The 6th edition of the annual UIC Excellence in Railway Publications Awards was held on 13 October, recognising the outstanding quality of publications produced by railway experts from around the world.
More than 60 participants attended the event, both in person and online, to celebrate the documents that received awards this year.
The ceremony opened with keynote addresses by Yuji Fukasawa, Chair of UIC and Chairman of East Japan Railway Company (JR East), and François Davenne, UIC Director General. Both speakers congratulated the winners and thanked them for their contributions. They emphasised that high-quality documentation results from collaboration and shared expertise, and highlighted the role of standardisation and knowledge sharing in supporting the railway sector.
Fukasawa opened the event by highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing in driving innovation, strengthening international cooperation, and shaping the future of rail. Davenne then praised the expertise and commitment behind the award-winning publications, noting their lasting contribution to railway knowledge and the development of the sector worldwide.
Next, Asako Togari, UIC Chief Standardisation Officer, introduced the ceremony, while Laurent Schmitt and Hiroaki Uetake, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Standardisation Platform, underscored the importance of recognising the people and collective effort behind railway standards, bringing visibility to the sector and improving safety and performance. They also presented the awards.
The following publications received awards:
IRS 70797-2: Methods of energy storage for railway systems – Guide for infrastructure managers on the implementation of new technologies of Energy Storage in railway stations.
IRS 50405: Railway application - Rolling Stock - Transmission of diagnostic data from railway vehicles
IRS 71725: Railway Infrastructure – Laying and maintenance of track – Treatment of rail defects
IRS 70779-10: Tunnel asset management and maintenance principles
IRS 90940: SFERA Protocol: Train Operation Data Exchange with On-Board Devices
IRS 40436: New Technical Transfer Inspection
IRS 70734: Adaptation of safety installations to high-speed requirements
IRS 10150: Classification and categorisation system for tourist-friendly railway services and experiences
Guideline: Guide for Computer Vision – AVRIS
The event also attracted participants from across Europe and Asia, reflecting the international reach of UIC activities and the importance of cross-border cooperation in establishing industry standards.
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