Since its inception in 2010, the Antwerp Rail School, hosted by the University of Antwerp’s Department of Transport and Regional Economics, has successfully brought together academic students, PhD researchers, professors, and rail industry professionals. We are excited to announce that this esteemed program will return in 2025, with an extended focus on fostering connections between master’s students and experts in the rail sector. To guide the Rail School, TPR has again engaged with Prof. Dr. Jochen Maes (guest professor at Ghent University and currently also at TPR, University of Antwerp), an author of books on railway transport and the original founder of the course. Dr. Aronietis and Prof. Maes will organize the course in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Vanelslander. The broader organizing committee includes the University of Antwerp (TPR), TransportNET, and industry organizations such as Infrabel, NMBS, Lineas, and Siemens.
Railways play a crucial role in Belgium and Europe’s transportation landscape, particularly in efforts to rebalance modal shares and promote sustainable transport. In Belgium, the modal share of rail transport has been steadily increasing, with recent figures indicating that around 10% of all passenger journeys are made by train. This marks a significant shift, as more travelers opt for rail over cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport. The long-term goal of many EU, Belgian, and Flemish policies is to make railways more attractive for commuters and to develop an alternative to short-haul flights, contributing to climate goals.
The environmental benefits of rail transport are substantial. Trains produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometer compared to cars, making them a more sustainable choice. Additionally, the ports rely on railway transport. By encouraging greater use of rail, the Ports of Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port aim to align with EU climate and sustainability policies, which advocate reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transport options. Ports rely on innovative, efficient, and interconnected rail freight networks to support smooth logistics and bolster their position as key European hubs. Integrating rail freight is essential for enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing environmental impact, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Currently, there is limited interaction between academics and the railway industry. The Antwerp Rail School aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of rail economics, market dynamics, and the innovative potential of the sector while creating a platform to interact with industry stakeholders. Participants will be challenged to present current challenges in their industry or organization.
In this program, (doctoral) students engage with industry leaders and European researchers, gaining insights into both theoretical frameworks and practical applications that contribute to sustainability and the rail sector's knowledge base. This collaboration between industry and academia has been at the heart of the Antwerp Rail School since its founding. By expanding our focus to include master’s students, we aim to foster long-term engagement of FEB students in the railway industry and attract talented students to pursue doctoral research in this field. The railway industry is a sector with a shortage of staff, and it offers innovative, climate-friendly jobs.
Key features of the Antwerp Rail School include:
- A focused platform for students, PhDs, professors, and industry to engage on current topics
- A diverse one-week curriculum that integrates academic theory with real-world business cases
- Opportunities for field visits to rail operations, enhancing practical understanding, with cooperation from industry embedded in the program
- Networking sessions designed to connect students with professionals and researchers, addressing the need for skills and staff
The program is part of TransportNET, a collaborative network of leading university groups dedicated to advancing research and education in transportation. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich the knowledge base of local PhD researchers and provide them with opportunities to participate in high-quality training and collaborative projects.
The one-week course will be an enriching experience, preparing the next generation of rail professionals to lead the way in sustainable transport solutions!
Are you eager to deepen your expertise in rail passenger and freight transport? Do you want to engage in dynamic discussions about the latest developments in rail policy, infrastructure and sustainability?
Then we warmly invite you to join the upcoming edition of the Antwerp Rail School.
This year’s programme will cover essential topics such as rail market trends, skills development, and technical advancements.
Our unique platform brings together academics, policymakers, and industry professionals to address critical topics, share insights and foster meaningful conversations.
The programme
Each day of the programme focuses on a key aspect of rail transport, combining expert presentations, case studies, and discussions.
- Tuesday, 22nd April: Market & Trends
- Wednesday, 23rd April: Skills & Young Talent
- Thursday, 24th April: Technical Day, visit to the Infrabel Academy
- Friday, 25th April: Innovation and Next Steps, optional field visit to Port of Antwerp
Why attend?
- In-depth learning: explore key topics such as competition on dense rail networks, innovative technical approaches, and policy objectives for transforming the industry.
- Interactive sessions: attend lectures, join discussions, and enrich knowledge by field visits designed to provide practical insights.
- Networking opportunities: connect with peers from academia and industry to exchange knowledge and build lasting professional relationships. We cater lunches and social events.
- Flexibility: one can register for the full four-day program or select specific days based on your interests.
Target audience
Whether you're a seasoned professional, an academic, or a PhD researcher, this is your chance to gain advanced insights into rail transport and contribute to the dialogue shaping its future. We welcome a diverse group of participants to foster exchange and collaboration.
Registration details
The flexible registration is open. Spaces are limited and our registrations will close when we reach maximum capacity.
We offer advantageous rates for PhD students and discounted fees for second and third registrations from the same organisation.
- The four-day programme starts at 1,700 EUR per participant. A second registration is 1,500 EUR, the third is 1,250 EUR. Includes participation, documentation, transportation, the Friday field visit, all coffee/tea breaks, all lunches, including the University Club closing lunch and exclusive social events.
- The one-day fee is 450 EUR.
- PhD researchers benefit from reduced fees when contributing an assignment—contact us for details.
Venues
Sessions will take place at the offices of SNCB near Brussels South station, the Infrabel Academy (located in Brussels) and the historic buildings of the University of Antwerp.
In cooperation with:
