This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
10/2/2023
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has chosen the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to host the fiscal-year 2022-23 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence (CoE) program.
UIUC has been awarded up to $5 million to establish the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), an initiative focused on developing the future workforce while advancing research and expansion that enhances the safety, efficiency and reliability of both passenger- and freight-rail transportation, according to an FRA news release.
Led by UIUC, the NURail CoE comprises a consortium of nine partner institutions, including the University of Illinois Chicago, University of Delaware, Kansas State University, Michigan Technological University, Morgan State University, Rutgers University, University of Texas at Austin and Tuskegee University.
Potential research topics may include the development of new technology to advance rolling stock, positive train control systems, human factors, rail infrastructure enhancements, shared corridor solutions, grade crossing safety innovations, trespasser prevention strategies, inspection technology advancements, remote sensing applications, rail systems maintenance approaches, network resiliency solutions, operational reliability enhancements and energy efficiency measures.
Under the NURail CoE program, the FRA will provide up to 50% of the cost of establishing and operating the center of excellence and supporting research activities. Each of the nine universities within the NURail CoE consortium will contribute a portion of the total non-federal match.
The NURail CoE is set to operate for three years.