21 May 2025: Two winners have been announced for the 2024/25 Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) Early Careers Essay Competition – Esther Fobi, who won the best student/apprentice essay and Will Dismorr, who won the best early careers professional essay.

Esther, an Engineering Student from Swansea University, received the prize for her essay “A Transport Network for All: Bridging Medical Data and Engineering to Create Truly Inclusive Mobility Solutions”, looking at how medical data could support accessibility on the transport network. Will Dismorr, a Digital Engineer at 4Way Consulting, won for his submission titled “How do we ensure our transport network is ready for Net Zero”, providing a holistic analysis of the challenges and solutions in decarbonising transport.

Both winners will receive a career-boosting prize package, including a £500 cash prize, a mentoring session with either Paul Campion, CEO of TRL, or Dr Jo White, Roads Development Director at National Highways, and have their essay published and shared to thousands across the industry.

Esther and Will received their awards at the ITS UK Early Careers Drinks Reception—a dedicated annual celebration of emerging ITS professionals and their impact on the transport technology sector – with ITS UK President Steve Norris handing the prizes.

Held in central London, the reception brought together both those in the first stages of their careers and more experienced professionals from across the public, private and academic sectors. Attendees had the chance to network, learn more about the intelligent transport community, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration in the evolving world of transport technology. The competition was supported by the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE).

Commenting on the competition, ITS UK Chief Executive Max Sugarman said: “The future of the sector will depend on the strength of its young professionals, students and apprentices – and from the calibre of the entries we received for his year’s Essay Competition – it’s clear we have a huge amount of talent and expertise coming through in the next generation.

“Both Esther and Will’s essays were insightful, well-argued, evidence and creative, showing a real ability to tackle complex issues and bring new ideas to the table. A huge congratulations to both!

Esther Fobi, the winner of the Student/Apprentice Essay Award, said: “I’m really grateful to have my work recognised. This piece gave me the chance to reflect on how engineering can be more inclusive — using insights from health data to help shape transport systems that better serve diverse needs, not just the majority. It’s encouraging to see these conversations gaining momentum and a reminder that we can design systems that work better for everyone.”

Will Dismorr, the winner of the Early Career Essay Award, said: ““I’m delighted and deeply thankful to have won the ITS UK Early Careers Essay Competition. I’m grateful not only for the opportunity to share my ideas, but also for the mentors, colleagues, and peers who continue to inspire me.”

Lyle Andrew/Cyrene Lafronte, of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), said: “IHE is delighted to sponsor the ITS UK Early Career Essay awards. ITS has become an integral and important part of our transport network and increasingly, in the work of our members within the Institute. The continued growth within this sector demonstrates that there are more opportunities for new entrants into the wider Highways and transportation industry. We encourage the next generation of Engineers to develop and showcase their skills, allowing us to celebrate their success and promote the sector.”

Note to Editors

1. You can read Esther Fobi’s essay here and Will Dismorr’s essay here.
2. Judges Comments:
   
   Speaking to Esther’s Essay the judges said: “Esther’s essay has a well-considered vision involving the utilisation of anonymised medical data. Well researched, detailed and original, she acknowledges the diverse range of disabilities and the potential for conflicts between them. She demonstrates good awareness of knowledge gaps and ITS potential backed up by useful examples including from overseas.”
   
   Regarding Will’s entry, the judges said: “Will’s essay is excellent – clearly structured, it recognises that there are key decisions we can make about the future of transport, and offers a call to address these challenges. Will presents realistic interventions, but highlights how they are determined by political choices. He should also be commended for the wider technical understanding of transport, showing how it’s not just roads and cars, but a whole interconnected system.”
   
3. 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