European Union Agency for Railways

ERTMS2024 - 24 April - 20240424_170340 featured

ERTMS 2026 Conference: Student Opportunity

Published: 13 February 2026

APPLY NOW - The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is pleased to invite a selection of university students to attend the ERTMS 2026 Conference free of charge in Valenciennes, France.

News

Are you a student interested in railway signalling, the future of railway communications and innovation?

The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is pleased to invite a selection of university students to attend the ERTMS 2026 Conference free of charge in Valenciennes, France.

This initiative aims to foster knowledge exchange and engagement with future professionals in the railway sector. The conference is especially designed for students interested in the railway industry and railway signalling systems, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments in ERTMS and interact with leading experts in the field.

Application process

  1. Send your application to ERTMSConferenceatera [dot] europa [dot] eu (ERTMSConference[at]era[dot]europa[dot]eu) before 20 March 2026. Your application must contain:
    1. Your CV with your education and professional background
    2. Your motivation to participate in the conference (maximum 300 words)
    3. A proof of enrolment on a MSc or PhD degree at a recognised EU university or college in a relevant field of studies (related to ERTMS) for the academic year 2025/2026.
  2. Selection Criteria
    1. The selection of students is based on the motivation to participate in the conference
    2. To ensure diversity, the Agency will reserve up to 3 places per EU Member State until the maximum of 20 students is reached.
  3. Confirmation of Acceptance by 25 March 2026
    1. The Agency will inform by email the selected students eligible to participate free of charge to the conference on 25 March 2026.
    2. The selected students are required to provide to the Agency with a proof of travel tickets and a hotel booking by 1 April 2026 by email to ERTMSConferenceatera [dot] europa [dot] eu (ERTMSConference[at]era[dot]europa[dot]eu) in order to confirm their conference registration. If proof is not received by the deadline, the students on the waiting list will be contacted.
    3. Applications not immediately accepted will be placed on a waiting list (maximum 20 persons).
  4. Waiting List Policy
    1. If the 20 places are not filled, the waiting list will be used based on:
      1. Maximizing the number of represented countries
      2. Order of receipt of applications.

Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs and for their meals outside of the conference. 

On 21 April, students will be invited to the Agency Headquarters, where they will be welcome and introduced to the Agency’s main activities before the start of the conference. 

During the conference, students will be introduced to various companies and institutions related to the railway sector and railway signalling systems, ensuring networking opportunities and professional engagement.

Related links