The strength of ITEN lies in the expertise of its members and the sharing of knowledge, challenging thinking and collaboration across the transport sector.
Our knowledge base has recently expanded with Marcus Jones joining ITEN. Bringing almost 30 years of experience in transport emissions reduction and decarbonisation, Marcus further strengthens the network’s expertise in delivering sustainable, evidence-led transport solutions.
Throughout the second quarter of the year, members contributed to industry conversations, presented at national conferences, published thought leadership, supported research and collaborated on projects that are helping shape the future of transport.
Here are some of the highlights from across the ITEN network.
Leading Industry Conversations
Helen Bailey has continued to demonstrate leadership across the highways sector during her presidency of the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT), helping to shape discussions during the Institute’s 60th anniversary year.
Throughout her presidency of the Institute of Asphalt Technology, Helen has championed the themes of Community, Curiosity and Collaboration. During the quarter, Helen’s keynote address at the IAT National Conference challenged delegates to think beyond infrastructure alone, highlighting the importance of leadership, adaptability and investing in people to build a more resilient future. Reflecting on the conference, Helen reinforced the need for systems thinking, collaboration across professional disciplines, and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to respond to an increasingly complex transport landscape.
Helen also represented the Institute of Asphalt Technology at the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) Conference, where discussions reinforced the importance of preventative maintenance, evidence-led decision making, and long-term infrastructure planning. Reflecting on the event, Helen highlighted the sector’s growing shift from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-led asset management, while emphasising the need for collaboration, stronger leadership, and a clear, evidence-based narrative to support investment in resilient road networks.
Nick Reed played an active role in national discussions surrounding automated vehicles, road safety and emerging technologies. During the quarter, Nick moderated a British Standards Institution (BSI) webinar exploring how future automotive technologies and standards can support the ambitions of the UK’s Road Safety Strategy. He also joined a panel of experts to discuss one of the industry’s most important questions: can artificial intelligence ever become a careful and competent driver? These conversations explored automated vehicle safety, regulation, evidence and public confidence as the technology continues to evolve.
Driving Innovation Through Research
Innovation remained a key focus throughout the quarter, with ITEN members contributing to research, technical development and international collaboration.
Martin Lamb attended the Transport Research Arena (TRA) as part of a group of UK organisations organised by Innovate UK. Reflecting on the event, Martin highlighted themes including European competitiveness, future skills, artificial intelligence, circular economy principles and the importance of ensuring research is translated into practical delivery across the transport sector.
Alongside his reflections from TRA, Martin published Beyond Fleets and Fuels: The Missing Piece of Highways Net Zero, exploring how materials circularity can support local authorities in reducing carbon emissions while improving resilience, procurement and long-term asset management. The article reinforces the role that practical, evidence-led approaches can play in supporting net zero ambitions.
Nick Reed collaborated with students at the University of Bristol on the development of a Digital Commentary Driving (DCD) tool, originally conceived through work undertaken for BSI. The project explored how standardised data from automated vehicles could support future safety assurance and in-use monitoring, demonstrating the value of collaboration between academia, industry and standards development.
During the quarter, Nick published a number of thought leadership articles, sharing his expertise with the wider industry. Alongside examining the opportunities and risks associated with conversational artificial intelligence in vehicles, he also explored the relationship between public trust, acceptance and the effectiveness of speed enforcement technology. Both articles drew on his expertise in human factors, encouraging discussion around how emerging technologies can improve road safety while maintaining public confidence.
Collaboration Across the Sector
Collaboration continues to be a defining strength of the ITEN network, with members working alongside organisations across the UK and internationally.
- Professor Eugene O’Brien collaborated with ARGO-E in Greece as part of the Horizon Europe PORTAL project, working on digital twins, infrastructure resilience and structural health monitoring. The partnership brings together research expertise and practical engineering knowledge to support future infrastructure solutions.
- Iain Knight joined Agilysis’ Associates Network, contributing to discussions on the UK road safety landscape, international best practice and future opportunities to improve road safety through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Trevor Bradbury attended UKRail, connecting with organisations from across the rail industry and exploring developments and opportunities within the sector.
Sharing Technical Expertise
Sharing knowledge remains central to the ITEN network, with members continuing to support professional development and industry learning across the transport sector.
Nick Reed shared his expertise at MOVE 2026, joining discussions on artificial intelligence, risk and the future of automated vehicle safety. Bringing together leaders from across the mobility sector, the event explored the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging transport technologies and their real-world application.
Helen Viner presented on Skid Resistance in Practice, sharing insights from the Local Authority Skid Resistance (LASR) research programme. Her presentation demonstrated how data and analysis can support evidence-based decision making and contribute to improved highway safety outcomes.
Looking Ahead
From keynote presentations and technical research to international collaboration and industry thought leadership, the second quarter has demonstrated the breadth of expertise across the ITEN network.
Together, ITEN members continue to help shape conversations, challenge thinking and contribute practical solutions that support a safer, more resilient and more sustainable transport sector.
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