13 May 2024: The two winners of Intelligent Transport Systems UK’s (ITS UK) Early Careers Essay Competition have been announced, with Alison Gibson of Clearview Intelligence winning the Best Early Careers Professional Essay and Anesu Jahura of the University of Cape Town winning the Best Student/Apprentice Essay.

The Early Careers Essay Competition is the industry’s annual celebration of those starting out in the sector. Each year, early career professionals, students and apprentices are invited to submit a 1,500 word essay on a subject related to transport technology and intelligent mobility. This year, more than 20 essays were received, focusing on one of three topics around safety, data or integration.

The two winning essays, by Alison and Anesu, covered the respective topics of “Safety Assured – What role will technology play in delivering a safe transport network?” and “The Data Revolution – How will the better use of data transform transport and logistics?”.

Both essays have been published on the ITS UK website and will be shared across the industry by Media Partner Intelligent Transport. Alison and Anesu will also receive a £500 cash prize, provided by ISR Recruitment, and will have the opportunity for a one-to-one mentoring session with either Glynn Barton, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for London, or Jo White, Roads Development Director at National Highways.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said: “The ITS UK Early Careers Essay Competition is always a great way to celebrate and showcase emerging talent in the sector, but this year we were particularly impressed by both the quantity and quality of essays entered, which show the fantastic creativity, technical skill and originality of our early career professionals.

“Congratulations to Alison and Anesu for their brilliant essays covering safety and data. Both winners are well-deserving, with their two essays showing an impressive level of knowledge, a clear viewpoint and forward-thinking ideas. Well done, Alison and Anesu!”

Alison Gibson said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been selected as a winner of the ITS UK Early Careers Essay Competition. I would like to thank ITS UK for organising this competition and providing a platform to showcase emerging talent in the sector. Receiving this award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collective efforts of everyone who has supported and inspired me along the way.”

Anesu Jahura said: “I am absolutely honoured to have won this prestigious competition! As a student beginning his journey in transportation engineering and research, opportunities like these make me feel as if I’m on the right track. I’m also proud to showcase the talent that resides in African research spaces!”

The Early Careers Essay Competition is supported by ISR Recruitment and Media Partner Intelligent Transport.

Note to Editors

1. You can read Alison Gibson’s essay here and Anesu Jahura’s essay here

2. About Alison Gibson: In 2022, Alison made a career shift from a role as a Pharmacy Technician to joining Clearview Intelligence as a Business Management Coordinator. As a recent graduate in Business Management, she came into her role first with a passion for Business Strategy, however, 18 months later she’s excited to have broadened her focus and developed her knowledge further to make an impact leveraging data and technology to enhance road safety and network efficiency. This career transition has presented a significant learning curve; however it is one which she has fully embraced and emersed herself in. As Alison continues on her learning journey, she is dedicated to contributing to positive changes within the ITS sector.

3. Judges’ Comments on Alison’s Essay: “Alison’s essay highlighted an excellent application to a real-world scenario, exploring beyond traditional enforcement and the efficacy of current interventions. Deep technical understanding was clearly evidenced within the paper, which is extremely impressive for an innovation technology. The level of critique of the technology was also incredibly detailed, with a clear evaluation of cost benefits incorporated too. There was a clear tangible impact from the technology covered, which has the ability to change the industry.”

4. About Anesu: Anesu Jahura is an MSc (Eng) Civil Engineering Student from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He is passionate about exploring research related to sustainable, future-focused transportation such as new-energy and electric vehicles, mobility-as-a-service and the consideration of socioeconomic factors in transport engineering.

5. Judges’ Comments on Anesu’s Essay: “Anesu’s essay about data use within transport industries was a clear winner, addressing a complex and wide ranging topic in a style that was engaging, informative and accessible. Viewpoints had been well researched and referenced, providing useful insights and future considerations. Well done!”

6. More information about the ITS UK Early Careers Essay Competition can be found here.

7. About ITS UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support our 150+ members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem. www.its-uk.org