Wednesday, 17 September 2025, 1730, Susan Cadbury Lecture Theatre, Conference Aston, Aston University
In this session, Aston researches present some of their groundbreaking research on rail transport.
Nandhini Mahesh (PhD student – Aston University)
The integration of air and rail transportation is essential for creating seamless multimodal travel experiences, yet significant challenges remain in optimizing passenger flow and improving operational efficiency. This presentation focuses on leveraging AI to address these issues by analysing passenger behaviour and flow patterns.
Prachiti Prashant Shinde (PhD student – Aston University)
As the rail industry evolves to meet the challenges of rapid digital transformation, an ageing workforce, and skills shortages, education must keep pace. This talk explores how innovative approaches, including the integration of artificial intelligence, can reshape higher education in rail to address skill shortages and align academic programs with industry demands.
Patrick Bannon and Lydia Egbo (Aston University) – The Nexus Project
The speakers will discuss the NEXUS project, which seeks to establish metros living, adaptable entities. Through optimisation, analysis, energy and service efficiency, NEXUS aspires to pioneer innovative solutions for the urban and metro transport of the future, where the journey is as significant as the destistination. This talk will explore Aston University role in the project, as one of thirteen partners.
The team will also discuss the transport team’s joint ventures with UIC, the international union of railways, and their rail train hackathons.