WCRR is organised by railway organisations from around the world including:

  • SNCF Group (France)
  • Deutsche Bahn (Germany)
  • Ferrovie dello Stato (Italy)
  • Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI) (Japan)
  • Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) (UK)
  • MxV Rail (USA) and
  • UIC – International Union of Railways.

The first WCRR was held in 1994. Since then, it has taken place every 3 years.

WCRR is the only cross-thematic event dedicated to the latest and more impactful research that underpins innovation in rail. It also includes discussion on the future of railways, and implications for the research and innovation the sector needs to pursue.

As one of the seven founding WCRR members, we provide support to steer and organise future events. This involvement allows us to continue building synergies and exchange knowledge with research pipelines in other countries.

The next WCRR

Hosted by MxV Rail, the next, 14th, WCRR takes place 17 – 21 November 2025 in Colorado Springs. The event is combined with the International Heavy Haul Association Conference (IHHA 2025) under the banner of Rail Research Week. The theme of the week is ‘Inspiring innovative and resilient railways’.

This joint event will strengthen our ties with the heavy haul and freight community internationally. It will allow us to compare the opportunities, challenges, and innovative solutions in development that rail freight has in different countries.

RSSB experts will be chairing sessions on a range of topics. These include the growing use of AI in rail, rolling contact fatigue, climate resilience, and rolling stock safety and reliability.  We will also be presenting papers showcasing a range of projects from our research programme, and promoting rail research carried out by UK universities.

 

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