March 11, 2025
D/Gauge, a leading expert in railway clearance and gauging, is proud to announce that its founder and Technical Director, Dr. David Johnson, has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton. Dr. Johnson will be working alongside the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence for Railway Infrastructure, contributing his expertise in railway infrastructure, track maintenance, and renewal.
With decades of experience in railway gauging and infrastructure, Dr. Johnson’s new role will allow him to collaborate with industry-leading researchers and engineers to develop solutions for the rail industry’s most pressing challenges. The Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure (CEI), led by the University of Southampton, focuses on creating high-performance, low-maintenance railway infrastructure through cutting-edge research and innovation. It brings together expertise from Southampton, Sheffield, Nottingham, Heriot-Watt, and Loughborough universities to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world railway operations.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Johnson said:
"I'm still working 100% for D/Gauge, but with my letting go of some activities that have consumed much of my spare time over recent years, I am now able to pick up some new things. Whilst recent years have seen me engrossed in gauging, my professional roots are in railway infrastructure and track maintenance/renewal. It will be good to bring that experience into 21st-century context and contribute to that area again. Much of what we looked at in British Rail Research back then remains to be fully exploited now that enabling technology has advanced so much."
D/Gauge remains committed to advancing railway safety and innovation, and Dr. Johnson’s involvement with the Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure will further strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. His deep understanding of railway infrastructure challenges and technological advancements will play a vital role in shaping the future of railway research.
