Transport studies half century celebrated at Aston University

Aston University held an event last week to celebrate 50 years of transport studies.

Speakers and panel members included Adam Harrison, principal policy manager for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Richard Bradley, head of strategy at Midlands Connect and former student Richard Harper who is now an associate director of consultancy Steer.

The event was organised by senior lecturer in transport, head of the Department of Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management Dr Lucy Rackliff and Aston University teaching fellow and strategic partnerships lead at Midlands Connect, Sarah Spink. 

Dr Rackliff said: “There are so many vital questions facing the sector today. 

“So much has changed in the last five years and with major challenges such as decarbonisation to be addressed, delivering the skilled professionals needed in transport has never been more important.

“The skills gap has also affected the industry but with collaboration and initiatives like degree apprenticeships, this is an issue that universities can help the sector tackle.”