Congratulations to Old Girl Jane Power on becoming the 100th President of the IRSE!

We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Jane Power, a Bury Grammar School alumna, who has become the 100th President of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE). The Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) is the professional institution for all those engaged in or associated with railway signalling and telecommunications, train control, traffic management and allied professions.

Jane left Bury Grammar School in 1984 and has since forged an extraordinary career in engineering.

A Trailblazing Career

After leaving Bury Grammar School, Jane attended Liverpool University, where she earned a B.Eng in Engineering Science. She began her professional journey on a graduate training scheme with London Underground (LU) in their Signal and Electrical Department, where she progressed to become a Chartered Engineer.

Jane's career took her to Hong Kong for several years, where she worked on railway projects before returning to London to rejoin LU as a consultant. Over the years, she has been involved in a variety of major signalling projects.

Jane told us, "I enjoy my job as an engineer because for me it is like solving complex puzzles every day. Each project employs quite different systems as the technology evolves. The oldest technology is mechanical and it is still in use in some locations, while the latest systems use cloud computing and wifi. I can recommend railways as a career choice because there are so many different types of jobs available.

Jane encourages young people to consider a career in railways, highlighting the diversity of roles available and said,

"At school I liked Maths and Science, and Engineering is the practical application of those subjects."

The 100th President of the IRSE

In April 2024, Jane became the 100th President of the IRSE, an international professional institution with over 5,000 members in 53 countries. She is only the second female to hold this prestigious position.

Jane's Presidential year is focused on the theme "Power to the People", with three key strands:

• Technology is coming: as technology is getting smarter we need smart engineers to understand the capabilities and constraints of what is available in order to maximise its potential.
• Unsung heroes: while we get excited about the latest developments and technology, the people are just as important.  They contribute a huge amount to the safety and operation of our railways and signalling systems.  The Presidential lecture series is entitled 'Unsung Heroes' and will shine a light on some of the perhaps under-appreciated areas of our industry.
• Volunteers: the IRSE is an institution primarily run by engineers for engineers - I want to continue the work of those that have gone before me and ensure that volunteers are engaged and appreciated." 

This year, Jane has organised a seminar on the use of Artificial Intelligence in railways and hosted an international convention in Toronto, Canada, further demonstrating her leadership and vision for the industry.

A Shining Example

Jane currently works with Transport for London on the Four Lines Modernisation Project (4LM) and has over 30 years of experience in signalling principles and design. Her contributions to the field and her commitment to inspiring the next generation make her a true role model for aspiring engineers.

Find Out More

To read more about Jane’s Presidential year and the work of the IRSE, visit their website: IRSE - Institution of Railway Signal Engineers.