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
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Date
2 - 4 September 2026
Duration
3 days
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Credits
Non credit bearing
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Format
In-person
Fee
£1,000
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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 22 July 2026
- £1,000 after 22 July 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
Speakers
Professor Washington Yotto Ochieng, CBE, EBS, CEng, FREng , FCGI
Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London
Imperial’s Research Objectives in Systems Engineering
Professor Seema Alim, PhD,
PE Visiting Professor, Imperial College London; Vice President and Programme Director, Jacobs
Programme Overview - Need for a Systems Approach
Professor Mark Enzer, OBE, FREng
Strategic Advisor, Mott MacDonald; Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Outcome Focused Systems Thinking
Dame Dervilla Mitchell, DBE, FREng
Former Director, Arup Group
How T5 Brought Together a Systems Approach to Delivery
John Pelton MBE, MBA (OPEN), Ceng, Eur Ing, FICA, FInstRE, FAPM
Honorary Professor, UCL
The Importance of Leadership in a Systems Approach to Infrastructure Implementation – an Insight from Military Mission Command
Roger Bailey, FICE
Chief Technical Officer, Thames Tideway
Achieving Successful Delivery at Thames Tideway
Dr Raffaele Della Croce, PhD
Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Infrastructure Financing
Professor Bilal Ayyub, PhD, PE
Director, Center for Technology and Systems Management, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Infrastructure Networks and Economics
Dr Mireille Elhajj, PhD, FRIN, MCIHT
CEO, Astra-Terra Ltd; Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Role of Emerging Technologies and Contribution of Start-ups in Infrastructure Implementation.
Hariom Newport, MSc
Head of Environment and Sustainability, NISTA, UK.
Policies Aimed at Sustainable, Innovative and Resilient Infrastructure
Dr Sian Thomas, Beng (Hons), MBA, DBA, CEng FICE, CMgr FCMI
Director of Strategic Asset Management, Anglian Water; Honorary Professor, UCL
Lessons from Mega Projects - a People Systems Approach
Professor Michael Mainelli, FCCA FCSI(Hon), FBCS
Lord Mayor of London 2023-2024
Whole Systems Finance - Persistent Communities are More Important than Cash
Adam Locke, MA, MSc, MBA, Ceng, FICE
Programme Director, Laing O’Rourke
Case Study - Bridge Design and Construction
Hannah Wight, FRSA
Principal Consultant, Jacobs
Trust and Leadership
Fergus Harradence
Deputy Director, Department of Business and Trade, UK
Current Policies and Their Impacts on Sustainable Infrastructure Development.
Bruno Carr
Head of Investment Planning, Transport for London
A Systems Approach to Transit-oriented Development
Tom Wilne, BEng, MSc, CEng, MIMechE
Programme Director, Jacobs
Say it with Flowers! – Leadership Concepts for Complex Integrated System Delivery, Theory and Practice.
Adding value through a systems approach to pre-award and bidding phases of infrastructure programs
Dr Mireille Elhajj, PhD, FRIN, MCIHT
CEO, Astra-Terra Ltd; Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Professor Mark Enzer, OBE, FREng
Strategic Advisor, Mott MacDonald; Visiting Professor, Imperial College London
Jessie Hamill-Stewart
Cyber Security CDT (PhD) researcher, University of Bristol and University of Bath
Laurence Marzell (Moderator)
Whole Systems Approach, Founder; Honorary Research Fellow, Imperial College London.
Helene Galy
Research Network Director, WTW; Commissioner, UK National Preparedness Commission
Paul Wakely
NESO
