International rail leader Ms Luisa Moisio is bringing her knowledge of rail research and innovation to Melbourne tonight, where she will share lessons from two decades of UK rail research collaborations.
Hosted by the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT), the 13th Stephen Marich Annual Lecture will see Mrs Moisio, Director of Research at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) UK, reflect on how strategic frameworks, such as the Rail Technical Strategy, align stakeholders and accelerate the development and deployment of new solutions.
Her lecture, Strategic Intent and Deep Collaborations to Drive Innovation in Rail, will explore how system-wide thinking, clear strategic direction, and long-term partnerships drive innovation, enhance safety, and deliver tangible improvements across complex rail networks. Mrs Moisio has played a key role in the establishment of the UK Rail Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN), which is a powerful collaboration between academia and industry aiming to provide a step-change in innovation across the sector.
Drawing on the UK’s rail research and innovation landscape, Ms Moisio will share insights that, while tailored to a different regulatory and operational environment, are highly relevant to strengthening Australia’s rail networks and long-term sustainability.
Inspired by the UK’s coordinated approach to academic and industry collaboration, Monash IRT helped to establish the Australian model, the Australian Rail Research Innovation Network (AusRRIN), in 2023 to align research with industry priorities, accelerate innovation uptake, and strengthen the national rail manufacturing sector, in collaboration with four other universities and key industry and regulatory partners.
Director of Monash IRT Professor Ravi Ravitharan said the importance of national collaboration in railway research and innovation was significant.
“Targeted research and innovation have already transformed Australia into a global benchmark for heavy haul railways. AusRRIN builds on this expertise by creating a coordinated national framework, inspired by the UK model, UKRRIN to align research with industry priorities,” Professor Ravitharan said.
“Advanced technologies will continue to improve efficiency, safety, resilience and sustainability, while railways will play a critical role in supporting Australia’s ambitions to achieve net zero emission targets by 2050. This collaborative approach ensures that innovation is not only developed but applied effectively across the network, benefiting industry, passengers and freight alike.”
Dean of the Monash Faculty of Engineering, Professor Yiannis Ventikos, highlighted Monash IRT’s long history, delivering excellence in research and innovation to the rail industry in Australia and around the world.
“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. That legacy reflects our deep partnerships with industry and our commitment to solving the world’s biggest challenges,” Professor Ventikos said.
“The UK experience, particularly in advancing collaborative rail research and national coordination, will be extremely valuable as Australia continues to develop AusRRIN. There is much we can learn from mature international models as we shape a system that meets Australia’s unique needs.”
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026 | 6.00pm – 9.30pm
Location: The Leaper Family Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road
Event enquiries: Connie Varamo | +61 3 9905 1880 | [email protected]
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