Simon Rowland is a Professor of Electrical Materials at the University of Manchester's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, affiliated with the High Voltage Group. He previously served as Head of School (2015-2019) and transitioned from industrial R&D roles at STC, BICC, and Corning Cables to academia in 2003. His expertise centers on electrical insulation materials, polymeric systems, and asset management for power systems. He leads research in the UK’s largest HV laboratory, focusing on solid insulation interfaces and funded by National Grid and EPSRC. He holds 13 patents, primarily in overhead line technology, and is a Fellow of the IEEE and IET. Education: BSc, PhD, FHEA, FIET, FIEEE. Research interests include dielectric reliability, overhead line design, and low-current arcs. Collaborations span materials science and engineering disciplines. Recent awards include the 2025 IEEE Eric O. Forster Distinguished Service Award and 2022 Bhattacharyya Award Finalist. Professional roles include Treasurer of the IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society (2020–present).
Anders Rønnquist is a Professor and Head of the Department of Structural Engineering at NTNU’s Faculty of Engineering Science. His research focuses on structural dynamics, railway systems, and bridge engineering. He leads projects on structural health monitoring, wind engineering, and architectural collaboration in structural design. Key collaborations include work with KTH Stockholm, Vilnius University, and the University of Porto. He teaches courses such as Structural Dynamics, Steel Structures II, and Railway Catenary Systems. His work integrates advanced sensor technologies, machine learning, and probabilistic methods to address challenges in infrastructure longevity and safety. Research interests span structural monitoring, overhead contact line dynamics, and reliability assessments. Notable contributions include the development of Kalman filter-based systems for crosswind load identification and shape grammar approaches for architectural-structural design integration. His team has pioneered non-contact measurement techniques using digital image correlation and advanced neural networks for bridge rivet inspection. Publications highlight innovations in railway catenary optimization, timber structure dynamics, and probabilistic fatigue analysis. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, bridging engineering and architectural disciplines to enhance sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Massimo Brignone is an Associate Professor at the Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (DITEN), University of Genoa. His academic role includes teaching courses such as Complementi di Circuiti , Elettrotecnica , and Sistemi Elettrici per l'Energia in the Electrical Engineering, Maritime Science and Technology, and Naval Engineering degree programs. His research focuses on lightning performance analysis, electromagnetic field reconstruction, and machine learning applications in power systems. Recent research trends include: Integration of machine learning for lightning location and overvoltage prediction Analysis of HVDC offshore return electrode designs Electromagnetic compatibility in transmission lines Deep learning-based lightning detection systems Contact: massimo.brignone@unige.it | Availability: By appointment via email or TEAMS
Professor David Fletcher is a faculty member at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering , University of Sheffield , where he holds the Professor of Railway Engineering position. He graduated from Leeds University and earned his PhD from the University of Sheffield in 1999 after post-doctoral work at Newcastle University . His academic journey includes progression from lecturer to full professor. His research spans Railway Engineering, Tribology, Materials Science, and Rail System Design , focusing on the Rail-Wheel Interface (contact mechanics, adhesion, fatigue, wear), Overhead Line Electrification (system dynamics), and Rail Safety (counter-terrorism measures). He also explores Network Modelling for pedestrian flow optimization and energy demands in railway stations. Recent publications analyze lateral sleeper resistance , wheel-rail friction estimation , and energy storage systems in railways. His work combines experimental testing and numerical modeling , with applications in laser cladding and arc damage prevention for contact wires. Scientific Awards : Institution of Mechanical Engineers AR Bennett Premium Award (2013) World Congress on Railway Research Best Paper (2008) Institution of Mechanical Engineers TA Steward-Dyer Prize (2005) Institution of Mechanical Engineers Tribology Bronze Medal (2000) He leads the Rail Innovation and Technology Centre with Network Rail and serves on the International Committee for Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems . His teaching includes MEC448 Railway Engineering and Sustainable Transport and mentorship in industrial design projects.
Joao Pombo serves as Professor of Railway Technology at the Institute of Railway Research, University of Huddersfield, UK. He holds dual appointments in the Department of Engineering within the School of Computing and Engineering. With a PhD and Post-Doc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, he brings over 24 years of specialized experience in railway engineering and technology. His academic leadership extends to serving as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Railway Technology and chairman of the International Conference on Railway Technology series. Professor Pombo's research expertise spans railway vehicle dynamics, pantograph-catenary interaction, structural analysis, and condition monitoring. His work addresses critical challenges in high-speed rail, maintenance engineering, and predictive maintenance systems. He employs advanced methodologies including multibody dynamics, machine learning algorithms, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to solve complex railway engineering problems. His research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable transport infrastructure and clean energy systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing railway electrification systems through improved pantograph-catenary interaction models, while increasingly incorporating machine learning techniques for infrastructure optimization and condition monitoring. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in modeling complex railway dynamics, with particular emphasis on real-world applications that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail transport systems. Professor Pombo's scientific recognition includes four innovation prizes for his R&D work. He serves on editorial boards for prestigious journals including Multibody System Dynamics and Energies - Electric Vehicles , and has established himself as a leading authority in international railway research circles. Editor-in-chief of International Journal of Railway Technology Chairman of International Conference on Railway Technology series Editorial board member of Multibody System Dynamics Editorial board member of Energies - Electric Vehicles With over 170 publications in refereed journals and international conferences, Professor Pombo actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with leading international research centers and industry partners. His prior three years of industry experience at BOMBARDIER and ALSTOM provides valuable practical context for his academic research. Current projects include developing advanced condition monitoring systems, optimizing railway infrastructure performance, and creating novel analysis tools for railway electrification systems. As a core member of the Institute of Railway Research at the University of Huddersfield, Professor Pombo contributes to one of the world's leading railway research centers. His work with the UKRRIN Centre of Excellence in Rolling Stock demonstrates his commitment to translating academic research into practical industry applications that support railway electrification and infrastructure modernization projects worldwide.
Danuta Bryja is a senior academic at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, affiliated with the Department of Mechanics of Structures and Urban Areas Engineering. She holds a DSc, PhD, and Eng title, indicating a high-level research and teaching role in civil and mechanical engineering disciplines. Research Interests: Her work centers on railway infrastructure dynamics, particularly the mechanical behavior of tracks, pantograph-catenary systems, and vehicle-track interaction. She employs numerical simulations and nonlinear modeling to study vibrations, contact mechanics, and structural responses under moving loads. Her expertise spans computational mechanics, structural stability, and railway electrification dynamics. The recent publications (2019–2025) reveal a consistent focus on dynamic interactions in railway systems , including track stability, pantograph vibrations, dropper stiffness, and aerodynamic effects. These works employ advanced numerical methods and contribute to improving safety and efficiency in rail transport. Scientific Contributions: Developed models for visco-elastic and Hertzian contact in train-track systems Analyzed critical longitudinal forces in continuous welded rails Studied aerodynamic effects on rail vehicles under crosswinds Investigated impact of track irregularities on catenary vibrations Danuta Bryja actively contributes to conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals such as Przegląd Komunikacyjny and Computers and Structures . While no formal advising or grant information is listed, her publication record suggests involvement in research projects related to railway dynamics and infrastructure resilience. She collaborates with researchers like Piotr Lalewicz and Wojciech Chojnacki. She is associated with research groups focused on structural mechanics and urban engineering, likely contributing to national and international railway research initiatives. Her work supports advancements in high-speed rail and sustainable rail infrastructure.
Đorđe Lekić is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His career focuses on electrical machine design, power system optimization, and fault detection methodologies. Academic Affiliation: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka Research Interests: Power systems, renewable energy integration, finite element analysis, fault detection, and electrical machine design. His research explores finite element modeling for electromagnetic applications, hybrid power supply systems for remote infrastructure, and fault detection in distribution networks. He has contributed to 3D simulation platforms and optimization algorithms for electrical machines. Scientific contributions include projects on renewable energy systems for mobile telephony base stations and fault passage indicators in medium voltage networks. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Belgrade and ABB Corporate Research Center in Poland. Publications highlight trends in smart grids , Battery Storage Integration , and Electromagnetic Design across Europe. His work emphasizes sustainable energy solutions and computational efficiency in power systems. Current projects involve designing permanent magnet machines and real-time magnetic field monitoring for overhead power lines. He works with colleagues including Predrag Mršić, Petar Matić, and Bojan Erceg.
Jose Batista Rebelo is an Industrial Fellow at the University of Huddersfield, affiliated with the School of Computing and Engineering and the Department of Engineering. He is part of the Institute of Railway Research, focusing on advanced engineering challenges in railway systems. Rebelo holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Computing and Engineering. His research interests revolve around railway electrification systems, pantograph-catenary dynamics, aerodynamic effects, and computational modeling. Key areas include dynamic analysis of contact wire gradients, overhead line equipment irregularities, and track/catenary reconstruction using aerial imagery. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable infrastructure and innovation. His recent publications emphasize numerical simulation techniques, structural analysis of railway components, and the application of computational fluid dynamics. Collaborations span interdisciplinary teams addressing rail vehicle dynamics and electrification challenges. No scientific awards are listed, though his work has garnered citations and readership attention in peer-reviewed journals. Rebelo’s advising and grant activities are not detailed in available records, though his contributions to conferences and publications highlight active involvement in research dissemination and collaboration.
Ralf Baumann is a Professor at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology (IME) within the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). He has served as Head of the Competence Center for Mechanical Systems since 2006 and as Deputy Head of IME from 2017 to 2023. His roles include being a lecturer in the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program since 2008 and a former Head of Department Numerical Simulation at Hilti AG. Education: Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart (1986-1992) Internship at Airbus (1988-1989) Diploma Thesis at Dornier GmbH (1992) Ralf Baumann's research focuses on Mechanical Engineering , particularly in Finite Element Method (FEM) , Structural Mechanics , Lightweight Structures , and Computational Mechanics . His work spans industrial applications such as overhead line conductors , ski manufacturing , robotics , and additive manufacturing . He has led projects like SwissSTES PIT/CCMS , Virtuelles Gehen , and vLRC – virtual Lucerne Robotics Center . His publications and presentations emphasize finite element modeling , contact stress analysis , thermal-mechanical simulations , and fluid-structure interaction in practical engineering scenarios. Scientific Awards: ANSYS Hall of Fame Competition - Best in Show 2018 Academic Zeppelin Award 'New Technologies' for Best Diploma Thesis (1993) As an educator, Baumann supervises Bachelor and Master Theses and has developed innovative 3D teaching methods via the Cyber-Classroom initiative. He has held leadership roles in the Swiss Industry Robotics Network and contributed to industry-specific projects involving ANSYS Workbench and Multilayer Stranded Cables .
Anders Rønnquist is a Professor and Head of the Department of Structural Engineering at NTNU's Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on structural dynamics, railway infrastructure, and timber structures, with emphasis on reliability, safety, and innovative monitoring techniques. Collaborations include KTH Stockholm, University of Porto, and industry partners like Elektromotus and Vilnius-based entities. Research Interests Dynamic behavior of railway catenary systems and bridges Structural health monitoring using advanced sensors and machine learning Timber frame dynamics and connection stiffness modeling Wind-structure interaction in long-span bridges Conceptual form-finding in architectural engineering Recent Research Trends Recent work emphasizes data-driven approaches: Kalman filters for crosswind load estimation, deep learning for structural defect detection, and surrogate models for pantograph-catenary systems. Studies also address long-term monitoring of timber buildings and fatigue reliability of railway bridges under evolving traffic conditions. Education & Teaching Coordinates the Teknostart Master's program in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Teaches advanced courses in structural dynamics, steel structures, and railway catenary systems at NTNU. Active in interdisciplinary education bridging structural engineering and architecture. Research Groups Structural Dynamics Group Conceptual Structural Design Group
Dr. Robert Smyk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Automation at Gdańsk University of Technology's Faculty of Electrical and Automation Engineering. His office is located on floor 112 of the faculty building, and he can be contacted via email at robert.smyk@pg.edu.pl or by phone at +48 58 347 1332. Dr. Smyk's research spans several interconnected domains: Hardware-focused computing : FPGA implementations, residue arithmetic systems, and high-speed digital converters Algorithm development : Novel approaches to residue number system operations and signal processing optimizations Engineering applications : Computer vision for infrastructure inspection, cryptographic systems, and sensor data processing His publications demonstrate consistent focus on improving computational efficiency through mathematical optimizations and hardware-aware designs. With 67 publications documented in institutional repositories, his recent works explore: algorithmic improvements for residue arithmetic (2023-2025), thresholding/edge detection for industrial vision systems (2018-2022), and hardware architectures for specialized converters. Teaching activities include extensive involvement with 163 documented educational engagements.
Djordje Lekic is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Banja Luka, specializing in the Department of Electrical Power Engineering. He was elected to his current academic rank in December 2022. His research spans: Electric machine design and optimization Renewable energy integration and hybrid power systems Fault detection in power distribution networks Finite element analysis applications in electromagnetics Power electronics and drive systems Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on energy efficiency optimization, electromagnetic modeling, and sustainable power solutions. He has led or contributed to multiple national research projects including: Development of permanent magnet synchronous motors (2021-2024) Non-contact fault detection in power networks (2020-2022) Renewable energy for telecom infrastructure (2020-2022) Power quality improvement for industrial consumers (2019) with cumulative funding exceeding 100,000 BAM. He maintains active industry collaborations, including a patented wireless power transfer system with international inventors.
