Aston University is bringing together leading local figures to help it mark 50 years of transport studies.

To mark the half centenary the University is holding a networking event on 18 April to put transport in the spotlight.

Speakers and panel members include Adam Harrison, principal policy manager for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Richard Bradley, head of strategy at Midlands Connect and former student Richard Harper who is now an associate director of the global business consultancy Steer.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss issues that are critical to the sector such as improving connectivity in the West Midlands and the importance of good links between universities and the transport industry.

Transport historian and Aston University teaching fellow Dr David Turner will be giving a talk about changes in the industry and their effects on the sector today.

The event has been organised by senior lecturer in transport, head of the Department. Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management Dr Lucy Rackliff and Aston University teaching fellow and strategic partnerships lead at Midlands Connect, Sarah Spink.

Dr Rackliff said: “There are so many vital questions facing the sector today.

“So much has changed in the last five years and with major challenges such as decarbonisation to be addressed, delivering the skilled professionals needed in transport has never been more important.

“The skills gap has also affected the industry but with collaboration and initiatives like degree apprenticeships, this is an issue that universities can help the sector tackle.”