Research Catalogue
Welcome to the RSSB research catalogue. The catalogue contains all projects from the 20+ years of the RSSB rail research programme. Please be mindful of the publication date when accessing findings and guidance.
Search by entering a title, keyword(s) or project reference number below (e.g. "wayfinding" or T1010 or COF-INP-05) or use the filters to narrow down options.
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Complete (x)
Underway (x)
In Preparation (x)
Cost (x)
Sustainability (x)
Safety (x)
Capacity (x)
Customer (x)
Adhesion (x)
Wheel-rail interface (x)
Braking systems (x)
Vehicle track dynamics (x)
Rolling stock testing (x)
Infrastructure asset management (x)
Track design and components (x)
Train design - Components (x)
Rolling stock maintenance (x)
Customer services for passengers (x)
Safety data collection (x)
Other - Operations (x)
Adaptation to climate change (x)
Safety decision support (x)
Other - Infrastructure (x)
Rolling stock passenger comfort (x)
Other - Safety and risk (x)
Attitudes and behaviour (x)
Signalling - Train detection systems (x)
Other - Energy and electrification (x)
Human performance (x)
Customer services for freight (x)
Sustainable development (x)
Rolling stock asset management (x)
Risk models (x)
Aerodynamics (x)
Operational Safety (x)
Other - Policy and decision making (x)
Smart grids and energy harvesting (x)
Railways Interoperability (x)
Education and competence (x)
Operation of road-rail interfaces including level crossings (x)
Rolling stock interiors (x)
Value from data (x)
Derailment (x)
On board power supplies and monitoring (x)
Selection and training (x)
Job design (x)
Movement authorities and signalling systems (x)
Traffic supervision and management (x)
Energy collection systems (x)
Future technologies (x)
Keeping on-track staff safe (x)
Safety data analysis (x)
CCC asset management (x)
Control and display systems (x)
Revenue and ticketing (x)
Signalling - People protection and warning systems including level crossings (x)
CCC system integration and life cycle management (x)
Security management (x)
Human reliability (x)
Commercial dynamics of transport (x)
Stations management and passenger flow (x)
Social dynamics of transport (x)
Data and communications systems (x)
Gauging (x)
Electrical safety (x)
Culture (x)
Structures (x)
Signalling - Train protection systems (x)
Trespass (x)
Other - People behaviour and health (x)
Overhead line equipment (x)
Station design (x)
Accident investigation and learning (x)
Human Factors in event reporting (x)
Equipment workplace and environmental design (x)
Rolling stock condition monitoring and inspection (x)
Power supply (x)
Rolling stock fire performance (x)
Other - Control command and communication (x)
Movement of trains (x)
Rail Standardisation (x)
Health and wellbeing (x)
Other - Interfaces (x)
Other - Rolling stock (x)
Train design - Structure and crashworthiness (x)
Energy metering and billing (x)
Whole system design and modelling (x)
ADHERE (x)
CLEAR (x)
FUTURE RISK (x)
DECARB (x)
PERFORM (x)
RESILIENT (x)
FREIGHT (x)
Clear date filter (x)
Status
Objectives
Topics
- Control Command and Communication
- Energy and Electrification
- Infrastructure
- Interfaces
- Operations
- People Behaviour and Health
- Policy and Decision Making
- Rolling stock
- Safety and Risk
Programme
Date
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Results per page:
Research Project
COF-UOS22-03
End Date: 2026
Underway
Testing the effects of enhanced sand products to reduce the risk of wheel/rail isolation and increase flow rates to improve performance in low… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS-06
End Date: 2026
Underway
A PhD studentship looking at how contaminated rail conditions change with the weather, as well as how contamination develops and the linked changes to… Read More
Research Project
T1341
End Date: 2026
Underway
Registered
Framework for assessment of technologies to deliver reliable braking in low adhesion (T1341)
Research Project
T1340
End Date: 2025
Underway
An updated understanding of the cost impacts of low adhesion, to inform investment decisions for specific routes and fleets. Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS-05
End Date: 2025
Complete
A PhD studentship focused on estimating adhesion levels using train mounted equipment, which could more evidence-based operational decisions. Read More
Research Project
COF-ITR-04
End Date: 2025
Complete
A PhD studentship examining the effects of rough surfaces and their interaction with friction modifiers and contaminants in the wheel-rail interface. Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS22-04
End Date: 2025
Complete
A standardised approach to field testing, including creating simulated leaf layers and measuring their properties, is needed to assess and compare… Read More
Research Project
COF-G24-02
End Date: 2024
Complete
This research examined how well commercially available enzymes degrade leaf film in track conditions, including lower temperatures. It also looked at… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOH-79
End Date: 2024
Complete
Understanding how the characteristics of leaf layers, wetting rates and wheel load affect the bonding strength, durability and adhesion levels of the… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOH-74
End Date: 2024
Underway
Registered
Real-time LABRADOR (COF-UOH-74)
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Applied filters:
Complete (x)
Underway (x)
In Preparation (x)
Cost (x)
Sustainability (x)
Safety (x)
Capacity (x)
Customer (x)
Adhesion (x)
Wheel-rail interface (x)
Braking systems (x)
Vehicle track dynamics (x)
Rolling stock testing (x)
Infrastructure asset management (x)
Train design - Components (x)
Customer services for passengers (x)
Safety data collection (x)
Safety decision support (x)
Other - Infrastructure (x)
Track design and components (x)
Rolling stock maintenance (x)
Rolling stock passenger comfort (x)
Other - Safety and risk (x)
Attitudes and behaviour (x)
Other - Operations (x)
Signalling - Train detection systems (x)
Adaptation to climate change (x)
Human performance (x)
Customer services for freight (x)
Sustainable development (x)
Rolling stock asset management (x)
Risk models (x)
Aerodynamics (x)
Operational Safety (x)
Smart grids and energy harvesting (x)
Railways Interoperability (x)
Education and competence (x)
Operation of road-rail interfaces including level crossings (x)
Rolling stock interiors (x)
Value from data (x)
Derailment (x)
On board power supplies and monitoring (x)
Selection and training (x)
Job design (x)
Movement authorities and signalling systems (x)
Traffic supervision and management (x)
Other - Energy and electrification (x)
Energy collection systems (x)
Future technologies (x)
Keeping on-track staff safe (x)
Safety data analysis (x)
CCC asset management (x)
Control and display systems (x)
Revenue and ticketing (x)
Signalling - People protection and warning systems including level crossings (x)
CCC system integration and life cycle management (x)
Security management (x)
Human reliability (x)
Commercial dynamics of transport (x)
Stations management and passenger flow (x)
Social dynamics of transport (x)
Data and communications systems (x)
Gauging (x)
Electrical safety (x)
Culture (x)
Structures (x)
Signalling - Train protection systems (x)
Trespass (x)
Other - People behaviour and health (x)
Overhead line equipment (x)
Station design (x)
Accident investigation and learning (x)
Human Factors in event reporting (x)
Equipment workplace and environmental design (x)
Rolling stock condition monitoring and inspection (x)
Power supply (x)
Rolling stock fire performance (x)
Other - Control command and communication (x)
Movement of trains (x)
Rail Standardisation (x)
Health and wellbeing (x)
Other - Interfaces (x)
Other - Rolling stock (x)
Train design - Structure and crashworthiness (x)
Other - Policy and decision making (x)
Energy metering and billing (x)
Whole system design and modelling (x)
ADHERE (x)
CLEAR (x)
FUTURE RISK (x)
DECARB (x)
PERFORM (x)
RESILIENT (x)
FREIGHT (x)
Clear date filter (x)
Status
Objectives
Topics
- Control Command and Communication
- Infrastructure
- Interfaces
- Operations
- People Behaviour and Health
- Policy and Decision Making
- Rolling stock
- Safety and Risk
Programme
Date
From: To:
Sort By:
Results per page:
Research Project
COF-UOS22-03
End Date: 2026
Underway
Testing the effects of enhanced sand products to reduce the risk of wheel/rail isolation and increase flow rates to improve performance in low… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS-06
End Date: 2026
Underway
A PhD studentship looking at how contaminated rail conditions change with the weather, as well as how contamination develops and the linked changes to… Read More
Research Project
T1341
End Date: 2026
Underway
Registered
Framework for assessment of technologies to deliver reliable braking in low adhesion (T1341)
Research Project
T1340
End Date: 2025
Underway
An updated understanding of the cost impacts of low adhesion, to inform investment decisions for specific routes and fleets. Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS-05
End Date: 2025
Complete
A PhD studentship focused on estimating adhesion levels using train mounted equipment, which could more evidence-based operational decisions. Read More
Research Project
COF-ITR-04
End Date: 2025
Complete
A PhD studentship examining the effects of rough surfaces and their interaction with friction modifiers and contaminants in the wheel-rail interface. Read More
Research Project
COF-UOS22-04
End Date: 2025
Complete
A standardised approach to field testing, including creating simulated leaf layers and measuring their properties, is needed to assess and compare… Read More
Research Project
COF-G24-02
End Date: 2024
Complete
This research examined how well commercially available enzymes degrade leaf film in track conditions, including lower temperatures. It also looked at… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOH-79
End Date: 2024
Complete
Understanding how the characteristics of leaf layers, wetting rates and wheel load affect the bonding strength, durability and adhesion levels of the… Read More
Research Project
COF-UOH-74
End Date: 2024
Underway
Registered
Real-time LABRADOR (COF-UOH-74)
Showing for
Applied filters:
Complete (x)
Underway (x)
In Preparation (x)
Sustainability (x)
Safety (x)
Capacity (x)
Cost (x)
Customer (x)
Braking systems (x)
Adhesion (x)
Wheel-rail interface (x)
Other - Energy and electrification (x)
Train design - Components (x)
Smart grids and energy harvesting (x)
Railways Interoperability (x)
Education and competence (x)
Operation of road-rail interfaces including level crossings (x)
Rolling stock interiors (x)
Value from data (x)
Vehicle track dynamics (x)
Derailment (x)
Other - Operations (x)
Signalling - Train detection systems (x)
On board power supplies and monitoring (x)
Adaptation to climate change (x)
Selection and training (x)
Job design (x)
Movement authorities and signalling systems (x)
Safety decision support (x)
Rolling stock testing (x)
Other - Infrastructure (x)
Traffic supervision and management (x)
Energy collection systems (x)
Human performance (x)
Future technologies (x)
Keeping on-track staff safe (x)
Safety data analysis (x)
Track design and components (x)
CCC asset management (x)
Control and display systems (x)
Revenue and ticketing (x)
Signalling - People protection and warning systems including level crossings (x)
Rolling stock maintenance (x)
CCC system integration and life cycle management (x)
Customer services for freight (x)
Sustainable development (x)
Security management (x)
Human reliability (x)
Commercial dynamics of transport (x)
Stations management and passenger flow (x)
Social dynamics of transport (x)
Data and communications systems (x)
Gauging (x)
Electrical safety (x)
Rolling stock asset management (x)
Culture (x)
Rolling stock passenger comfort (x)
Risk models (x)
Customer services for passengers (x)
Aerodynamics (x)
Structures (x)
Signalling - Train protection systems (x)
Trespass (x)
Other - People behaviour and health (x)
Other - Safety and risk (x)
Overhead line equipment (x)
Station design (x)
Accident investigation and learning (x)
Human Factors in event reporting (x)
Equipment workplace and environmental design (x)
Operational Safety (x)
Rolling stock condition monitoring and inspection (x)
Power supply (x)
Rolling stock fire performance (x)
Other - Control command and communication (x)
Movement of trains (x)
Rail Standardisation (x)
Health and wellbeing (x)
Other - Interfaces (x)
Infrastructure asset management (x)
Attitudes and behaviour (x)
Other - Rolling stock (x)
Train design - Structure and crashworthiness (x)
Other - Policy and decision making (x)
Energy metering and billing (x)
Safety data collection (x)
Whole system design and modelling (x)
ADHERE (x)
CLEAR (x)
FUTURE RISK (x)
DECARB (x)
PERFORM (x)
RESILIENT (x)
FREIGHT (x)
Clear date filter (x)
Status
Topics
- Energy and Electrification
- Interfaces
- Rolling stock
Programme
Date
From: To:
Sort By:
Results per page:
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-13
End Date: 2020
Complete
The project will create an advanced braking control system which optimises the braking performance of the existing friction and dynamic braking. It… Read More
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-16
End Date: 2019
Complete
A robust, simple and low-cost solution to deliver improvements in adhesion by delivering a small amount of water to the rails in front of the train in… Read More
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-15
End Date: 2019
Complete
Registered
Predictable and Optimised Braking: Using cryogenic technology to increase adhesion (SC04-POB-15)
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-12
End Date: 2019
Complete
Registered
Predictable and Optimised Braking: Linear induction motors for reliable braking (SC04-POB-12)
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-14
End Date: 2019
Complete
Using plasma technology to clear the residue from railhead, returning the surface to a dry, clean and uncontaminated state with detriment to the rail… Read More
Innovation Project
SC04-POB-04
End Date: 2016
Complete
Registered
Predictable and Optimised Braking: Reconditioned brake discs to improve performance (SC04-POB-04)
Showing for
Applied filters:
Complete (x)
Underway (x)
In Preparation (x)
Safety (x)
Capacity (x)
Sustainability (x)
Cost (x)
Customer (x)
Attitudes and behaviour (x)
Health and wellbeing (x)
Other - Safety and risk (x)
Customer services for passengers (x)
Other - Policy and decision making (x)
Sustainable development (x)
Station design (x)
Other - Infrastructure (x)
Adaptation to climate change (x)
Future technologies (x)
Train design - Components (x)
Culture (x)
Power supply (x)
Infrastructure asset management (x)
Wheel-rail interface (x)
Rolling stock maintenance (x)
Human reliability (x)
Commercial dynamics of transport (x)
Railways Interoperability (x)
Track design and components (x)
Social dynamics of transport (x)
Other - Rolling stock (x)
Other - Operations (x)
Security management (x)
Accident investigation and learning (x)
Job design (x)
Traffic supervision and management (x)
Braking systems (x)
Rolling stock asset management (x)
Rolling stock passenger comfort (x)
Structures (x)
Rolling stock condition monitoring and inspection (x)
Train design - Structure and crashworthiness (x)
Value from data (x)
Vehicle track dynamics (x)
Risk models (x)
Adhesion (x)
Equipment workplace and environmental design (x)
Operational Safety (x)
Rolling stock testing (x)
Energy collection systems (x)
Human performance (x)
Customer services for freight (x)
Other - People behaviour and health (x)
Smart grids and energy harvesting (x)
Other - Energy and electrification (x)
Overhead line equipment (x)
Whole system design and modelling (x)
Education and competence (x)
Operation of road-rail interfaces including level crossings (x)
Selection and training (x)
Revenue and ticketing (x)
Stations management and passenger flow (x)
Data and communications systems (x)
Electrical safety (x)
Aerodynamics (x)
Rolling stock fire performance (x)
Rail Standardisation (x)
Other - Interfaces (x)
Safety data collection (x)
Movement authorities and signalling systems (x)
Safety data analysis (x)
Movement of trains (x)
Rolling stock interiors (x)
Derailment (x)
Signalling - Train detection systems (x)
On board power supplies and monitoring (x)
Safety decision support (x)
Keeping on-track staff safe (x)
CCC asset management (x)
Control and display systems (x)
Signalling - People protection and warning systems including level crossings (x)
CCC system integration and life cycle management (x)
Gauging (x)
Signalling - Train protection systems (x)
Trespass (x)
Human Factors in event reporting (x)
Other - Control command and communication (x)
Energy metering and billing (x)
ADHERE (x)
CLEAR (x)
FUTURE RISK (x)
DECARB (x)
PERFORM (x)
RESILIENT (x)
FREIGHT (x)
Clear date filter (x)
Status
Objectives
Topics
- Control Command and Communication
- Energy and Electrification
- Infrastructure
- Interfaces
-
Operations
- Customer services for freight (4)
- Customer services for passengers (18)
- Movement of trains (1)
- Operation of road-rail interfaces including level crossings (2)
- Operational Safety (5)
- Other - Operations (7)
- Revenue and ticketing (2)
- Security management (7)
- Stations management and passenger flow (2)
- Traffic supervision and management (6)
- People Behaviour and Health
- Policy and Decision Making
-
Rolling stock
- Braking systems (6)
- Rolling stock asset management (6)
- Rolling stock condition monitoring and inspection (6)
- Rolling stock fire performance (2)
- Rolling stock maintenance (9)
- Rolling stock passenger comfort (6)
- Rolling stock testing (4)
- Train design - Components (10)
- Train design - Structure and crashworthiness (6)
- Other - Rolling stock (8)
- Safety and Risk
Programme
Date
From: To:
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Results per page:
Knowledge Search
S380
End Date: 2025
Complete
Registered
Hydrogen as a combustion fuel (S380)
Knowledge Search
S387
End Date: 2025
Complete
Looking at the levels of CO2 in passenger carriages, and whether current standards ensure passenger health and comfort. Read More
Knowledge Search
S386
End Date: 2025
Complete
Registered
Freight train braking (S386)
Knowledge Search
S381
End Date: 2025
Complete
An overview of the factors that affect the build-up of leaf fall contamination, the relationship between different types of contamination, and the… Read More
Knowledge Search
S388
End Date: 2025
Complete
Looking for scientific evidence that people get more tired after meals, and what might mititgate any risks. Read More
Knowledge Search
S384
End Date: 2024
Complete
Could personal health monitoring devices reduce the wearer’s risk of incapacity and allow them to return to work? Read More
Knowledge Search
S385
End Date: 2024
Complete
The potential of body armour to protect rail staff against violent incidents. Read More
Knowledge Search
S379
End Date: 2024
Complete
Registered
Fitness to Work (S379)
Knowledge Search
S375
End Date: 2024
Complete
Registered
Sensors and the Internet of Things (S375)
Knowledge Search
S378
End Date: 2024
Complete
A review of the literature on shift work and its impact on fatigue, accidents and broader aspects of health. Read More