Heather Douglas - Next Generation Rail Award

Heather Douglas from the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education at the University of Birmingham won Best Academic Research Presentation at the Next Generation Rail Conference 2015 last week (Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 July 2015).

The Next Generation Rail Conference, organised by Rail Research UK Association (RRUKA) in collaboration with Young Railway Professionals (YRP) and Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) Future Railway Programme, brings together aspiring rail leaders and educators in order to foster collaboration and innovative thinking.

Heather Douglas’ research, which looks at developing a method to reduce traction energy use in rail networks, was recognised in the esteemed Best Academic Research category.

Keynote speakers included:

  • Kathrin Obst, Director of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFI)
  • Neil Robertson, CEO, National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering

Heather Douglas, said:

Next Generation Rail really was an easy event to engage with. The diversity of the presentations, people and the programme means there is something to inspire everyone. Regardless of whether you’re a student, researcher or working in rail, I would say - go and take part! The competitions are a great platform to share your work and knowledge – and you never know, you might even win! Thank you to the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education for encouraging me to take part and supporting my work.