The government’s ambitions for artificial intelligence (AI) on Britain’s railway took a significant step forward today with Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy opening the inaugural meeting of the GBRX AI Advisory Council.
GBRX, the strategic innovation body for Britain’s railway, established the council to shape the AI Action Plan for Rail, a crucial document expected to detail how AI will be used to improve railway operations, enhance sustainability, and create high-skilled jobs.
The council’s primary mission is to gather expertise in safety, ethics, infrastructure, data, and people to guide the application of AI within the complex and safety-critical rail environment.
An Exceptional All-Women Team
Notably, the GBRX AI Advisory Council is comprised entirely of renowned female experts, reflecting the depth of women’s leadership and contribution to the field of AI:
- Dr Catriona Campbell MBE, a leading figure in AI adoption and human-centred design.
- Dr Laura Gilbert CBE, Senior Director of AI at the Tony Blair Institute and former Chief Analyst and Director of AI for No. 10.
- Professor Shannon Vallor, Baillie Gifford Chair in Ethics of Data and AI at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures.
- Dr Neda Naghshbandi, Technical Lead for Intelligent Infrastructure at AtkinsRéalis.
- Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation and Non-Executive Director at DSIT.
Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, said: “Artificial Intelligence is set to play a defining role in every aspect of our lives, and this Government, as part of its Plan for Change, is ensuring transport is at the forefront of this technological revolution – unlocking new opportunities for growth, supporting safety, and creating a network that works for everyone. It was a privilege to launch the inaugural GBRX AI Advisory Council, and I look forward to seeing this exceptional all-female team of experts break down barriers and help us address the biggest challenges ahead as we embrace this new era.”
Strategic and Purposeful Action
The AI Action Plan for Rail, which GBRX is leading, is due to be published later this year. It will set out the required actions and capabilities for applying AI across the sector, particularly in safety-critical environments.
Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director, GBRX, said: “Artificial intelligence is the most consequential technology of our time. It will change our lives in more ways than we can understand now. With billions invested by technology companies, commoditised AI will become more prevalent, but the application of industrial AI, particularly in safety critical environments, is not inevitable and requires considered, strategic and purposeful action to advance its application and value. With a significant demographic transition ahead, this will play a major part in how we create more sustainable skills for the future.”
