Monash University Institute of Railway Technology wins Australia China Council Grant
Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) has been awarded the 2017-18 Australia China Council Grant to promote safer passenger railway operations using cutting edge asset health condition monitoring technologies.
In collaboration with Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation, IRT will deliver workshops on Safer Railways Using Innovative In-service Monitoring Technologies for Passenger Networks in Australia and China including Hong Kong.
Monash’s Institute of Railway Technology is regarded as the leading track and vehicle research centre in Australia developing technological innovation to the rail sector globally.
As the major shareholder of Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), Sydney’s Metro North West (SMNW), and several major railways in mainland China, the Hong Kong MTR Corporation has a leading reputation for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency.
The ACC grant presents an opportunity to profile research excellence from Australia and operational expertise from Hong Kong, through planned activities to heighten awareness on the new technologies that are available to support the emerging requirements of modern railway systems.
The MTR and IRT will work together to deliver workshops in the implementation of new technologies to overcome the challenges of modern railways operating reactively, spending valuable resources and interrupting services, which will result in greater safety and more efficient rail operations.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Enterprise) Ken Sloan said this latest Monash collaboration was a true example of industry partnerships and innovation. "Our Institute of Railway Technology is leading the world in global collaboration and industry engagement to deliver practical and tangible outcomes for the transport sector and all who rely on it. This new funding provides valuable and strategic financial support to enable the benefits of IRT research to be effectively implemented," Mr Sloan said.
The Director of the Institute of Railway Technology, Mr Ravi Ravitharan said, “I am extremely pleased to receive this grant. Our long-standing partnership with the HK MTR Corporation, spanning over three decades, is further strengthened by this announcement. This grant will assist to expand and create new networks bringing together counterparts in governments, the railway industry and other institutions that are delivering and maintaining major rail infrastructure in both countries.”
"Safer Railways Using Innovative In-service Monitoring Technologies for Passenger Networks" is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-China Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade".