The Romans were already using cement-like binding agents for their constructions called Opus Caementitium. Only at the start of the industrial age was this technology again seized upon and further developed by industry from the middle of the 19th century through systematic research. This was the time of the establishment of the first cement works in Germany (Bleibtreu, Dyckerhoff, Spohn, Schwenk) and the Verein Deutscher Zementwerke, which made a decisive contribution to this research and development.

The hard competition forces cement manufacturers of today to manage costs strictly, even to cut them in vital research and development expenses. Public research funds dry out due to the difficult situation of public finances.

Private initiative has to stand in and to compensate for these shortages. The Dyckerhoff-Stiftung in the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft has made a substantial contribution to promoting young scientists and awarding extraordinary achievements in the field of cement-based building sciences and technologies since 1994.

Building today and in the future is measured by how it contributes to sustainable development in terms of social, economic and ecological goals. A liveable home and workplace in an intact environment require economic and ecological efficency through intelligent use of the available material and energy resources.

Against this background, existing and yet to be researched manufacturing and usage technologies for cement-based construction (manufacturing of construction materials as well as structural design, construction, usage and elimination) must be constantly evaluated and encouraged with and by creative impulses.