A Systems Approach to Infrastructure
The perfect global platform to learn about state-of-the-art methodologies, and practical lessons on mega infrastructure programmes.
Course key facts
-
Date
2 - 4 September 2026
Duration
3 days
-
Credits
Non credit bearing
-
Format
In-person
Fee
£1,000
-
Location
On Campus (South Kensington)
Overview
“A Systems Approach to Infrastructure”, is a course for mid to senior level professionals engaged in infrastructure policy, planning, financing and implementation. It is also a place for all those interested in creating a more sustainable and resilient world to engage in discussions with infrastructure policy makers, sponsors and implementers.
Top experts from around the world will bring together all aspects of a systems approach to infrastructure implementation from planning, financing, to practical lessons learned on mega infrastructure programmes like Heathrow T5, Thames Tideway, Cross Rail, East-West Rail, Denver Union Station and Eagle Line, and other examples from around the world.
This course provides the perfect global platform and a unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art methodologies, and practical lessons learned on mega infrastructure programmes.
Learning Journey
The course aims to bring all sides engaged in infrastructure development, whether in the private or public sectors or in academia, develop a better understanding of the needs and issues of the other. The participants will hear from industry and public sector leaders about lessons learned on major programmes; they will learn about the practical issues in implementing infrastructure and look at how existing programme management methodology can be adapted to being an integrates, systems approach to deliver a new vision of smart, sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure while also addressing challenges of funding and financing. The identification of implementations challenges will lead to identifying potential areas of related research.
- Planners and engineers will learn from the experience of industry leaders about best practices and innovative methods to address the impacts of interconnected and interdependent systems and take advantage of system synergies to develop smart, sustainable, resilient and integrated solutions.
- Programme Managers and Delivery Partners will learn the importance of addressing the long-term impacts of infrastructure and how to bring that awareness to their clients.
- Public sector infrastructure managers will learn about the importance of a systems approach to programme delivery, about climate finance and available methods of financing infrastructure.
- All parties will have the opportunity for dialog designed to help them understand the needs and expectations of the other. This will lead to better quality RFPs, choice of the appropriate programme management approach and create better structures for P3 financing and implementation partnerships.
Course Details
Participants will develop a shared, systems‑level understanding of how complex, interconnected infrastructure systems are planned, financed, delivered and governed. Drawing on real‑world practice and current research, they will explore how to address long‑term impacts, manage interdependencies, leverage system synergies, and apply innovative approaches to create smart, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Through dialogue across perspectives, participants will strengthen their ability to define better requirements, select appropriate delivery and programme management approaches, structure effective public–private partnerships and financing models, and align practical decision‑making with research, modelling and Net Zero ambitions ultimately improving outcomes across the full infrastructure lifecycle.
This programme is intended for mid to senior level professionals engaged in infrastructure policy, planning and implementation in the consulting and construction industry, government agencies and non-governmental infrastructure implementing and financing organizations, academia, higher education, and enthusiasts interested in improving their knowledge about creating a more sustainable world
- £800 before 24 August 2026
- £1,000 after 24 August 2026
The fee covers tuition, a comprehensive set of digital notes, and lunches, but does not cover accommodation. Please note all fees must be received before the course start date.
If you have any queries regarding your booking please contact us via email or by phone: +44 (0)20 7594 6885
Detailed joining instructions, including a map, will be sent to all participants 10-14 days prior to the commencement of the course. Places on these courses are limited, EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISED.
A 20% administration fee will be levied for cancellations made up to two weeks prior to the start of the course. Cancellations thereafter will be liable to the loss of the full fee. Notice of cancellation must be given in writing by letter or fax and action will be taken to recover, from the delegates or their employers, that proportion of the fee owing at the time of cancellation.
Imperial College London reserves the right to cancel an advertised course at short notice. It will endeavour to provide participants with as much notice as possible, but will not accept liability for costs incurred by participants or their organisations for the cancellation of travel arrangements and/or accommodation reservations as a result of the course being cancelled or postponed. If a course is cancelled, fees will be refunded in full. Imperial College also reserves the right to postpone or make such alterations to the content of a course as may be necessary.
Testimonials
The speaker panel was an all-star line-up, representing a wide range of the country’s key major infrastructure programmes and institutions, each bringing a unique perspective based on deep sector expertise and extensive experience. The mix of industry, regulatory, and academic viewpoints, and the way these were joined up through careful programming, really set this course apart from others I’ve attended. Hannah Wight Senior Consultant, Programmes & Advisory, Jacobs
Your Speakers
-(1).jpg)
Professor Washington Yotto Ochieng, CBE
Director of the Centre for Active Resilience and Security (CARS)Head of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London and President of the Royal Institute of Navigation (2024–Present).
Seema Alim
Programme Director and Visiting ProfessorSeema has over 38 years of experience managing major, multi-sector infrastructure programmes in the US, Canada, Asia and Africa. Prior to Jacobs she was a Vice President (Global Programmes) with CH2MHILL and Vice President (Major Programmes) at Louis Berger.
Mark Enzer, OBE, FREng,
Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting ProfessorProfessor Mark Enzer OBE FREng, is a keen champion of outcomes-focused systems-thinking, collaborative delivery models, digitalisation, connected digital twins and the circular economy in the built environment.
Hariom Newport
Head of Environment & Sustainability at the Infrastructure and Projects AuthorityHariom Newport is responsible for setting strategy and driving change across the UK Government. Her work covers the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) which includes nearly 200 projects with a combined whole life value exceeding £800 billion. The projects span various sectors including infrastructure, military, transformation, and ICT.
Fergus Harradence
Deputy Director in the Department for Business & TradeFergus Harradence has responsibility for the built environment sectors, including construction, water, airports and logistics. Since joining the Civil Service In 2000, he has worked in a number of Departments in a range of economic policy roles, including trade policy, export promotion, innovation and corporate tax.
Mr. Tom Wilne, BEng, MSc, CEng, MIMechE
Programme Director, JacobsTom Wilne is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and has a Masters from University of Manchester Business School in Executive Management. He is an experienced organisational leader with cross sector experience spanning rail, aviation and offshore energy.
Mr. John Pelton MBE, MBA (OPEN), Ceng, Eur Ing, FICA, FInstRE, FAPM
Honorary Professor, UCLProfessor John Pelton, MBE, is currently a visiting professor at UCL. Former positions included Enterprise Programme Director at Costain, Amentum and Jacobs where was the Programme Partner Director for East West Rail.
Hannah Wight, FRSA
Principal Consultant, JacobsHannah Wight FRSA is a Principal Consultant at Jacobs and doctoral researcher at Durham University. She advises senior leaders on organisational and commercial strategy, governance, and culture across UK and international programmes.
Raffaele M Della Croce Di Dojola, PhD
InstructorResearcher at Grantham Institute, Imperial College London / Previous Co-Director of the Singapore Green Finance Centre / Previous Senior Economist at Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Professor Bilal Ayyub, PhD, PE
Dept. of Civil Eng, Imperial College LondonProfessor Bilal Ayyub, PhD., PE, is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Center for Technology and Systems Management at the University of Maryland; Visiting Professor, Imperial College, London; Senior Economist at the Applied Economics Office of National Institute of Standards and Technology (2023-2024); and Co-Director, International Joint Research Center for Resilient Infrastructure, Tongji University, China.
Dr Mireille Elhajj
CEO, Astra-TerraVisiting Professor (Imperial College London). Specialises in satellite navigation and smart cities. Chairs the tech UK Scale-Up Council. Engineering PhD and Royal Institute of Navigation Fellow.
Avner Hilu
GINOM - Decision Intelligence for Critical InfrastructureAvner Hilu is the Chief Product Officer of GINOM. GINOM is an AI- powered Decision Intelligence platform that helps governments, utilities, and critical infrastructure operators understand, anticipate, and manage complex interdependencies across essential services.
Roger Bailey, FICE
Chief Technical Officer, Thames TidewayRoger is the former Chief Technical Officer of Thames Tideway Tunnel and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Roger’s Completion & Handover Team at Tideway was responsible for technical oversight, property and commercial agreements, compliance with planning permission, system commissioning and the operational integration of the completed Thames Tideway Tunnel asset into the existing London sewer network.
Dr Sian Thomas, Beng (Hons), MBA, DBA, CEng FICE, CMgr FCMI
Director of Strategic Asset Management, Anglian Water; Honorary Professor, UCLAn infrastructure professional with a Doctorate in Business Administration, Siân takes pride in providing a unique and powerful combination of expertise and diversity of thought. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Management Institute, Siân has spent over 25 years in infrastructure delivering in general business, project and operational roles.
Adam Locke, MA MSc MA CEng FICE
Programme Director, Laing O’RourkeAdam Locke, MA MSc MA CEng FICE, is a Project Director at Laing O’Rourke leading on the development and delivery of energy transition infrastructure, including wind and nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs), to address both energy security and Net Zero challenges.
Dame Dervilla Mitchell, CBE, FREng
Former Director, Arup GroupDervilla Mitchell, CBE, FREng, is the former Deputy Chair of Arup Group and a Civil Engineer with a background of design in the built environment. Her particular expertise is leading major programmes, and these have included Terminal 5, Heathrow, Terminal 2, Dublin and Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal.
Bruno Carr
Head of Investment Planning, Transport for LondonBruno is the Head of Investment Planning at Transport for London, leading on opportunities to deliver more value for London from the TfL assets and capital investment programmes.
Professor Michael Mainelli, FCCA FCSI(Hon), FBCS
Lord Mayor of London 2023-2024Professor Michael Mainelli KStJ OMRI FCCA FCSI(Hon) FBCS FRSA is Chairman and founder of Z/Yen Group, London’s leading think-tank, and President of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Michael is a scientist and economist promoting societal advance through better decisions about technology and finance.
Mr. Laurence Marzell
Whole Systems Approach, Founder; Honorary Research Fellow, Imperial College London.Laurence Marzell founded Whole System Approach in 2022, building on over a decade of leading research and innovation for Serco UK & Europe. He has extensive experience translating R&I outputs into operational practice, contributing to major EU Horizon 2020 projects across community policing, crisis training and resilience, Earth Observation data and the EU’s Green Deal.
Helene Galy
Research Network Director, WTW; Commissioner, UK National Preparedness CommissionAn environmental economist by background, Hélène is the Willis Research Network director at Willis, a global multinational risk management, insurance brokerage and advisory company.
Jessie Hamill-Stewart
Cyber Security CDT (PhD) researcher, University of Bristol and University of BathCyber Security CDT (PhD) researcher at University of Bristol and University of Bath, conducting interdisciplinary research about the cyber security and resilience of space infrastructure.
Paul Wakely
Head of Strategic Network Development National Energy System Operator, NESOPaul is an experienced engineer with more than a decade of experience in the planning, policy and markets of the GB electricity transmission system.
-(2).png)
Lord Toby Harris
Chair, National Preparedness Commission (est. 2020)Former President, Institute of Strategic Risk Management and Former Member, House of Lords Select Committees on Personal Internet Security and on Democracy & Digital Technologies.
David Reed, MP
Member of Parliament, Exeter and Exmouth, UKDavid Reed is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Exmouth & Exeter East. He serves on the opposition front bench as Shadow Defense Whip, is a member of the International Development Committee, and Vice Chair of the APPG for Foreign Affairs. He has a background in military and cyber security.
Angela O’Byrne, FAIA
President Perez APC, UKAngela O’Byrne, FAIA, president of Perez in New Orleans, LA, earned a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and an MS in Real Estate Development from Columbia University; she is a licensed architect in over 20 states, a licensed GC in 3 states, a Fellow of the AIA, and LEED Accredited.
Chris Darton, CE
Senior Director Major Programmes, JacobsChris Darton is a Senior Programme Director with 28 years’ experience across some of the UK’s most demanding infrastructure and energy programmes. He is a passionate about realising the value of collaborative enterprise models and advocates for the conditions that allow major programmes to succeed over the long haul.
