The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) has launched a call for students interested in railway signaling and the future of railway communications, offering them the opportunity to attend the ERTMS 2026 Conference free of charge, which will take place from April 21 to 23, 2026, in Valenciennes, France.
The initiative aims to involve the next generation of specialists in the debate on the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between students and industry professionals.
Who can apply
Students enrolled in the 2025/2026 academic year in master’s or doctoral programs in a field relevant to ERTMS, at a university or higher education institution in the European Union, are eligible to apply.
Applications must be submitted by March 20, 2026 and must include:
- CV, with educational and professional background;
- a letter of motivation (maximum 300 words);
- proof of enrollment in an MSc or PhD program in a relevant field.
20 places available
The ERA will select a maximum of 20 students, with a cap of up to three places per Member State to ensure geographical diversity.
Selected students will be notified by March 25, 2026. To confirm their participation, they will need to submit proof of transport and accommodation reservations by April 1, 2026.
Participation in the conference is free of charge, but students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals outside the event.
Visit to ERA headquarters and networking opportunities
On April 21, before the official opening of the conference, selected students will be invited to ERA headquarters for a presentation of the agency’s main activities.
The conference will bring together decision-makers, industry representatives, railway operators, and infrastructure managers, providing students with networking opportunities and direct interaction with experts in the field of signaling and ERTMS implementation.
For further information on the conference program and conditions of participation, interested parties can consult the official website of the ERTMS 2026 Conference on the website of the European Union Agency for Railways.
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