RRUK-A is funded by RSSB and Network Rail The Rail Research UK Association Presentation to the RIA Technology and Innovation Conference 29 th March 2012 Simon Iwnicki and Guy Woodroffe A partnership between Britain’s rail industry and UK universities

Agenda Introduction to RRUK-ASimon Iwnicki – Background – Aims – Initial activities Case Studies – University of SheffieldRoger Lewis – University of BirminghamEdward Stewart Funding mechanismsGuy Woodroffe Managed networking session Conclusions Lunch

Background Pre privatisation – BR Research world leading Pockets of excellence in a few Universities RRUK formed EPSRC funding – consortium of 7 Universities 3 Themes, 12 funded projects, Industrial advisory group RRUK2, further projects 2 new partners 2010 RRUK-A founded Core activities funded by RSSB and Network Rail Now 31 University members

Aims of RRUK-A The Association is a partnership between the GB rail industry and Britain’s Universities The aim of the Association isto be an effective bridge between industry and universities leading to:  the support and facilitation of railway research in academia  the common understanding of research needs to support the rail industry and its future development  the identification of research, development and application opportunities in railway science and engineering  dissemination of research findings to appropriate industry stakeholders.

RRUK-A – a partnership Industry Universities

RRUK-A – a partnership Industry Universities Risks of poor collaboration: For IndustryFor Universities Loss of potential expertise(and solutions)Dangers of working in isolation Missed opportunitiesLoss of funding

Benefits for Industry – Making the most of research funding A study undertaken for TSB [1] found that projects involving industry and two or more academic partners gave an average return of £9.67 per £1 of government funding compared with £4.22 for projects with no academic partners. [1] Public and corporate economic consultants TSB 29/09/11

RRUK-A is funded by RSSB and Network Rail RRUK-A Key activities RRUK-A Key activities Pure Research Applied Research (25 years) (5 years) New ways of thinking Problem solving Development of tools Next generation technology Improved methods Specified by academia Specified by industry Supported by industry Funded by industry Funded by research funders

Types of RRUK-A Event “Blue skies” events – University-led, sharing an understanding of the issues, opportunities and state of knowledge on particular subjects Problem-Solving Events – Industry-led, seeking solutions to known problems in the railway domain Networking Events – Bringing industry and academics together for facilitated exploratory discussion

RRUK-A Industry-Academia Workshop on the 24/7 Railway Aim: to find creative solutions to the problems of running a “24/7” railway. A one-day industry-academia workshop was held at the University of Nottingham. Briefing session from Network Rail, academic participants included many new to railway research. £100k awarded to fund several feasibility-sized projects.

RRUK-A Industry-Academia Workshop on the half cost train ATOC led event Workshop will try to unpick the myriad of factors that currently influence train design – from procurement practice, regulatory requirements, European directives, railway structure and train weight, to passenger expectations, obsolescence, introducing innovation and whole life costs. Objective is to identify and characterise these multiple design parameters and the interdependencies between them and determine the potential for a supplier-led approach to design and development, to ultimately deliver a 50% reduction in whole life rolling stock system cost.

RRUK-A Annual Bridging Conference An annual meeting to be held in November in London Keynote academic presentations Shorter tasters of work in progress from early career researchers (PhD / Post Doctoral) and more established researchers Inspirational guest speakers Evening reception

● Manchester Metropolitan University ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● City University Heriot-Watt University Imperial College Loughborough University Cranfield University Queen Mary University of London Transport Research Laboratory University College London University of Birmingham University of Essex University of Huddersfield University of Leeds University of Liverpool University of Kent University of Hull Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Salford University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of the West of England Academic members

Capability statement:

RRUK-A is funded by RSSB and Network Rail Rail Research UK Association Case Study 1 Driving Innovation in Track Components and Friction Management Dr Roger Lewis, University of Sheffield A partnership between Britain’s rail industry and UK universities

RRUK-A is funded by RSSB and Network Rail Rail Research UK Association Case study 2 Third rail event detection Edward Stewart, University of Birmingham A partnership between Britain’s rail industry and UK universities

TOPICROOMUNIVERSITY STAFF RSSB STAFF INFRASTRUCTURECountesthorpeRoger Lewis Philip Beaty Guy Woodroffe ROLLING STOCKKibworthDavid Fletcher Simon Iwnicki Martin Brennan OPERATIONSEnderbyTom Zunder TX Mei Andy Shaw Jesse Baker TECHNICAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND INTERACTION AshbyCrinela Pislaru Andrew Huddart Alexeis Garcia- Perez Andrew Broadbent HUMAN FACTORSQuornGenaro SicaNailah Fraser- Haynes POLICY AND DECISION MAKING Main Conference Hall Roger BromleyAnson Jack RRUK-A ‘break out session’ Academic-Industry Collaboration

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