Industry and academia combine to keep UK at the cutting edge
The UK is a thriving hub of rail innovation, and this is due in no small part to the strength of our higher education institutions. Universities across the country are playing a vital role in accelerating advancements in technology that hold transformative potential for our railway services.
For this very reason, the support that academic institutions receive is intrinsically linked to the future of the rail sector. It is why initiatives such as the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), which provides the financial backing for major new university research facilities, are crucial.
But innovation and research from academics alone cannot ensure the UK maintains its leading edge. To deliver a truly world-class digital railway in the UK, there needs to be collaboration between industry and academia. And this is where organisations such as Siemens can play a critical role.
Earlier this year, the UK Railway Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) was launched - a ground-breaking partnership between Siemens, the rail industry and eight universities to deliver four worldclass Centres of Excellence covering rolling stock, infrastructure, digital systems and testing.
This would not have been possible without the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, which provided £28.1 million worth of funding to support the initiative.
Funding from RPIF and the rail sector is supporting the centres of excellence in the form of PHD studentships, training and continuous professional development and membership fees, as well as access to facilities, equipment and staff time to support collaborative project activity.
It will allow rail companies and academia to collaborate and share knowledge in unprecedented ways, with both parties reaping huge benefits. Universities will benefit from having industry professionals on their campuses, working with researchers and giving students access to facilities that inspire and help develop the next generation of railway expertise. At the same time, rail companies gain access to world-class research, development and talent, while driving investment in key UK technology areas.
The UK already has a successful, innovative supply chain, but through UKRRIN the possibilities are even greater. It will help to ensure that developments being made through academic research can be commercialised to deliver a better, more reliable and efficient railway.
As the Government invites businesses to submit their proposals for private investment in rail, UKRRIN is a reminder of the commitment to collaborate that is already being shown.
This investment - of money, resources and effort - into the UK’s research base will hopefully go from strength to strength, creating a flourishing network of innovation that our country can be proud of.
Jo Binstead chairs the UKRRIN Steering Group.