The most recent past events
IRSE Presidential Lecture | ETCS: Human Factors and AI
Presenter
Colin Zhu FIRSE, Principal Commissioning Manager, Hitachi Rail
Join us for the IRSE’s third Presidential Lecture in the series “Human Factors in the Age of Automation”.
A presentation of a practical, real-world case study of human factors analysis using artificial intelligence agents and automated tools. Based on Hitachi Rail’s ETCS Tablet Solution, it focuses on the use of portable onboard devices and portable protection devices. These devices are essential for the safe operation of on-track machines and unfitted vehicles in ETCS territory.
The presentation introduces the ETCS Tablet Solution and describes how human factor analysis, supported by artificial intelligence, has been used to provide an efficient and cost-effective understanding of how the safety-critical equipment is used.
Meet our Global President, Prof Rod Muttram FIRSE, at the networking event after.
Event details and registration can be found here.
Face to Face Event
Presentation 1: ‘Functional Safety techniques recently introduced in other transport industries and the applicability to railway signalling’
Presenter: Derek Hughes AMIRSE FSP | RioTinto
The growing complexity of modern, digitally integrated rail systems is outpacing traditional fail safe and SIL based safety methods. This research explores emerging techniques to strengthen hazard identification and safety assurance, complementing established signalling practices.
Presentation 2: ‘National Train Control Strategy – What is the view from WA and Perth?’
Presenter: Dr. Frank Heibel | Doc Frank Rail Services
From a Western Australian viewpoint on the National Train Control Strategy for NNI; driven by the National Rail Action Plan – sets the direction for a consistent and interoperable future for rail signalling.
Presentation 3: ‘Project success – NEWest Metronet YRE & TCL’
Presenter: Antonyraj Piramanayagam | DT Infrastructure
Key Challenges and Learned lessons from two recent successful projects
Thornlie-Cockburn Link (TCL) and Yanchep Rail Extension (YRE).
07:00 pm onwards: Networking and Refreshments
Further details and registration can be found here.
AI and Machine Learning: Why People Still Matter
This in-person presentation aligns with the current Presidential theme, Human Factors in the Age of Automation.
The presentation will explore the critical role of human factors alongside advancing AI and machine learning technologies, and why people remain essential despite increasing automation.
This will be a valuable opportunity to learn, ask questions and network with the local rail community.
Presenter:
Rod Muttram
IRSE Global President
Further details can be found here.
Special Session for Younger Members
This session provides an opportunity to meet the IRSE Global President and discuss topics relevant to those learning about rail signalling, train control, telecommunications and rail systems.
The session will also include a Back to Basics training component. Attendees are welcome to continue on to the Victoria Local Technical Meeting afterwards.
Places for the Young Members Session are limited. Please register your attendance before the event by emailing Daniel Martin at vic@irse.org.au.
Further details can be found here.
AI and Machine Learning: Why the People Still Matter
This in-person event features a presentation aligned with the Presidential theme: Human factors in the age of automation. It will explore the critical role of human factors alongside advancing AI and machine learning technologies, emphasizing why people remain essential despite increasing automation.
Register today and join the IRSE Global President
Presenter: Roderick Muttram FIRSE | IRSE President
18:30 onwards: Networking and Refreshments
Further details and registration can be found here.
The 2026 International Convention will be based in the historic city of Helsinki in Finland. The convention features a varied programme of presentations and technical visits to witness the latest developments in the field of signalling and control systems. We will be based in central Helsinki and there will be an accompanying guest programme for member’s partners who are warmly invited to take part.
The convention provides an unrivaled opportunity to learn more about the latest technology and to meet and share ideas with fellow professionals from across the IRSE’s global membership. The convention is aimed at active professionals wishing to expand their knowledge and experience, but we expect many senior professionals to be present whose generosity in sharing their long experience greatly enhances the convention experience.
The convention commences on the evening of Monday 25 May with a welcome reception and concludes with a gala dinner on Friday 29 May.
The main programme includes:
• Lectures and presentations by key experts
• Visit to Kouvola Railway Training Centre
• ETCS and CBI in use in Finland
• Visit to Helsinki Metro
• Visit to Fintraffic control centre.
The guest programme will include a selection of key local attractions at an unhurried pace.
Further details, including booking arrangements, are available on the IRSE Global website.
The 2026 IRSE Australasian Technical Meeting and AGM will be held in Sydney on 10th to 12th April.
More details are available here.
Theme
Legacy to Digital: the Signalling Transformation
The Legacy to Digital: the Signalling Transformation theme is aimed at both current developments in our industry whilst also acknowledging the fundamentals of signalling and communications practice that has served us well over the past decades.
Annual General Meeting
Successes and challenges in the implementation of ETCS in Europe
Discover the status of ETCS deployment across Europe. This presentation analyses the underlying causes of the varied progress, and benchmarks different European implementations—both trackside and onboard—examining their present status and the plans for the coming years. As part of the wider digital transformation of the railway sector, ETCS implementation will increasingly become a continuous improvement process. Organisations will need to adapt accordingly and remain open to future innovations.
Register today and join the IRSE Global President and Mott MacDonald Fellow, Bogdan Godziejewski, as he shares his European benchmarking of ETCS deployment, future developments, and key challenges
Presenter: Bogdan Godziejewski FIRSE | IRSE President
18:30 onwards: Networking and Refreshments
Further details and registration can be found here.