Pedro Antunes is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Railway Research (IRR), University of Huddersfield, and an internationally recognised expert in computational railway engineering, specialising in pantograph–catenary dynamics and vehicle–track interaction. He is also a research collaborator at the Mechanical Engineering Institute (IDMEC), Portugal. His career blends rigorous academic research with high impact industrial collaboration, demonstrating a rare ability to convert advanced numerical methods into practical engineering solutions that support large scale electrification programmes and system de risking across multiple countries. A central focus of Pedro’s work is the development of advanced numerical tools for pantograph–catenary and vehicle–track interaction. His doctoral thesis, “Co Simulation Methods for Multidisciplinary Problems in Railway Dynamics,” laid the foundation for much of his later research and earned the Lagrange Award for Outstanding Thesis in Multibody Dynamics. This distinction highlighted his international potential, which he has since fulfilled through extensive research, software development, industry partnerships, and contributions to standardisation. One of Pedro’s defining achievements is his role as author and lead developer of PantoCat, an EN50318 certified pantograph–catenary dynamic analysis tool used widely in research, consultancy, and electrification design. PantoCat integrates finite element (FE) and multibody system (MBS) modelling through advanced co simulation strategies, enabling accurate representation of dynamic behaviour in both high speed and conventional rail systems. Pedro’s expertise is further demonstrated through his leadership of major industrial projects. His work with Network Rail on the Panto OLE Dynamics Tool (PantoCatNR) showcases his ability to deliver complete workflows, including bespoke interfaces, specialised modelling features, and flexible simulation environments tailored to infrastructure engineers. These tools now support the UK’s electrification strategy, particularly where high fidelity dynamic assessment is required. He also played a major role in the Transpennine Electrification Project (Colton Junction), applying advanced simulations to optimise OLE configurations, assess design variations, and de risk operations across diverse pantograph and train configurations. This work highlights his capacity to apply sophisticated modelling to real world engineering challenges in demanding, high-stake, operational environments. His contributions are grounded in deep knowledge of pantograph design, overhead contact line behaviour, dynamic stability, and current collection performance, supported by extensive analytical, numerical, and experimental experience. As head of IRR’s full scale pantograph test bench, he oversees critical validation activities that ensure strong alignment between simulation tools and physical measurements. Pedro also plays a significant role in international standardisation, contributing to CENELEC, IEC, UIC and BSI (via RSSB) committees responsible for pantograph–catenary interaction, simulation validation, and OCL performance. His involvement reflects the trust placed in his technical judgement and his ability to influence global requirements and methodologies. In the academic sphere, Pedro serves as an Early Career Editor for Computers & Structures and Advances in Engineering Software, two leading journals in computational mechanics and engineering software. He is also an active reviewer for numerous high impact journals, reflecting the breadth of his expertise and his standing within the international research community. Pedro is also a lecturer in the Advanced Dynamics course and supervises PhD students, promoting high-quality research training and contributing actively to the academic development of early-career researchers.