International rail research leader Luisa Moisio has shared insights on innovation, collaboration and the role of research in strengthening manufacturing and technological capability in the rail sector during a lecture in Melbourne hosted by Monash University.
Moisio, Director of Research at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) in the United Kingdom, is in Melbourne to speak about lessons from two decades of UK rail research collaborations and their relevance to Australia’s rail manufacturing and innovation landscape.
Delivering the 13th Stephen Marich Annual Lecture, hosted by the Monash Institute of Railway Technology, Moisio discussed how strategic frameworks such as the UK Rail Technical Strategy help align stakeholders and support the development and deployment of new rail solutions.
Her lecture, titled Strategic Intent and Deep Collaborations to Drive Innovation in Rail, examined how system-wide planning, long-term partnerships and coordinated research efforts can support innovation, safety improvements and operational performance across complex rail networks.
Moisio also reflected on the establishment of the UK Rail Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN), a collaboration between academia and industry designed to accelerate research translation and innovation adoption across the UK rail sector.
Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of Monash IRT, said national collaboration was central to advancing rail manufacturing capability and technological development.
“Targeted research and innovation have already transformed Australia into a global benchmark for heavy haul railways,” Professor Ravitharan said.
“AusRRIN builds on this expertise by creating a coordinated national framework, inspired by the UK model, to align research with industry priorities.”
He added that advanced technologies would continue to play an important role in improving efficiency, safety, resilience and sustainability across rail systems.
“Railways will remain critical in supporting Australia’s ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Collaborative research ensures innovation is not only developed but also deployed effectively across the network, benefiting industry, passengers and freight.”
The Australian model, the Australian Rail Research Innovation Network (AusRRIN), was established in 2023 by Monash IRT together with four other universities and industry and regulatory partners to better coordinate research activities and support long-term sector priorities.
Dean of the Monash Faculty of Engineering, Professor Yiannis Ventikos, said the institute’s research history reflects its contribution to the global rail sector.
“For more than five decades, Monash Institute of Railway Technology has delivered research excellence and industry-focused innovation that has helped shape the rail sector in Australia and internationally,” Professor Ventikos said.
“That legacy is built on strong industry partnerships and a commitment to addressing complex challenges facing modern transport and manufacturing systems.”
He said international experience, particularly the UK’s collaborative research model, could offer useful guidance as Australia continues developing its own coordinated framework.
“The UK experience in advancing national coordination in rail research will be valuable as Australia continues to refine AusRRIN. There are important lessons from mature systems as we shape approaches suited to Australia’s unique operational environment.”
The lecture was held at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 6.00pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday. Event enquiries can be directed to Monash University contact Connie Varamo via phone or email.
