Two Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) employees, Bridget Eickhoff and Vaibhav Puri have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the railways in HM The King’s Birthday Honours list. |
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Bridget Eickhoff, RSSB’s Principal Infrastructure Engineer has received the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to railway engineering.
A Cambridge maths graduate and chartered engineer, Bridget was at the forefront of developing computer software to inform understanding of rail vehicle dynamics, as well as ways to reduce the risk of derailment. Since joining RSSB in 2008, Bridget has had a lead role in developing and updating rail infrastructure standards and is a key expert on the engineering issues at the platform-train interface.
For over 20 years, Bridget has played a key role in IMechE’s Railway Division, including serving as Chair of the Railway Division in 2012-13, and contributing to professional development, training, and mentoring future rail engineers.
On being named in the Honours, Bridget said:
“I’m delighted to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“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 received the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contribution to railway safety and standards.
Vaibhav has been an influential voice in the evolution of UK, EU and international railway legislation, including supporting the Department for Transport and the sector in transitioning seamlessly to a post-EU exit legal and standards landscape. Vaibhav is recognised in the UK and internationally as an expert in rail regulation, governance, and standards.
Vaibhav leads RSSB’s Futures Lab which is helping the industry prepare for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, as well as using Foresight and Horizon Scanning to prepare for future risks and opportunities. He is also supporting the Rail Reform process, ensuring safety is not compromised during this period of change, and promoting the importance of sector culture as a key mechanism for the continuation of GB rail’s excellent safety performance.
On being named in the Honours, Vaibhav said:
“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.
“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, said:
“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.” Image credits: RSSB
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