The annual award, which recognises an individual’s contribution to technical excellence across the broader transport industry, was presented to Rahmi in front of industry colleagues and friends at the 2014 RA annual lunch in Melbourne in December.
Rahmi is a leading scientist and software developer whose lifelong contribution to traffic management, planning and safety has benefited motorists around the world. He has also trained and advised thousands of Australian and international traffic systems professionals.
Rahmi graduated as a Civil Engineer from Istanbul Technical University in 1968 and received a PhD in Transportation Engineering from Leeds University, England, before migrating to Australia in 1975. During the 1970’s he worked as a traffic engineer-planner with the National Capital Development Commission in Canberra before embarking on a 20-year career as a researcher with ARRB in Melbourne.
In 1999, Rahmi established a research and software company specialising in road traffic operations, traffic engineering, management and control.
The product of his research was the SIDRA Intersection software, which is today used in more than 70 countries and is the best-selling software package of its kind.
Rahmi has served on numerous committees worldwide and his achievements include multiple awards, including the 1999 Clunies Ross National Science and Technology award for outstanding commitment and contribution to the application of science and technology in Australia.
Past winners of the RA Award for Technical Excellence are Kieran Sharp (2013), John Hodgkinson (2012) and Professor John Metcalf (2011)