Siemens and the future of railway innovation
Future Cities Forum is looking at the key topic of transport infrastructure and new technology in its 'Healthy Cities' event at Siemens' Crystal Building, Royal Victoria Docks, London on 9th October 2017.
Siemens has announced that it is now working with UK universities and industry in a £92 million project on railway innovation and research.
The UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) - has been awarded £28.1 million of funding by the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (RPIF), following a successful bid led by the University of Birmingham.
Siemens – together with 16 other rail industry businesses - will contribute a further £64 million.
The three linked world-class centres of excellence will form the research heart of UKRRIN, focusing on:
Digital Systems, located at the University of Birmingham;
Rolling Stock, led by the University of Huddersfield in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and Loughborough University;
Infrastructure, led by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and Heriot Watt University.
The centres of excellence will bring together the UK rail supply industry and academia to undertake world-leading research and innovation in rail, supporting the UK’s ambition to be a leading player in the global rail market.
Gordon Wakeford, Divisional Managing Director for Siemens Mobility UK and Industry Chair of the Rail Supply Group, says:
“This investment brings together a range of British universities renowned for their expertise in railway research, backed by leading partners across the rail industry. UKRRIN will, undoubtedly, create important strategic partnerships and support future high speed rail programmes in the UK and around the world.”