Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education welcomes new Professor in Rail Strategy

The School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Plummer. Paul will lead research in the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) as its new Professor of Railway Strategy. 

Professor Plummer was previously Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group and more recently has been using his expertise in strategy as a Non Executive Director for the National Grid ESO (Electricity System Operator) and for Network Homes Ltd.

An economist by training, Professor Plummer brings a wealth of board level experience including 13 years at Network Rail where he was responsible for network planning, development projects, system operation, regulation and strategy.

At the Rail Delivery Group he advocated for reform on behalf of the industry in an organisation bringing together train operators with Network Rail and HS2. At an international level, Professor Plummer was President of European Infrastructure Managers.

At BCRRE, Professor Plummer will work with colleagues to help shape existing research and future research priorities aimed at enabling long term customer experience, affordability, connectivity and decarbonisation through technology and innovation.

Professor Plummer says: “The University of Birmingham has already developed a hugely impressive capability in railway research and education and I am excited to help grow and apply that capability to solve the long term challenges and opportunities that are facing the industry. I’m also looking forward to working with and supporting the next generation of truly diverse talent to join the railway. I feel privileged that, combined with my non-executive roles in energy and housing, I have the chance to use my experience in areas which matter to people’s lives.”

Professor Clive Roberts, Director of BCRRE and Head of the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, says: “Appointing Professor Plummer is a hugely exciting move for BCRRE. The wealth of experience and knowledge that will help us address new challenges and create further impact in rail, as well as across the broader areas covered by the School of Engineering.”

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