The UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) is pleased to announce an expansion of network capabilities and expertise as University of Surrey is welcomed as a new academic member.
Joining as partners of the Digital Systems and Infrastructure Centres, University of Surrey will bring in expertise from the Schools of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. The University has an impressive track record in these areas, with long-lasting relationships with key rail research funders RSSB and Network Rail. The Centre for Infrastructure Systems Engineering (CISE at the University is also internationally recognised for its leading research contributions in data-driven structure integrity management.
Dr Donya Hajalizadeh, Senior Lecturer in Bridge/Structural Engineering and Director of Employability said:
We are delighted to join the UKRRIN network and bring our expertise in data-driven & physics-based structural integrity management, secure people-centred & machine learning-based service planning and communication systems. Joining as partners of the Digital Systems Centre (CEDS) and the Infrastructure Centre (CEI), we look forward to collaborating with UKRRIN members to enhance the efficiency, safety, inclusivity, and sustainability of railway systems through innovations in 6G sensing and communications, transforming infrastructure inspection and extending its capability and service life.
Paul Plummer, Professor in Rail Strategy, Director of BCRRE and Lead for UKRRIN said:
More universities joining UKRRIN demonstrates the strength of rail research in this country. It also demonstrates the value of collaboration between these universities and with our academic partners. So I was pleased to hear more about Surrey’s research and now to welcome them to UKRRIN. It was good that they were able to join with other members at our recent partnership workshop which was in Birmingham and I’m looking forward to future events which will move around the country hosted by other academic members.
William Powrie, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Southampton, and Infrastructure lead for UKRRIN said:
I am very pleased to welcome colleagues at the University of Surrey. They will add to the research power of the Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure, supporting world-leading innovation in the UK rail industry as it faces new challenges to improve performance and value, and robustness in the face of climate change.