Academics4Rail D1.2 European rail research themes and funds

This document presents the methodology which was followed in order to complete Task 1.2 “Mapping European (including national) rail research themes and funds” as well as its results. The aim of this Task is to create an online inventory of the rail research topics that are currently under further investigation by European countries as well as the European Commission. To achieve this goal, first, a dedicated template was created and shared among project partners, each of whom was asked to search and complete relevant information for specific countries. The template was completed for each EU country and for the European Commission separately. Finally, this document presents the main output of this Task which is the online Academics4Rail Tool that includes the collected information per country. A complete user guide is included here, in order for the user to be able to search using different criteria.1.1 Overview of National and European Rail Research FundingRail transport research in Europe is funded through a combination of national and European initiatives. The primary objective is to foster innovation, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainability across the rail sector. This narrative provides an overview of the major themes and trends in national rail research funding across European countries and compares them with the overarching goals and budget of the European program, Europe’s Rail.1.1.1 Common Research ThemesSustainable Transportation: One of the most prevalent themes across national rail research programs is the focus on sustainable transportation. This includes the development of eco-friendly rail infrastructure, energy-efficient transport systems, and the reduction of environmental impacts such as noise and emissions. Countries like Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Spain have dedicated significant resources to sustainable rail initiatives. For instance, Austria’s national program emphasizes innovative, eco-friendly solutions, while Belgium's funding through the DUT Call 2023 supports projects aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving urban mobility.Digitalization and Automation: The digital transformation of the rail sector is another critical area of focus. This includes the integration of digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience. Germany is at the forefront of this trend with the German Centre for Rail Traffic Research (DZSF) driving numerous digitalization projects. Similarly, Sweden’s Vinnova funds projects that leverage sensor data to optimize decision-making and improve energy efficiency in rail operations.Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading and maintaining rail infrastructure to meet modern standards is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of rail transport. Countries like Bulgaria, Estonia, and Finland have significant projects underway to modernize their rail networks. Estonia’s transport strategy for 2021-2035 includes substantial investments to increase rail speed and safety, supported by EU structural funds.Safety and Security: Improving rail safety and security is a priority across many national programs. Research in this area focuses on enhancing signaling systems, developing new safety protocols, and integrating advanced monitoring technologies. Switzerland, for example, through the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), funds projects aimed at maintaining high safety standards in rail operations.Connectivity and Interoperability: Enhancing connectivity within the European rail network and ensuring interoperability with other transport modes are key objectives. This is particularly important for countries with extensive international rail connections, such as Poland and the Netherlands. Poland’s BRIK initiative, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK), aims to integrate the Polish rail network more closely with European standards and improve overall connectivity.High-Speed Rail: The development of high-speed rail technologies is another area of focus, although less common compared to other themes. Austria and the Czech Republic are notable for their investments in high-speed rail projects, which aim to reduce travel times and enhance the competitiveness of rail transport against other modes of transportation.Freight and Logistics: Efficient freight and logistics solutions are essential for the economic viability of rail transport. Research in this area focuses on optimizing logistics chains, improving freight handling, and developing new technologies to enhance the efficiency of rail freight. Germany’s DZSF and Swiss’ projects on digital automatic coupling are examples of initiatives aimed at modernizing freight transport.1.1.2 Concrete ExamplesFrance: France's Research and Innovation Orientation Council for the railway sector (CORIFER) plays a critical role in steering state-industry dialogue and optimizing support for rail innovation. The CORIFER 2023 call for expressions of interest, funded under the France 2030 plan, focuses on several key areas, including sustainable transportation, digitalization, and the development of intelligent machines. France also supports projects through DUT Call 2023 and CETP 2023, with a dedicated budget that surpasses those of other countries like Belgium for specific calls.Austria: The Shift2Rail consortium VVAC+ is a prominent example of Austria's commitment to rail research. This consortium, comprising 12 major parties, focuses on various research themes, including sustainable transportation, high-speed rail, and digitalization. The Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) are key funding bodies supporting these initiatives.Belgium: Belgium’s funding landscape is characterized by diverse sources, including the FNRS and VLAIO. The DUT Call 2023 and CETP 2023 have provided substantial funding for projects related to hydrogen and renewable fuels. Additionally, the M-ERA.NET program, with a budget of €2.2 million, targets the development of advanced composites for industrial applications, including transportation.Germany: The German Centre for Rail Traffic Research (DZSF) exemplifies Germany’s strategic approach to rail research. Established under the Federal Railway Authority (EBA), the DZSF conducts interdisciplinary research and collaborates with other institutions to address the entire rail system. In 2023, DZSF allocated approximately €13 million to 25 rail research projects, focusing on themes like digitalization, safety, and freight logistics.Poland: The BRIK initiative in Poland, a joint effort by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK), aims to enhance the innovation and competitiveness of rail transport. With a budget of PLN 100 million, this program supports infrastructure modernization, safety improvements, and efforts to meet EU standards.1.1.3 Themes ComparisonWhile national programs address a variety of local and regional needs, Europe’s Rail aims to harmonize and elevate the European rail sector through targeted investments in critical areas. The combined efforts of national and European funding bodies are essential for advancing rail technology, improving infrastructure, and ensuring the sustainability of rail transport across Europe. Through collaborative research and strategic investments, Europe is making significant strides towards a more efficient, safe, and integrated rail network. The alignment of national and European priorities in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, infrastructure modernization, safety, connectivity, high-speed rail, and freight logistics highlights the collective commitment to transforming the rail sector and achieving a more connected and sustainable future.