University of Southampton

The UK’s rail system has a vital role to play in meeting the government’s sustainability commitments, as well as being a catalyst for economic and cultural productivity.

University of Southampton engineers have been leading research over the past two decades to improve the resilience and cost-effectiveness of this rail system, which has resulted in a more sustainable infrastructure, scalable to future population growth. This work has influenced engineering practice globally and is built on strong links with industry and a culture for interdisciplinarity, innovative thinking and collaborative working.   

The University was a founding member and joint lead of Rail Research UK in 2003 and one of the first universities in the UK to establish a major railway research group. Having built strong relationships with the largest UK rail infrastructure owner, Network Rail, today its engineers take a leading role in rail research in the UK and beyond, collaborating with other institutions and industry to accelerate advances.  

Southampton’s distinctive approach of applying rigorous scientific theory, interdisciplinary methods and advanced analysis to solve practical real-world problems has led to new industry design guidelines and standards that have influenced engineering practice globally.

This work also benefits Southampton students, giving them access to specialist facilities and opportunities for placements, sponsorship and post-graduation employment. Through outreach activities, the research team contributes to widening participation of under-represented groups in railway engineering. And, by exchanging knowledge with industry, this work enhances the skills of senior managers working in rail.  

The research has delivered huge cost savings, notably contributing to the UK government’s decision to restart the suspended Great Western railway electrification scheme, leading to savings to industry worth around £600m over three years and ultimately worth billions to the UK economy.