Be recognised for your expertise in signalling, telecommunications and train control
What is the entry process?
You may submit an entry for more than one category. There is no charge for entering the IRSE Global Awards.
Entries Close on 23 January 2026.
Detailed instructions for entering the IRSE Global Industry Awards:
Download the entry form and email a completed entry form, alongside up to 4 supporting documents, to events@irse.org
Note that your 200-word summary will be published online if shortlisted.
Word count must not exceed 1000.
4 supporting documents can be submitted which must not exceed 5MB file size and max 4 pages each.
Be specific about your results and evidence them.
Please clearly mark up any sensitive information that you do not wish to be mentioned in promotional material about your entry, should it be shortlisted.
Shortlist
Shortlisted companies will be invited to present their entries to the judges. Shortlisted entrants will be required to present via Microsoft Teams. Each will have 15 minutes for their presentation and a Q&A.
Dates: 17, 19, 25 and 26 February 2026.
If your entry is shortlisted
Your company should be prepared to attend the awards ceremony on the evening of 7th May 2026, in person.
We welcome global submissions and appreciate that attendance may not be possible for all shortlisted companies based outside of the UK and will make reasonable arrangements for video acceptance in those circumstances.
The shortlist will be publicly announced on 4th March 2026.
Whether you have implemented ground-breaking train control systems on mainline infrastructure, deployed innovative telecommunications solutions in complex metro environments, developed next generation signalling technologies that enhance asset performance, or demonstrated exceptional collaboration in delivering critical railway signalling projects, the IRSE Global Industry Awards provide the perfect platform to gain recognition.
Award categories
Award categories
Project of the Year (Mainline)*
This category recognises outstanding projects that are ongoing or have been successfully delivered and provided demonstrable benefits before 1 March 2026.
Projects may be of any size, but must show successful performance in one or more of the following areas:
Efficiency – reductions in time and/or cost.
Safety – enhanced operational or workforce safety.
Customer experience – improvements to service reliability, quality, or satisfaction.
Entries that showcase the application of digital technologies – including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), or other innovative techniques – are particularly encouraged.
While the technology and methods employed should reflect IRSE’s core competencies in Command, Control, Signalling and Communications, the outcomes and benefits may be demonstrated in any area of the railway system.
Project of the Year (Metro and Light Rail)
This category recognises outstanding Metro and Light Rail projects that are ongoing or have been successfully delivered and provided demonstrable benefits before 1 March 2026.
Projects may be of any size, but must show successful performance in one or more of the following areas:
Efficiency – reductions in time and/or cost.
Safety – enhanced operational or workforce safety.
Customer experience – improved service reliability, quality, or satisfaction.
It is recognised that Metro and Light Rail projects face distinct challenges compared with mainline rail, particularly in brownfield environments where works must be delivered without causing major disruption to passengers. Diversionary routes/and or alternative transport are often limited or unavailable in dense cities. Demonstrable benefits in avoiding or mitigating disruption will be given appropriate weighting.
Entries that showcase the application of digital technologies – including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), or other innovative techniques – are particularly encouraged.
While the technologies and techniques applied should reflect IRSE’s core competencies in Railway Signalling, Telecommunications, Train Control and Traffic Management, the outcomes and benefits may be demonstrated in any area of the system.
Innovation of the Year (Equipment, Software or System)
This category recognises 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.
Research projects are also welcome in this category, provided that their potential benefits have been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt.
The judges will be looking for innovation teams that have:
Clearly defined the outcomes sought, and shown how the innovation improves efficiency, safety, and/or end-user experience.
Undertaken trials and approvals, with evidence of active development and validation.
Provided clear evidence of impact, demonstrating measurable improvements for internal and/or external customers.
Shown how the initiative is cutting-edge, leading the field in its application area.
Developed innovations that extend the life or improve the performance of existing assets.
This category recognises 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.
The judges will be looking for demonstrable good performance in one or more of the following areas:
Professional Development & Growth
Training & Upskilling: Offers regular technical training, certifications, and learning opportunities.
Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement and recognition of achievements.
Mentorship Programs: Active support for junior engineers through mentoring.
Innovation & Impact
Encouragement of Innovation: Supports experimentation, R&D, and creative problem-solving.
Sustainability & Ethics: Prioritizes environmentally responsible engineering and ethical practices.
Real-World Impact: Engineers work on projects that make a meaningful difference.
Employee Wellbeing
Work-Life Balance: Offers flexible working hours, remote options, and respects personal time.
Mental Health Support: Provides access to mental health resources and promotes wellbeing.
Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits tailored to engineers.
Leadership & Vision
Transparent Leadership: Open communication from leadership about goals, challenges, and changes.
Engineer Representation: Engineers have a voice in decision-making and strategic planning.
Vision for the Future: Clear commitment to future technologies and long-term engineering excellence.
Community & Outreach
STEM Outreach: Actively engages with schools, universities, or communities to promote engineering.
Professional Engagement: Supports participation in engineering societies, conferences, and publications.
Volunteering & CSR: Encourages engineers to contribute to social causes and community projects.
Workplace Culture & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion: Demonstrates commitment to gender, ethnic, and neurodiversity in engineering teams.
Psychological Safety: Engineers feel safe to express ideas, raise concerns, and admit mistakes.
Team Collaboration: Promotes cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Entries should clearly highlight how the organisation's leadership approach, workplace culture, and commitment to employee development have created an environment where employees engineering teams flourish and deliver exceptional results. Demonstrate the tangible impact of your employer practices on both employee satisfaction and project outcomes within the Railway Signalling, Telecommunications, Train Control and Traffic Management, sector.
Employer Excellence Award
Trophies
Trophies will state the name of the company or organisation that submitted the award entry. Please note if there are multiple companies listed on the entry it may not be possible to list additional companies on the trophy.
Terms & Conditions
By submitting your entry, you agree that:
You are authorised to submit the entry or nomination on your company or organisation’s behalf.
The judges’ decisions are final.
The IRSE may publish your entry 200-word summary via various communication channels
The IRSE Global Industry Awards is open to all relevant companies or organisations within the sector that meet the awards criteria with their submission.
The IRSE reserves the right to change the award titles, judging criteria and/or judging process.
