Two dedicated employees from the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Bridget Eickhoff and Vaibhav Puri, have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to the railways in HM The King’s Birthday Honours list, announced today, 14 June 2025.
Bridget Eickhoff, RSSB’s Principal Infrastructure Engineer, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her significant services to railway engineering.
A Cambridge maths graduate and chartered engineer, Bridget has been at the forefront of developing computer software to enhance the understanding of rail vehicle dynamics and devising methods to reduce the risk of derailment. Since joining RSSB in 2008, she has played a leading role in developing and updating rail infrastructure standards and is a key expert on engineering issues at the platform-train interface.
For over two decades, Bridget has been instrumental in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)’s Railway Division, including serving as its Chair in 2012-13. She has also made substantial contributions to professional development, training, and mentoring future rail engineers.
On receiving the honour, Bridget said: “I’m delighted to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for nominating me, and to the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) for their support of my nomination.”
She added: “The rail industry is a great place to work, with difficult technical issues to address and an opportunity to contribute to a wide range of important challenges. Throughout my career I’ve been grateful for the support and encouragement of a wide range of colleagues across the industry. I’m keen for railway engineering to be seen as a rewarding career path for young people. The IMechE’s Railway Challenge competition for students, apprentices and graduates is an excellent opportunity for young people to develop their skills in order to become our future engineering leaders, addressing the complex and demanding challenges confronting the railway sector.”
Vaibhav Puri, RSSB’s Director of Sector Strategy and Transformation, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding contribution to railway safety and standards.
Vaibhav has been an influential voice in the evolution of UK, EU, and international railway legislation, notably supporting the Department for Transport and the sector in transitioning seamlessly to a post-EU exit legal and standards landscape. He is widely recognised both in the UK and internationally as an expert in rail regulation, governance, and standards.
Vaibhav leads RSSB’s Futures Lab, which assists the industry in preparing for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and utilises Foresight and Horizon Scanning to anticipate future risks and opportunities. He is also actively supporting the Rail Reform process, ensuring that safety remains paramount during this period of change, and promoting the importance of sector culture as a crucial mechanism for the continuation of GB rail’s excellent safety performance.
On being named in the Honours, Vaibhav said: “I’m deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. It is really a reflection of the amazing work of the incredible teams and people at RSSB. I have been very privileged to be able to support the evolution of railway standards and regulations to ensure that safety, standardisation and innovation objectives can co-exist and enable each other.”
He added: “I am excited to support the industry as it readies itself for a once in a lifetime change to its structure as well as help in the adoption of new technology with confidence and care whilst preparing for the future. I want to thank all my colleagues at RSSB and in the rail industry, as while this award is in my name, it wouldn’t have been possible without their contribution and hard work.”
Mark Phillips, CEO, RSSB, offered his congratulations: “I would like to congratulate Bridget and Vaibhav for their very well-deserved awards. We are delighted to see their contributions recognised at the highest level. Both Bridget and Vaibhav have had a profound impact on the rail sector’s ability to manage safety risks and innovate, safely and responsibly. These honours reflect not only their personal achievements but also the collaborative spirit that drives progress across our industry.”
The Royal Honour nominations celebrate the extraordinary contributions and service of individuals across the UK, recognising those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their communities and the railway industry.
