ASPECT welcomes papers on the topics of Automation, Signalling, Performance, Equipment, Control, and Telecommunications for design, implementation, operation and maintenance activities.

However, in 2025 in addition to the above topics we are also looking for a particular focus on how to attract, engage and retain young engineers.

See here for guidance for your submission and here for your submission form - both in document library below.

The 2025 ASPECT IRSE Innovators session comprises of a panel of judges, composed of experienced professionals, and the young members presenters, who will represent the entrepreneurs. The presenters will then “pitch” their railway-related innovation idea to the judges, who will ask questions, challenge the idea, and ultimately pass judgement. Finally, the judges will decide which idea is the best. Whilst there will be no ‘investment’, the best idea will receive a small prize.

You must be a Younger Member of the IRSE aged below 35 years of age on the 31^st January 2025 and be intending to register for the ASPECT conference.

The innovator submission guidance is here and your submission form is here - both in the document library below.

Aspect 2025 will be held in Yokohama, Japan in December 2025 and we are offering funding of up to £1,500 (GBP) per person to help cover travel and hotel costs. In addition, we will also pay for the Aspect 2025, three-day conference fee.

Applications for funding are welcomed from members of the IRSE who will be under 35 years of age on 31st January 2025. Preference will be given to those who have not previously received an award.

A selection committee will review all the applications and decide who will receive funding. Applications must be received by 31st January 2025, and applicants will be advised by 31st May 2025 whether they have been successful in obtaining funding or not.

Funding is through re-imbursement of up to GBP £1,500 per person, contributing to travel and hotel costs.

Click here for the application form (also in document library below).

ASPECT events have consistently attracted a wide of range of people in the industry with over 400 delegates from across the globe attending the most recent conference in 2023.

The event is open to both IRSE members and non-members and will bring together, the world’s best signalling, control, systems, and communications engineers along with leading signalling and communications technology companies.

Our sponsorship brochure is available here, and in the document library below.