The second round of the Data Sandbox+ research competition is closing on the 6th of December, make sure you submit your entry before then! Data Sandbox+ is building on the success of the original ‘Data Sandbox’ initiative that RSSB launched in 2017, which funded five feasibility studies on how data can be used in novel ways to support performance improvements.
Through the Data Sandbox+, RSSB are making £650,000 available to fund demonstrator projects that build on the work that has been already carried out or feasibility studies which propose new approaches and ideas.
Network Rail has additional funding available within the CP6 R&D portfolio to also support suitable projects up to £650,000 through the Data Sandbox+ competition.
Proposals for innovative data-driven solutions to the following key operational performance challenges are invited:
- Predicting and minimising reactionary delays
- Understanding train movements
- Reducing dwell time variations
- Management of disruptions
- Better measuring and understanding performance and delays
- Other challenges, as identified by relevant owners (such as Network Rail or passenger and freight operators)
Data Sandbox+ builds on the repository of data that was made available for the original competition and includes new and refreshed content from Network Rail, Rail Delivery Group, Transport Systems Catapult, and a variety of TOCs, MetOffice and others. If you are a train or freight operator, or another organisation, and would like to get involved by sharing data samples to enhance the repository and supporting future research, please get in touch.
There will be two rounds of applications. The first opens in April and closes on 5th July 2019; the second round will open on 2nd and September and will close on 6th December 2019.
For more information about the competition visit the Data Sandbox+ hub or contact researchcompetitions@rssb.co.uk.