About Dr. Karol S. Sikora
Dr. Karol S. Sikora is the CEO and co-founder of Neacemka, a Cambodia-based group focused on integrated real estate, construction development, and estate management solutions supported by research-led innovation and long-term value creation.
He is also an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. His work focuses on sustainable construction materials and engineered timber systems, with particular emphasis on cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam, and nature-based composite solutions for durable, low-carbon construction.
Dr. Sikora bridges research and implementation, combining laboratory testing, structural modelling, durability assessment, and product development to translate evidence-based research into deployable construction outcomes. Across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, he has supported industry and public-sector stakeholders through consultancy, expert involvement in real-world projects, and the development of regional supply chain pathways for mass-timber adoption.
He has contributed to the advancement of mass-timber capability-building across multiple countries, including work supporting the development of CLT knowledge and pathways in Ireland. He has authored over 100 scientific publications and held international leadership roles within COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), contributing to cross-border research coordination in timber engineering and wood-based materials.
Current Research
Dr. Sikora currently leads the Hy-PALM (Hybrid Palm Timber for Advanced Modular Buildings) research initiative, a landmark project developed in partnership with the Dubai Municipality and Dubai authorities. This first-of-its-kind programme is engineering a new class of hybrid cross-laminated timber panels that combine high-performance South-East Asian hardwood with a circular-economy palm core sourced from UAE agricultural residues.
The initiative integrates AI-driven manufacturing optimisation, full-scale structural certification to EN 16351 and Eurocode 5 standards, and comprehensive life-cycle assessment—positioning Dubai as the global benchmark for next-generation timber technologies. The project establishes a complete industrialisation pathway: from ASEAN–UAE hybrid supply chains to SME-scale factory deployment, creating a replicable model for sustainable construction across the GCC and beyond.
Recognition and Fellowships
In recognition of his impact, Dr. Sikora received the Research & Innovation Award 2023 from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for a highly competitive sustainable construction research project.
He is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He is also the originator of the Sustainability Leadership Academy at the Institute of European Thought.