Institute to collaborate with technical university in Malaysia on rail research
The University of Huddersfield’s renowned Institute of Railway Research is to collaborate with one of the leading technical universities in Malaysia on joint research.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia (UTHM), which focuses on Engineering, Science and Technology.
The new partnership will see academics from the two universities develop a collaboration on joint research into railway asset management and maintenance, as well as cyber security.
The aim is to develop joint research projects, staff and student exchange programmes, and collaborative industrial training.
The Vice-Chancellor of UTHM, Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ruzairi bin Abdul Rahim and his team visited the IRR and its world-class test facilities to sign the agreement. Pro Vice-Chancellor for International Professor Alistair Sambell signed the memorandum for the University of Huddersfield.
The ceremony was also attended by staff from the Institute, including Professor Gareth Tucker, Professor Yann Bezin, Professor Adam Bevan, Dr Hamidreza Faham and Kris Sztrauch.
Following the signing of the document, Professor Abdul Rahim toured the IRR labs and met academics to discuss joint research interests.
Professor Tucker, a Professor of Railway Systems Engineering at the IRR, said: “We are very happy to welcome visitors from UTHM, which is the leading University in Malaysia for research and education in transport and railway engineering. We look forward to further strengthening our links and developing future collaborative research work together.”
The agreement was signed at the IRR in Huddersfield on October 22.
The Institute was founded to carry out railway research and develop innovations that impact on safety and performance within the industry.
In the last 12 years, it has built up a worldwide reputation for its research into the interaction between railway vehicles and the track, using this improved knowledge to support the railway industry.
The Institute has participated in many projects with industry and academic partners which have led to significant developments, innovations, and practical applications.
As part of the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) the IRR hosts a Centre of Excellence in Rolling Stock.
It has also developed world-leading test facilities including HAROLD - a full-size bogie rolling test rig; THOMoS - a passenger environment test platform; and PANTHER - a high-speed pantograph test rig.
A new laboratory opened in 2023 to explore the application of robotics in railway maintenance as part of the IRR’s Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility.
The Institute's innovative work was recognised in 2019 with the award of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for research and development that has brought significant improvements to the railway industry.
UTHM is based in the south of Malaysia and is an established University, striving to enhance and strengthen its international links and has taken various initiatives to complement its educational excellence. UTHM also has good connections with the Malaysian railways and delivers a Masters course in Railway Engineering.