Building a community of railway scientific researchers and academia for ERJU and enabling a network of PhDs (academia teaming with industry)

Project Information

Academics4Rail

Grant agreement ID: 101121842

DOI

10.3030/101121842

EC signature date 30 June 2023

Start date 1 September 2023

End date 28 February 2027

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 1 807 237,50

Coordinated by

EURNEX e. V.
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Academics4Rail (Building a community of railway scientific researchers and academia for ERJU and enabling a network of PhDs (academia teaming with industry))

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Academics4Rail (Ac4R) project, aligned with the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), aims to advance an integrated, sustainable European railway network. Key goals include fostering a scientific community to share knowledge on rail innovation, aligning with EU’s Green Deal by enhancing mobility, reducing environmental impact, and improving rail efficiency. With industry-academic collaboration, the project addresses critical issues such as aerodynamics, EMC, predictive maintenance, additive manufacturing, digital communications, and driving assistance. Social sciences contribute by considering the social impacts of technology, ensuring inclusivity and safety.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Scientific Community Building (WPs 1–3): Established a European scientific network, mapped key themes, and created a KPI framework to evaluate project impacts, aligned with environmental and social objectives.
PhD Research Programs (WPs 4–9):
PhD1: Developed aerodynamic models to reduce energy use and noise in freight transport.
PhD2: Created EMC models for rail electrification, ensuring interoperability.
PhD3: Innovated wheel re-profiling using additive manufacturing to extend lifespan and safety.
PhD4: Investigated wireless communication for virtual coupling, enhancing rail capacity.
PhD5: Developed predictive maintenance tools to optimize rail asset management.
PhD6: Explored AI-driven driving support for safe, semi-autonomous operations.
These activities yielded models, algorithms, and tools tackling rail industry challenges, contributing to asset longevity, safety, and environmental goals.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Technological Innovations: Each PhD program developed unique tools that advance sustainability, interoperability, and efficiency in rail.
Environmental Impact: Reduced emissions and noise in freight rail, supporting EU climate goals.
Economic Impact: Predictive maintenance and wheel re-profiling offer significant cost savings, improving competitiveness.
Further Uptake Needs: Expanded research, pilot demonstrations, supportive regulations, and international collaboration are crucial for successful adoption of these innovations.