ITS UK’s Early Careers Essay Competition announces winners

Credit: Intelligent Transport Systems UK

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. For 2024, 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 (TfL), or Jo White, Roads Development Director at National Highways.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems 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.