Dr Helen Viner, chief scientist of TRL’s (Transport Research Laboratory) infrastructure division, has joined the Highways Magazine editorial board.
An experienced scientist and manager, Viner joined TRL in 1997 as a researcher after two years of post-doctoral academic research. In January 2013, she was appointed as chief scientist for the infrastructure division, a role that includes developing collaborative research partnerships, preparing proposals for research funding, oversight of technical quality, and communicating TRL’s activities internally and externally.
She is the UK research coordinator within FEHRL (the Federation of European Highway Research Laboratories) and the research area leader for energy, environment and resources.
In her own specialism, Viner has worked extensively on the surface characteristics of road pavements, being responsible for innovative research and developing associated advice and standards. Her experience includes tyre-road interaction (friction, splash/spray, rolling resistance and noise), accident trends, performance monitoring and, latterly, the adhesion properties of railways.
Viner takes the place on the editorial board that was previously occupied by Bob Collis, director of strategic and local roads for TRL. Collis has recently retired.