The railway supply industry invests Euro 1000 Million each year in research and development. New materials, signalling, telecommunication and information systems are the result of this effort. Small and medium sized enterprises are bringing much innovation to the sector.

Innovating and harmonising products and technologies are a necessity for the rail market to deploy all its potential, and for its stakeholders to deliver cost-effective services for intermediate and final clients. Rail transport in Europe is a future-oriented industry and is determined to offer an even more attractive, affordable, safe, clean, competitive and reliable transport mode.

The rail sector organisations, UNIFE, UIC, CER and UITP have agreed on a "Joint Strategy for European Rail Research – 2020. Towards a Single European Railway System". This strategy is based on the idea that joint research into the practical implementation of rail interoperability is key to achieving a complete Single European Railway System, and is decisive for the success and the competitiveness of the Railways and the Rail Supply Industry.

The following research priorities are defined: Interoperability, Telematics, Safety & Environment, and will be supported by research initiated by other transport modes on Innovative Materials and Production Methods. European policy makers should encourage these efforts.

Links to EU Funded Research Projects with UNIFE Participation


1. Thematic Networks & Accompanying Measures
Project Scope Status Website Address
TRAINSAFE (5FWP) Passive Safety Expert Network Complete www.trainsafe.net
SAMNET (5FWP) Safety Management System Network Active www.samnet.inrets.fr
LIBERTIN (5FWP) Harmonisation of Light Rail Standards Complete www.libertin.info
TRAMSAFE (5FWP) Light Rail Passive Safety Complete www.safetram-project.com
EURNEX (6FWP) Network of Academics & Test Facilities Active www.eurnex.net
ERRAC II (6FWP) Rail Research Advisory Council Active www.errac.org
NEW OPERA (6FWP) Innovative approach to Rail Freight network Active www.newopera.org
 
2. Large Scale Integrated Projects (IPs)
MODTRAIN (6FWP) Mainline Modular Solutions Active www.modtrain.com
INTEGRAIL (6FWP) Track-Train Diagnostics & Communications Active www.integrail.info/reserved
MODURBAN (6FWP) Modular Approach to Urban Transit Active www.modurban.org
SILENCE (6FWP) Perceived Noise in Urban Environments Active www.silence-ip.org
GREEN (6FWP) Deployment of the next Generation Diesels Active None yet
RAIL ENERGY (6FWP) Energy efficiency of rail vehicles & infrastructure In Preparation None yet
INNOTRACK (6FWP) New Mainline Infrastructure Technologies In Preparation None yet
LRTRACK (6FWP) New Urban Transit Infrastructure Technologies In Preparation None yet
 
3. Strategic Research Projects (STREPS)
WIDEM (6FWP) Innovative Wheelset Designs Active None yet
RAILCOM (6FWP) EMC interfaces with track circuits In Negotiation None yet
MODBRAKE (6FWP) Extra Brake System Sub-project for MODTRAIN In Preparation www.modtrain.com


Contact
:

Giorgio Travaini, International Technical Affairs Manager
Email: giorgio.travaini@unife.org
Tel: +32 2 643 70 89


 
Links
ERRAC Website www.errac.org
European Commission – Directorate General Research
Community Research and Development Information Service (Cordis)
EU 5th Framework Programme for RTD&D (in Cordis)
EU Research beyond 2002 (in Cordis)
Documents
Strategic Rail Research Agenda
Technical annex of the SSRA
A Joint Strategy for European Rail Research – 2020. Towards a Single European Railway System
Facing the future challenges of Mobility and Competitiveness of Europe
Rail Research in the EU
Light Rail and Metro Systems in Europe