Global leaders focus on post-pandemic railways

Topics ranging from zero-carbon trains to passenger experiences and enhancing rail freight were among those discussed by rail innovation leaders from the UK and overseas at the 13th World Congress on Railway Research,

Hosted by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and the University of Birmingham, the congress took place at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre from June 6-10.

The five-day event attracted more than 700 delegates from across the globe and gave an audience to more than 300 speakers and 340 sessions, as well as attracting over 600 paper submissions.

The theme was Reshaping our railways post-pandemic: Research with an impact. Delegates came from as far afield as Japan, with the focus on technical development, promoting collaboration, and inspiring the next generation of rail professionals to work together on the common challenges faced by railways.

Rail Minister Wendy Morton delivered the Ministerial Address to the Congress as part of the first day’s events.

As part of her visit to Birmingham, the minister also toured the University’s new railway research facilities based at its new UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) building. The facilities were established to support research and industrial partnerships in digital railway engineering.

“Research and development are accelerating at fast speeds, with high-tech facilities and a strong focus on education, resulting in some remarkable collaborations,” said Morton.

“So it was wonderful to see the facilities available in Birmingham which are directly supporting the railway industry - not only in the UK, but overseas, too.”

Professor Clive Roberts, head of the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, said: “The conversations and discussions that took place across the week all led to the common goal of improving our railway system making rail greener and the chosen and most attractive mode of public transport, improving passenger experience, and enhancing rail freight.”

Luisa Moisio, Director of Research and Development at RSSB, added: “It was a fantastic week, with a varied mix of exhibitions, presentations, plenary discussions and technical visits on new railway research, development and technical innovation.”

Away from the conference sessions, site visits were offered to delegates - including one to the HS2 development at Curzon Street.