The XIV International TRANSMEC Conference entitled “Cooperation in Science, Industry and Transport” held on 15 and 16 December 2011 in Katowice, during which the organisers – Silesian University of Technology, Polish State Railways and industrial sponsors – invited former and recent Polish ministers of transport, international organisations, and scientists and researchers specialising in railway sector development to participate in the event.
Among the foreign guests were Mr Jerzy Wisniewski, Director of UIC Fundamental Values Department (on behalf Mr Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, UIC Director-General), Mr Tadeusz Szozda, President of the OSJD Committee, Mr Thierry Breyne, ERA, Mr Wolfgang H. Steinicke, EURNEX, Mr Manuel Pereira, EURAIL& ERRAC Vice-Chair, Mr Iain Blackhall, “Civil Aviation Week”, UK, and Mr Steve Phillips, FEHRL (Highways R&D Laboratories, UK).
“TRANSMEC 2011” included a ministerial debate entitled: “Place of the railway transport in the integrated transport system”, a vice-ministerial debate entitled: “ Education and training of the human resources in the field of transport “and an International Conference – where Mr Wisniewski presented UIC’s standpoint on the opportunities for and threats to railway transport. At the end of his speech the UIC video-clip on HSL worldwide expansion was broadcast. The presentation was received with great interest by the audience (more than 150 people) as well as the organisers and guests.
Mr Wisniewski greeted the organisers and the participants on behalf Mr Loubinoux who was not able to attend the conference, and extended his Christmas wishes to all those present at the meeting.
This year’s “TRANSMEC” conference was one of the most important transport meetings in Poland, prepared during the Polish EU Presidency under the patronage of Professor Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament. The organisation and the conference outcome were a success thanks to Professor Marek Sitarz – representing the Silesian University of Technology in Katowice and moderator of the event.
The debate focused on the past and future development of the railway sector, where safety and security, expertise development, and research and innovations were highlighted. The economic growth of the CEEC in the context of the modernisation of the railway transport system, Eurasian railway links and role of the transport policies were discussed.
The Polish decision-makers finally concluded that the development of high speed railway links represents a challenge and great opportunities for the future Europe transport system.
In spite of the crisis, studies on Poland’s high speed network will continue to be developed.
