ECTRI celebrated its 10th Anniversary

Evening reception with speeches by high level representatives in the field of transport research

October 8th, 2013
5:30–10:00pm, Brussels

Venue
Hotel Renaissance, 15 rue du Parnasse, Brussels

On October 8th, 2013, the European Conference of Transport Research Institutes (ECTRI) celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a special event organized in Brussels, Belgium. 

ECTRI was officially founded in April 2003 in Lyon, France, as an international non-profit Association. Since September 2010, it is registered under Belgian law and based in Brussels. Today, it includes as Members 25 major transport research Institutes or University from 19 European countries, employing collectively some 4000 European scientists. ECTRI’s vision for the future is for:  “an efficient and integrated European transport system that provides green, safe, efficient and inclusive transport for people and goods and utilising effectively all modes of transport”.

In the 10 years of its existence, ECTRI has proved its commitment to promoting a multimodal and integrative approach to the transport system operation and planning through - the promotion of scientific excellence and improved competence, - the dissemination of knowledge and know-how (especially through a on-line Journal (ETRR)), - the fostering of education and training (by organising a bi-annual ‘Young Researchers Seminar’), - the formulation of expert advice and common positions on important transport policy and research issues, and the development of international cooperation and partnerships, notably in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with US-TRB.

On this occasion, a brief account of ECTRI’s achievements in these 10 years together with addresses from distinguished personalities in the field of transport research was done. The event was attended by a select audience of more than 100 personalities, representatives from all sectors of European transport as well as ECTRI members and associated or cooperating Organisations, and followed by a reception and buffet dinner at the same venue.

A press release of the event is available, as well as the ECTRI 10th Anniversary Special Booklet and epublication on ECTRI Members in FP7 and COST projects. The pictures of the event are available here.

• The program of the event was the following:
  

5.30–6.00pm: Registration and Welcome Cocktail

6.00–6.30pm: ECTRI - 10 Years of Service to European Transport Research

- "A 10-year journey of service to the European Transport Research and Policy Communities",
Prof. George A. Giannopoulos, President of ECTRI

- "The story of ECTRI - a researcher’s perspective", Ariane Dupont-Kieffer, IFSTTAR

6.30–7.20pm: Statements by ECTRI related Stakeholders

- Fotis Karamitsos, Acting Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG MOVE: "Where can research and innovation influence future transport policy?"

- Manuela Soares, Director for Transport, European Commission, DG RDI: "Transport in Horizon 2020"

- Robert E. Skinner Jr., Executive Director, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, United-States: "Challenges and issues for US-EU cooperation in transport research"

- Stephen Perkins, Head of Research, International Transport Forum, OECD: "Major challenges in Transport by 2050"

7.20–7.30pm: The Future

- "Looking to the future: our vision and plans for the next 10 years!", Prof. Neil Paulley, Vice-President of ECTRI

7.30–10.00pm: Reception and Buffet Dinner