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

Información del proyecto

Academics4Rail

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 101121842

DOI

10.3030/101121842

Fecha de la firma de la CE 30 Junio 2023

Fecha de inicio 1 Septiembre 2023

Fecha de finalización 28 Febrero 2027

Financiado con arreglo a

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Coste total

Sin datos

Aportación de la UE

€ 1 807 237,50

Coordinado por

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))

Período documentado: 2023-09-01 hasta 2025-02-28

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

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.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

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.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

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.