuses on several core areas, including: 

  • Shape and topology optimisation of structures for a wide range of applications
  • Novel structural designs for free-form architecture
  • Additive manufacturing and robotic fabrication of complex shaped structures
  • Design of metamaterials and composites for exceptional mechanical properties

Ameba Chair

Mike Xie & Albert Li

carousel-cism-Ameba-Chair-Mike-Xie-Albert-Li.jpg

Tree Pavillion

Nic Bao & Xin Yan

carousel-cism-Tree-Pavilion-Nic-Bao-Xin-Yan.jpg

SmartNode

Mike Xie & Nick Williams

carousel-cism-SmartNode-Mike-Xie-Mark-Burry.jpg

BESO Bridge

Mike Xie & Nic Bao

carousel-cism-BESO-Bridge-Mike-Xie-Nic-Bao.jpg

BESO Drone

Mike Xie & Jiaming Ma

carousel-cism-Ameba-Chair-Mike-Xie-Albert-Li.jpg

Ameba Chair

Mike Xie & Albert Li

carousel-cism-Tree-Pavilion-Nic-Bao-Xin-Yan.jpg

Tree Pavillion

Nic Bao & Xin Yan

carousel-cism-SmartNode-Mike-Xie-Mark-Burry.jpg

SmartNode

Mike Xie & Nick Williams

carousel-cism-BESO-Bridge-Mike-Xie-Nic-Bao.jpg

BESO Bridge

Mike Xie & Nic Bao

BESO Drone

Mike Xie & Jiaming Ma

News

Contact us

Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials

Key Contact:  Distinguished Professor Mike Xie – Director

Address:  Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials

RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora  VIC  3083, Australia

Location:  Bundoora East Campus, Building 251, Level 2

Email:  mike.xie@rmit.edu.au

Discover more

Icons and graphs with a lightbulb.

Centres and collaborations

Our researchers connect, create and share expertise and resources in our Research Centres and collaborations.

Digital pattern scribbles.

Research

Together with our partners we develop and apply knowledge to shape a better world.

Test tubes with green inside.

Research partnerships

RMIT’s researchers are committed to supporting our partners to create and capture value through tailored approaches for small business through to research programs in consortiums.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information