A global view on rail’s future

International collaboration and long-term research partnerships were the focus of the 13th Stephen Marich Annual Lecture in Railway Engineering, hosted in Melbourne by the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT).

The annual lecture honours the 40-year contribution of Stephen Marich to the rail industry and served as a forum for leading experts to share deep technical insights in railway engineering.

The 2026 lecture, “Strategic Intent and Deep Collaborations to Drive Innovation in Rail,” was delivered by Luisa Moisio, Director of Research at the RSSB - Rail Standards and Safety Board - United Kingdom.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience leading collaborative rail research, Ms Moisio discussed how coordinated partnerships between industry, academia and the supply chain had accelerated innovation and delivered tangible improvements in railway engineering and operations.

Professor Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of the Monash Institute of Railway Technology, said coordinated research efforts are key to advancing Australia’s rail manufacturing capability. “Targeted research and innovation have already transformed Australia into a global benchmark for heavy haul railways,” he said, noting that initiatives such as the Australian Rail Research Innovation Network are helping align research with industry priorities.

Dean of Engineering at Monash University, Professor Yiannis Ventikos, highlighted the importance of international partnerships and industry-aligned research in addressing complex rail challenges and strengthening innovation across the sector.

Read the full story in Australian Manufacturing here.