2026 Global Industry Awards

The IRSE held its inaugural Global Industry Awards Dinner on 7 May 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in London to celebrate the ingenuity, collaboration and professionalism that underpin safe and efficient railways worldwide.

Over 250 people attended the event, which was generously sponsored by Deploy Recruitment Group and Signet Solutions Limited, and hosted by IRSE president, Professor Rod Muttram FIRSE. The outgoing IRSE chief executive Blane Judd compered the evening, and received a surprise award of his own – that of an honorary fellowship – presented by past president Bogdan Godziejewski FIRSE and current president Rod Muttram, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Institution.

The keynote address was given by Andrew McNaugton, chairman at Network Rail (High Speed) Ltd, who delivered an insightful, thought-provoking speech.

We had 36 high-quality award entries received from 18 countries, giving the judges a challenging task.

The 2026 panel of judges:

• Professor Rod Muttram FIRSE

• Bogdan Godziejewski FIRSE

• Jane Power FIRSE

• Peter Gracey FIRSE

• Steve Allday FIRSE

• Gordon Lam FIRSE

• Athanacious Sebolla Makgamatha FIRSE

• Rajendra Jadhav

2026 Award Winners

Project of the Year (Mainline/Light Rail/Metro)

This category recognised outstanding projects that are ongoing or have been successfully delivered and provided demonstrable benefits before 1 March 2026.

Shortlist

• Infrabel: Masterplan ETCS (Belgium)

• AtkinsRealis: North Downs Line (NDL) Level Crossing Upgrade Programme (UK)

• Rail Network Alliance: Metro Tunnel Project (Australia)

• Siemens Mobility Switzerland: Simis W Geneva Programme (Switzerland)

• Transport for London: Bakerloo Line Upgrade Project (UK)

Infrabel’s ETCS Master Plan delivered full European Train Control System coverage across Belgium’s 6,399km main line network, completing national deployment in December 2025. The programme combined multiple ETCS levels with large‑scale digital interlocking renewal and centralised control integration. Managed end-to-end in-house, the project enhances safety, interoperability and operational resilience while significantly reducing SPAD risk. It establishes Belgium as a European leader in digitally enabled, network-wide signalling transformation.

Winner: Infrabel

Innovation of the Year (Equipment, Software or System)

This category recognised innovations in products, software, or systems relating to train control and/or management, communications, or worker/public safety. Eligible innovations may already have been deployed on projects or must be demonstrably capable of doing so in a way that improves overall project outcomes.

Shortlist

• MTR Corporation: AI-powered train operations monitoring signalling system (Hong Kong SAR China)

• Traffic Control Technology Co. Ltd. Beijing Jiaotong University; Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. Ltd: Virtual coupling technology and its application in urban rail transit (China)

• Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and MTR Corporation Limited): Urban lines re-signalling in Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR China)

• Daido Signal Co Ltd: Level crossing obstacle detection system development project (Japan)

• Amey: Tessera (UK)

• Unipart: Unipart Mk3 Colour Light Signal (UK)

Winner: Traffic Control Technology Co. Ltd. Beijing Jiaotong University ;Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co. Ltd

The winning virtual coupling solution enables trains to operate as virtually coupled sets without physical couplers, improving capacity and operational flexibility. Through cooperative braking control mechanism, hierarchical coordination operation and intelligent dispatching algorithms, the system significantly reduces tracking distance while enhancing stability.

On-site testing demonstrates dynamic formation changing flexibility, improved vehicle utilisation and increased passenger satisfaction. The project advances next-generation signalling concepts and meets potential requirements for urban rail transit systems.

This category recognised outstanding employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their workforce within Railway Signalling, Telecommunications, Train Control and Traffic Management, including organisations working with heritage systems. The award celebrates employers who create environments where engineers thrive through professional development, innovation support, and inclusive workplace cultures that drive both individual growth and organisational excellence.

Employer Excellence Award

Shortlist

• VIDA Rail: Rail Signal Engineer Cadetship Program (Australia)

• AtkinsRealis: Employer Excellence (UK)

• Irish Rail: Graduate and Apprentice Development (Ireland)

• Tilt Consulting: Employer Excellence (UK)

• Unipart: Employer Excellence (UK)

Winner: Tilt Consulting

Tilt Consulting demonstrates how a specialist railway signalling. and systems consultancy can combine technical excellence with structured talent development. Operating internationally across Control, Command and Signalling, modelling and safety assurance, Tilt supports engineers to develop expertise in emerging domains, including operational technology cyber security. It actively contributes to international forums and delivers STEM outreach programmes to widen participation. The organisation links professional growth, innovation and social responsibility within a globally active consultancy model.