University of Huddersfield and DB Cargo UK announce new research and innovation collaboration

This collaboration will allow the University of Huddersfield and DB Cargo UK to advance the industrial application of fundamental research and innovation, through the utilisation of the University’s R&D capabilities in rail.

The first stage of this collaboration will see the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) join with DB Cargo UK to deliver a pipeline of innovation for the rail freight industry, supported by the IRR’s latest project, the ERDF LCR Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility (SRSMRF). The collaboration will focus on research to improve the efficiency of freight wagon and locomotive maintenance by working with the SRSMRF’s Research Fellows and a range of industry partners across the rail supply chain.

The collaboration was established by the University of Huddersfield’s Professor Paul Allen and DB Cargo UK’s Chief Transformation and Digitalisation Officer, Marie Hill.

Professor Allen says: “DB Cargo UK has made an enormous investment in the future of the UK’s freight railways and we are delighted to be collaborating with it in bringing the world-class expertise of IRR to support this mission.”

Professor Gareth Tucker, SRSMRF Principal Investigator, says: "We are looking forward to working with DB Cargo to identify methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wagon and locomotive maintenance using our facilities and expertise in robotics and automation, remote condition monitoring and operations management".

Marie Hill says: “We are proud to be deepening our relationship with the University of Huddersfield, which since the launch of UKRRIN (UK Rail Research Innovation Network) has gone from strength to strength”

Professor Allen says: “This collaboration is the beginning of a long-term alliance with DB Cargo UK, strengthening the connections between academia and industry and producing products and services that will be of real benefit to the industry as a whole.”

ENDS

For further information contact DB Cargo UK’s Head of Communications Richard Sears on 07716 691193 or by emailing him at Richard.sears@deutschebahn.com

Alternatively, you can contact Richard Carr, Industry & SME Engagement Manager at the University of Huddersfield on 07849 896270 or by emailing him at r.carr@hud.ac.uk