Overview
Join this year’s George Ramshaw Curry Memorial Lecture either in-person at One Birdcage Walk or online on 27 March 2023. The lecture will be given by Prof Andy Doherty FREng, Chief Technology Officer, Global Centre of Rail Excellence and will cover:
- The UK/European Railway Test and Innovation Landscape
- A brief introduction to the GCRE (location, history etc)
- The Facilities and capabilities of the GCRE
- The construction plan and timescales
- Research and Innovation opportunities
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence being constructed in South Wales is one of the most critical and creative infrastructure projects happening anywhere in European rail.
With benefits for the industry and for government; for our natural environment and for the local and national economies, the project is unique in its vision and the multiple benefits it will bring.
About George Ramshaw Curry
George Ramshaw Curry was the fourth and longest serving Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association. After obtaining a First Class Honours degree at Trinity College, Cambridge and a brief spell in industry, in 1951 he joined what was then the Locomotive Manufacturers’ Association (which had been founded in 1875) as Assistant Director. He was appointed Director in 1954.
Over the next 31 years, Curry was responsible for the progressive expansion of both the scope and membership of the Association. This was reflected in the changes of title, first to the ‘Locomotive & Allied Manufacturers’ Association’, and then in 1971 to the all-embracing ‘Railway Industry Association’ - RIA. By the time George Curry retired in October 1985, RIA was stronger in terms of membership, influence and activities than ever before. Yet, in a technology-based industry, he was always conscious that it is people who make things happen. Many engineers and managers throughout the industry benefited from his personal interest in their careers.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the railway industry, George Curry was made a Companion of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in October 1985, a rare distinction awarded to those non-engineers who have rendered important services to mechanical engineering. In June 1986 he died after a brief illness.
This event is supported by the Railway Engineers Forum (REF)
The aim of the Railway Engineers Forum (REF) is to harmonise the various strengths of the constituent Institutions in devising and implementing their programmes of activities in support of the railway community. This will encompass conferences, seminars, lectures, training, information services, publications and statements of policy to Government and other Regulatory Bodies. Where realistic and appropriate, to provide a common voice on railway topics and co-ordinated responses to requests for professional comment in the railway field.
The specific aims and objectives of the REF are:-
- To bring together the particular skills and strengths of the participating Institutions.
- To facilitate a co-ordinated and unified yet independent non political source of expertise in the field of railway engineering and operations.
- To provide and publicise a co-ordinated programme of events and joint ventures.
This lecture is free to attend, book your place via this website to join this event in-person or online.
Sign-up online to attend the event either in-person or online. Joining instructions will be sent to you no later than 24 hours before the event is due to begin. If you have not received the joining instructions, please contact the Event Enquiries team at eventenquiries@imeche.org