Be recognised for your expertise in signalling, telecommunications and train control
The IRSE Global Awards are a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation's expertise in signalling, telecommunications and train control - keeping trains moving safely around the world.
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 Awards provide the perfect platform to gain recognition.
The IRSE is committed to advancing the science and technology that define modern railway operations, ensure safety and drive innovation. Have your efforts recognised by the foremost professional organisation for railway signalling, telecommunications and train control engineering.
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 for the 2027 Awards will open on 1 October, 2026.
Detailed instructions for entering the IRSE Global Industry Awards:
Download the entry form and email your completed form, together with up to four supporting documents, to events@irse.org
Note that your 200-word summary will be published online if shortlisted.
Word count must not exceed 1000.
Up to four supporting documents can be submitted with your entry. These must not exceed 5MB in file size or be more than four 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 companies will be required to present via Microsoft Teams. Each will have 15 minutes for their presentation and a Q&A.
Dates: 8 - 26 February 2027.
Finalists
Your company should be prepared to attend the awards ceremony in person in London on the evening of 6th May 2027.
We welcome global submissions and appreciate that attendance may not be possible for all shortlisted companies based outside of the UK. We will make reasonable arrangements for video acceptance in those circumstances.
Finalists will be publicly announced on 11th March 2027.
*Entries close on 10th December 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/Light Rail/Metro)
This category recognises outstanding projects that are either substantially delivered or have been fully delivered, with demonstrable benefits achieved, before 1 March 2027.
Projects of any size are eligible, provided they demonstrate successful performance in one or more of the following areas:
Efficiency – measurable reductions in time and/or cost
Safety – enhanced operational and/or workforce safety
Customer Experience – improvements in service reliability, quality, or customer satisfaction
Entries that highlight the effective application of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), or other innovative techniques, are particularly encouraged.
While the technologies and methodologies employed should reflect IRSE’s core competencies in Command, Control, Signalling and Communications, the outcomes and benefits may be demonstrated across any area of the railway system.
Innovation of the Year (Equipment, Software or System)
This category recognises innovations in equipment, software, or systems relating to train control and/or traffic management, communications, or worker and public safety.
Eligible innovations may already have been deployed on live projects or must be demonstrably capable of deployment in a way that delivers improved project or operational outcomes. Research projects are also welcome, provided their potential benefits have been demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt.
The judges will be looking for innovation teams that can demonstrate:
Clear objectives and outcomes, showing how the innovation improves efficiency, safety, and/or end-user experience.
Evidence of trials, approvals, and validation, demonstrating active development and technical maturity
Measurable impact, with clear evidence of benefits for internal and/or external customers
Innovative thinking, leading the field within the relevant application area.
Asset optimisation, extending the life or improving the performance of existing assets.
Employer Excellence Award
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, support for innovation, 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 – Regular access to technical training, certifications, and learning opportunities
Career Progression – Clear pathways for advancement and recognition of achievement
Mentorship – Active mentoring and support for early-career and developing engineers
Innovation & Impact
Encouragement of Innovation – Support for experimentation, R&D, and creative problem-solving
Sustainability & Ethics – Commitment to environmentally responsible engineering and ethical practice
Real-World Impact – Engineers contribute to projects that deliver meaningful outcomes
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 around strategy, goals, and challenges
Engineer Representation – Engineers have a voice in decision-making and planning
Future Focus – Clear commitment to emerging technologies and long-term excellence
Community & Outreach
STEM Engagement – Active involvement with schools, universities, or communities
Professional Participation – Support for engagement with engineering institutions, conferences, and publications
Volunteering & CSR – Encouragement of social responsibility and community contribution
Workplace Culture & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion – Commitment to gender, ethnic, and neurodiversity
Psychological Safety – A culture where engineers feel safe to speak up and learn from mistakes.
Collaboration – Strong cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing
Entries should clearly demonstrate how leadership approach, workplace culture, and commitment to employee development have created an environment in which engineering teams flourish and deliver exceptional outcomes. Submissions should also evidence the tangible impact of employer practices on both employee satisfaction and project performance within the railway signalling and control sector.
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.
