STA Newsletter
STA in Action - Special Issue # 1-2024
This special edition of the quarterly STA Newsletter focuses in detail on the upcoming 2024 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards. Registration for this event is free of charge and the conference takes place in Madrid (Spain) on7 November 2024.
Last Chance to Reserve Your Seat at the 2024 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards
Register and join the 9th STA Conference & Innovation Awards.
Opening Session by Aleatica
Keynote speech by Mr Ricardo Lobo on the evolution of infrastructure systems.
Mr Ricardo Lobo, Head of R&D Department at Aleatica will kick off the 2024 STA Annual Conference by holding a keynote speech, exploring the journey of transportation infrastructures development. He will delve into the integration of digital technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative materials that are shaping the future of infrastructures.
The event and the speech are moderated by Dr José F. Papí (STA President & CEO at Etelätär Innovation).
Roundtables with Expert Insights into the Digital Future of Transport Infrastructure
Two roundtables will explore innovative solutions and real-world applications for the digital future of transport infrastructures.
In the first roundtable Mr Carlos Fernández, R&D Engineer and Mr César Bartolomé, Director for Innovation, both from the Spanish Institute of Cement and its Applications (IECA), will explore how predictive maintenance can enhance the lifespan and functionality of airport pavements.
Also, Mr Jorge Alfonso, Researcher at the Visual Telecommunications Application Group (VTAG) Research Group of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) will discuss the critical challenges faced in deploying Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) technologies. Mr Juan García, Head of R&D at Road Steel by Gonvarri, will explore the growing impact of electric vehicle (EV) traffic on the performance of safety barriers.
The second roundtable will focus on real-world applications and innovative approaches in transport infrastructure. Dr Elena de la Peña, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the Spanish Road Association, STA Vice-President, and Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Smart Mobility, will discuss the integration of digital technologies on secondary roads.
Prof Valentin Carlan from the Department of Transport and Regional Economics at the University of Antwerp will address the implementation of smart technologies in port management. Lastly, Prof José Manuel Vassallo, Researcher at the Transport Research Centre (TRANSyT) of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Smart Financing, will share his insights on the methodology for the socio-economic assessment of Electric Road Systems (ERS).
The roundtables are moderated by Dr José F. Papí (STA President & CEO at Etelätär Innovation).
Two Site Visits into Digital Innovation
All participants will have the unique opportunity to visit the Operations Centre of the Madrid West Light Rail Network & the Torres Quevedo Museum (UPM).
The 2024 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards, will include two dynamic site visits designed to offer participants direct insights into innovative transport solutions. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the Operations Centre of the Madrid West Light Rail Network, and explore the operational strategies and technologies that support the management of this urban transport network.
Moreover, the conference will be rounded off with a visit to the Torres Quevado Museum, where participants will discover and admire a remarkable collection of machines and devices by the renowned engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo (1852-1936).
2024 STA Innovation Awards Ceremony
Recognising global innovators who are leading the way in the digitisation of transport infrastructures.
Ms Emanuela Stocchi, Director of International Affairs at the Italian Association of Motorway and Tunnel Concessionaires (AISCAT) and Vice-Chair of the European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures(ASECAP) will be awarded as the Person of the Year.
This recognition honors her remarkable contributions to advancing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions in Europe and beyond, with a specific focus on the EU taxonomy.
The Madrid Regional Government will receive the Best Innovation Solution, for the development of the Special Civil Protection Plan against Floods. The plan, based on an extensive study of regional hydrology and population vulnerability, establishes a strategic framework for managing flood emergencies.
News of Interest
Highlights from the European Transport Conference 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium
The European Transport Conference 2024 took place for the first time in Antwerp, Belgium, with around 550 participants discussing mobility and access for current and future generations.
The conference featured sessions on topics such as aviation, logistics, and sustainable land use, with key themes including decarbonisation, data analysis, and micromobility. Attendees also participated in technical excursions, including a walking tour focused on mobility and visits to key railway stations. This conference highlighted the need for innovative approaches to ensure a sustainable transport future.