Professionals in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to come together to conduct funded research which aims to help shape the future of transport as part of a new initiative launched by the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund.
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A Future Transport Visions Group is being established to explore emerging challenges facing the industry, not least the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will look to develop innovative solutions and set visions for the future.
Young professionals from across all parts of the sector are now invited to express an interest in taking part in the initiative, which includes the opportunity to win prizes for the best projects. The group is coordinated by former CIHT Young Professionals Network chair Ed Downer of Mott MacDonald.
“Trying to make sense of the future of transport is something we often think is limited to academics and more senior professionals,” he said. “However, I know there is a tremendous energy and enthusiasm among younger transportation professionals for taking on these formidable challenges and putting new ideas out into the world.”
Following expressions of interest, a series of informal online forums are set to take place this autumn to allow participants to collaborate on ideas for research projects, with groups then able to apply for funding through the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund.
Successfully funded projects will be showcased next spring / summer, with a prize to be awarded for the best project.
Ed explained that the new group is inspired by a Transport Visions Network which saw a collective of transport academics and professionals publish a series of papers exploring future themes in the sector in the early 2000s.
He hopes the latest initiative will give young professionals a chance to have their voices heard and exchange ideas to address key challenges and opportunities that will shape the next decade in transportation.
“The idea is to bring together a diverse group of people from different specialisms to tackle some of the challenges we face,” he said. “It is an opportunity to work alongside people you wouldn’t often encounter in your day to day work, make yourself heard and get your ideas on the radar.”
To find out more about the Future Transport Visions Group and to express and interest in participating, visit ftvg.co.uk
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