The CIHT Emerging Professional Conference 2025 held on 9 April at Aston University brought together a powerful cross-section of the next generation of transport and infrastructure professionals for a day of bold ideas, big questions, and a clear commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and people-focused future.
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Hosted by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), the event featured speakers from across industry and government, highlighting the dual challenges and opportunities facing the sector – from the engineering feats of megaprojects like HS2, to the human stories behind climate action and social inclusion in transport design.
Kicking off the conference, Jiten Davdra, Head of Engineering & Environment at HS2, walked attendees through the massive scale and intricacy of the high-speed rail project’s first phase. With 140 miles of track, 175 bridges, and 32 miles of tunnel, the challenge is not just technical, but profoundly environmental and ethical.
Davdra emphasised a “V-lifecycle model” approach to delivery – spanning everything from earthworks and track-slab installation to high-voltage power, telecommunications, and sustainable tunnel ventilation. His message was clear: integrating environmental considerations into every stage of infrastructure design is no longer optional.
Lauren SeBlonka, Innovation Business Partner, Transport Infrastructure, Amey and Joseph Webster, Transport for West Midlands discussed the merits and learnings from their real-world trials for their Decarbonising Roads Programme that is paving the way to a low-carbon future through material innovation and collaboration across the highways and local roads sector. Collaboration was the key takeaway.
This great session was followed by our first ever ‘In conversation with …’ slot where Georgia Yexley, Founder of Loud Mobility, presented an overview of her career journey into transportation and establishing a successful business before being interviewed by Rebecca Paramor, Emerging Professional of the Year 2024 and Sharad Kerai, Apprentice of the Year 2024. Georgia’s message to the emerging professionals in the room was clear – be honest, be yourself and be brave.
The ‘Delivering a local authority transport portfolio in 2025’ session was delivered by Jason Griffin, Head of Transport Project Place, Prosperity & Sustainability Directorate, at Birmingham City Council highlighting the challenges facing a local authority with conflicting views from service users.
One of the standout sessions came from CIHT’s report on inclusive design, presented under the powerful theme of “Creating a Public Realm for All” led by Antoneta Horbury, Director of Policy and Technical Affairs, at CIHT. The report calls for a shift from top-down planning to a process of “co-cultivation,” where people with lived experience of disability or exclusion play a central role in shaping infrastructure decisions.
Antoneta commented “Good access is not only about physical accessibility,” she asserts, “it is an ethos of inclusion for everyone.”
Donna Howard, Jahari Lewis and Kerry Collins from Kier discussed the importance of giving back through social value with many examples of how Kier is helping the wider society and demonstrating the opportunities available within the sector through their outreach activities.
In a session titled Exploring CLIMATES, CIHT President Professor Glenn Lyons presented findings from a multi-month engagement initiative that asked over 300 professionals to envision the future of climate-resilient transport.
From pledging to ditch flights in 2025, to challenging outdated workplace norms, emerging professionals made it clear: they’re ready to act. The most common concerns cited included political inaction, visible climate impacts, and a lack of leadership urgency—yet the mood remained one of hope. “The future isn’t predetermined,” said Lyons. “It is ours to shape.”
Claire Stocks of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority inspired attendees with her session on transport communications, highlighting how the sector can better “show, not tell” the benefits of future infrastructure projects. From virtual reality to emotionally resonant storytelling, Stocks argued for a deeper, more intuitive connection with the public. “Don’t tell me what’s changing,” she said. “Show me how I will feel.”
Mark Corbin, Director of Network Resilience at Transport for West Midlands, delivered a powerful address on becoming a future “people-centric” leader – stressing empathy, honesty, and the courage to lead with authenticity.
Mitchell Mackenzie of National Highways closed out the afternoon by outlining the organisation’s social value strategy, focusing on health, education, equality, and environmental improvement as essential outcomes of infrastructure delivery.
In closing remarks, Professor Glenn Lyons reminded attendees that infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel. “It’s about people, place, and purpose,” he said. “This generation of professionals understands that – and they’re ready to lead.”
As the conference wrapped with networking drinks, one thing was clear: the future of transport is in passionate, capable hands—and it’s about far more than just getting from A to B.
For more information or to join CIHT, visit www.ciht.org.uk
To explore the full CIHT Public Realm Report, email: technical@ciht.org.uk
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
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