Enter the ITS UK Essay Competition!
The annual Essay Competition for early careers professionals, apprentices and students is now open for entries!
This annual event celebrates emerging talent in the transport technology sector, inviting 1,500-word papers on key transport technology themes with two prizes on offer – for the best submission by an early careers professional (someone in the first five years of their ITS career) and for the best student or apprentice essay.
Each winner will receive a £500 prize, a mentoring session with either Dr Jo White, Roads Development Director at National Highways, or Paul Campion, CEO of TRL, and promotion of their essay to thousands across the sector.
How to enter
The three topics which entrants can write about are:
- A Transport Network for All – How does the ITS sector ensure the future of transport is accessible and inclusive?
- Freight of the Future – How will technology change the logistics, freight and maritime sectors?
- A Sustainable Revolution – How do we ensure our transport network is ready for Net Zero?
Entries will be accepted until midnight Monday 3 March.
Entries must be submitted via the form here. Should you have any issues accessing the form, or have queries about the competition, please email contact@its-uk.org.
Last Year’s Winners
In 2023/4, the Best Early Careers Essay was awarded to Alison Gibson of Clearview Intelligence and the Best Student/Apprentice Essay to Anesu Jahura of the University of Cape Town.
Alison’s essay covered the topic of “Safety Assured – What role will technology play in delivering a safe transport network?” and Anesu’s looked at “The Data Revolution – How will the better use of data transform transport and logistics?”.
Both winners showed creativity, a detailed understanding of the sector and had a well-evidenced argument, making them both worthy winners!
Reactions
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, said: “The ITS UK Early Careers Essay Competition offers a great platform for emerging professionals to showcase their creativity, expertise, and innovative thinking. It provides a valuable career boost whilst giving participants a chance to get themselves in front of thousands of industry professionals. The transport technology sector is filled with emerging talent, who have a new and refreshing take on key issues for the sector, so we can’t wait to see what insights and perspectives this year’s entries will bring.”
James Hornsby, Early Careers Lead at ITS UK, stated: “The Early Careers Essay Competition is a brilliant opportunity for those looking to make a name for themselves in ITS. Last year, we had more entries than ever before, so we’re hoping that this year’s competition gets even more. If you’re new to the sector, or a student or apprentice, I’d thoroughly recommend getting involved and showing your expertise, creativity and skill to the sector!”
With thanks to the Institute of Highway Engineers for supporting the Competition! You can find out more about the IHE here