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The Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026 has opened its doors today in Budapest, Hungary. The event began with a press conference attended by high-ranking representatives from the European Commission, Hungarian authorities, and leading European research platforms in the field of transport. Under the motto „Re-Generation in Transport,“ the conference will offer four days of intensive discussions on research, innovation, and policy in the areas of road, rail, water, and air transport.
European agenda for the transport sector
TRA 2026 brings together more than 3,000 professionals from 69 countries, including researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders. The conference serves as a central platform for European transport research, covering all modes of transport and the entire spectrum from fundamental research to market introduction. This year’s event reflects a sector at a critical turning point: the simultaneous challenges of decarbonization and digital transformation are influencing all aspects of the mobility of people and goods. The scientific program of TRA 2026 includes 970 contributions, 420 oral presentations, 550 posters, and 865 conference papers, illustrating the breadth and depth of the European research response.
Magda Kopczyńska, Director General of DG MOVE of the European Commission, emphasized: „Transport is undergoing a systemic transformation driven by automation, digitalization, and sustainable innovations. The Transport Research Arena is the place where Europe comes together to build partnerships, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate implementation.“
Hungary in focus of European transport innovation
As the host, Hungary has focused on transport innovation. Budapest provides a suitable framework for TRA 2026, as the city is heavily investing in the modernization of public transport, smart mobility infrastructure, and sustainable urban logistics. The Hungarian government has actively contributed to shaping the conference program, ensuring that TRA 2026 leaves a sustainable legacy for the national research community.
A central element of the press conference was the presentation of the „Innovation in Practice“ showcase, where representatives of the seven major European transport technology platforms presented the key contributions and priorities of their sectors. These platforms represent the organized voice of European transport research and highlight the intermodal challenges of the sector, ranging from decarbonization and digitalization to safety, resilience, and the mobility needs of an aging population.
Investments in the next generation of transport researchers
A standout feature of TRA 2026 is the prominent role given to young researchers through the TRA VISIONS program. This program offers a competition and mentoring opportunities to connect the next generation of transport scientists with experienced figures from academia, industry, and politics. TRA VISIONS underscores the conference’s belief that „Re-Generation“ in transport is not only technological but also intergenerational. By supporting and showcasing the work of young researchers, TRA 2026 aims to strengthen the talent pool that will drive Europe’s research ambitions in the transport sector.
TRA is the largest conference for transport research and innovation in Europe and takes place every two years in a different European city. This year’s event is the 11th in the series, following successful conferences in cities such as Gothenburg, Ljubljana, Brussels, Athens, Paris, Warsaw, Vienna, Helsinki, Lisbon, and Dublin. TRA 2028 will be held in Milan.
