IRSE- Prizes & awards

Prizes & awards
A number of awards are given by the IRSE usually following nominations of individuals by companies or organisations in the industry.

The IRSE Merit Award
This award was introduced in 2007 In order to recognise meritorious service to the Institution by a volunteer or staff member anywhere in the world. The award is made by the Council following receipt of a nomination by either; an individual who knows of the contribution of the person;an IRSE committee or local section committee; another body in the rail industry or by Council.

Meritorious service is defined as making a substantial contribution to the Institution’s work over a period of time by organising activities, or carrying out specific tasks which have furthered the Institution’s aims and objectives. The award takes the form of a plaque mounted on a rectangular plinth with an engraved citation to record the date, name and purpose of the award.

If you want to nominate someone who you think deserves to be considered for a Merit Award, please contact the Chief Executive.

The Thorrowgood Scholarship Award
The Thorrowgood Scholarship is awarded annually to a candidate who has excelled in the IRSE’s Professional Examination. The award, which is presented at the Institution’s AGM in the April following the examination, is made up of the Thorrowgood Scholarship Medallion and a cheque for £1500.

Under the terms of the bequest of W J Thorrowgood (Past President), the Scholarship is awarded on the basis that it should assist the development of young engineers employed in the railway signalling and telecommunications field. The award must be used to finance a study tour of railway and/or signalling installations or manufacturing facilities, usually in a foreign administration, after which the award holder presents a report on the study tour to the Younger Members Section.

To be eligible for the award, candidates are usually expected to have sat the required four modules in the same year and achieved outstanding results.

The Dell Award
The Dell Award is made annually under a bequest of the late Robert Dell OBE (Past President). It is awarded to a member of the Institution employed by London Underground Ltd (or its successor bodies) for achievement of a high standard in the science and application of railway signalling. The award consists of a plaque with a uniquely designed shield, engraved with the recipient’s name together with a cheque for £300.

The Wing Award for Safety
The Wing Award for Safety was introduced in 1994 to commemorate the life and work of the late Peter Wing who was an IRSE Fellow and an employee of British Rail. During his career he made a major contribution to the cause of line-side safety. Those who are eligible for this award will likely be innovative, promote awareness and will have made an outstanding contribution to the vital business of line-side safety. The award is made up of a certificate and a cheque for £500 to be spent on the recipient’s professional development.