Westminster Transport Studies Research Group marks 50-year anniversary

The event was comprised of two distinct sessions, the first being an afternoon session with present and former staff involved in the development of Transport teaching and research at Marylebone from 1971, with consideration of current and future transport issues.

Speakers included Rigas Doganis, Director of the Group from 1971 to 1991; Peter Jones, Director from 1992 to 2006; Dr Enrica Papa, Reader in Transport Planning at Westminster and current Course Leader for the Transport Planning and Management MSc course; Marzena Piotrowska, current Course Leader for the Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc course; and Dr Rachel Aldred, Professor of Transport and Director of the University's Active Travel Academy. Professor Andrew Cook who heads the Air Traffic Management research chaired a discussion panel on Transport changes and challenges.

The second session heard contributions from past students who have attained important positions in the transport sector. Speakers included David Astill, Managing Director, Nottingham City Transport; Paul Clark, Managing Director, Through the Looking Glass Ltd and formerly General Manager, Marketing Development and Training, Airbus; and Nick Denton, Traffic Commissioner for the West Midlands and previously the UK’s representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and Head of the Department for Transport’s Freight Policy and Lorry Charging Division.

This was followed by an informal evening reception and presentations ceremony for former colleagues of the Group, alumni and others connected with the Group's work over the years, such as research collaborators in other institutions and external examiners.

Speaking about the event, Dr Nigel Dennis, Senior Research Fellow and Course Leader for the Air Transport Planning and Management MSc, said: “It was really encouraging to see so many colleagues from across the years who have contributed to the success of Transport at Westminster and to appreciate the genuine warmth and enthusiasm among our alumni for their studies here and the career paths it has opened for them.”

Find out more about the Transport Studies Research Group at the University of Westminster.