World Congress on Railway Research 2022

The Conference

The 13th World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR), held from 6-10 June  2022, at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham marked a pivotal moment for the global railway research community. 

Jointly hosted by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and the University of Birmingham, the congress was held under the theme "Reshaping our railways post-pandemic: Research with an impact,".  WCRR 2022 focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities emerging in the railway sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. The congress emphasized accelerating research quality, expediting the implementation of findings, and fostering international collaboration to tackle common challenges faced by railways worldwide.

The five-day program featured a diverse array of activities, including plenary sessions, 178 oral presentations and 129 interactive sessions, covering a wide spectrum of topics within eight key challenge areas and several networking opportunities such as the Welcome Reception, Botanical Gardens Reception, and a Gala Dinner which provided platforms for delegates to engage, share insights, and establish collaborations.

Conference Ambassador

Dr Jenny Illingsworth, who is Head of Business & Operations of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education at the University of Birmingham, acted as a local host to support the destination to secure this prestigious event. As a leading expert in the field of railway research, Jenny’s knowledge of the industry in the UK, as well as her industrial connections, were instrumental in supporting the conference agenda and the conference allowed the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education at the University of Birmingham to highlight the real-world impact research and innovation that is taking place as well as the opportunities offered across education and skills.

“We brought 1000 delegates to a significant research conference in 2022. The conference series takes place every 2½ years and attracts an audience from just about every country where there is a railway! We were privileged to be chosen for the 2022 event, which not only allowed us to bring our academic contributions to the forefront of our collaborators’ attention, it also allowed us to show our city and region to people who might not otherwise visit. We had to deal with challenges not anticipated when we were awarded the event back in 2019, and being part of the Conference Ambassador Network means we could lean on our combined experience to deliver this kind of event.” 

Source: Meet the Birmingham and West Midlands Conference Ambassadors

Impact and Legacy

WCRR 2022 significantly influenced the global railway research landscape through international collaboration, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in railway research, bringing together stakeholders from various countries to share knowledge and innovative solutions, and through research dissemination by presenting cutting-edge research and technological advancements where WCRR 2022 facilitated the rapid dissemination and potential implementation of novel solutions across the industry. 

Discussions during the congress highlighted the need for continued investment in research to address challenges like decarbonization, digitalization, and enhancing passenger experience, setting the agenda for future innovations in the railway sector.

In summary, the 13th World Congress on Railway Research in Birmingham served as a catalyst for advancing railway research and innovation, fostering international collaboration, and setting a forward-looking agenda to reshape railways in the post-pandemic era, showcasing the city's pivotal role in the global railway industry and reinforcing its reputation as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge transport research.

Looking ahead, Birmingham is set to further enhance its railway infrastructure with the construction of Curzon Street railway station, which will serve as the terminus for High Speed 2 (HS2) trains. The first phase of HS2 is expected to open around 2030, improving connectivity and economic prospects for the city. 

Why Birmingham

At the time Dr Jenny Illingsworth knew that the event would showcase how the railway sector has been integral to Birmingham's development, significantly influencing its economic growth, industrial expansion, and connectivity and would showcase how the University of Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) has been transforming the rail industry for over 50 years. 
Birmingham's emergence as an industrial powerhouse was closely linked to its railway infrastructure. The city's manufacturing industries relied on railways for efficient transportation of raw materials and finished goods, facilitating trade and commerce. The extensive railway network enabled Birmingham to become a major industrial and transportation centre, particularly in iron and steel manufacturing, contributing to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs in Birmingham, fostering an economic environment that supported both industrialists and workers. This economic base allowed the city to thrive as a one-industry town, predominantly focused on iron and steel production. 

Today, Birmingham remains a central hub in the UK's railway network. Birmingham New Street is the busiest railway station in the UK outside London, serving as a national hub for CrossCountry and a major destination for Avanti West Coast services. The city's railway infrastructure supports a high level of public transport usage, with rail accounting for 36.4% of morning peak trips into Birmingham. 

The West Midlands, with Birmingham at its core, is home to leading rail research and education facilities, positioning the region as a leader in rail innovation.