The 17th World Conference on Transport Research (WCTR 2026) is one of the most important global scientific events dedicated to transportation research and policy. The conference will take place from July 6 to July 10, 2026, in Toulouse, France, and will be hosted by the Toulouse School of Economics at Toulouse Capitole University. Organised by the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS), the event brings together researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of global transport systems.
Held every three years, the World Conference on Transport Research is widely recognised as one of the leading international forums for multidisciplinary research in the transport sector. The conference aims to connect academic research with practical applications and policy development in transportation systems. Participants represent universities, research institutes, government organisations, and private companies involved in transport planning, infrastructure development, logistics, and mobility services.
The WCTR 2026 program is structured around multiple thematic areas that cover key aspects of transport research. These include transport modes such as rail, air, maritime, and road transport, as well as freight logistics, traffic management, transport demand, transport economics and finance, infrastructure design and maintenance, and sustainable mobility planning.
The conference will feature scientific presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events designed to encourage collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. With around 1,500 transport experts expected to attend, WCTR 2026 provides a unique platform for sharing research findings, discussing emerging challenges, and shaping the future of mobility and transportation systems worldwide.
EIT Urban Mobility at WCTR
EIT Urban Mobility will curate and participate in a panel session on Urban Transportation as a Response to Environmental Challenges. Hub Souh’s regional director, Martí Massot, will share his knowledge and EIT Urban Mobility’s expertise and best practices on the topic.
07 July, 12.40h – How innovation in urban mobility facilitates decarbonization of our cities
Transport makes up about a quarter of energy-related emissions and still relies heavily on fossil fuels. To reach the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality goal, cities need to rethink how people and goods move by prioritising high-capacity, low-carbon public transport, active travel, and smarter operations over private cars. This panel will examine how new ideas in urban mobility can accelerate progress toward climate neutrality while keeping travel affordable, accessible, and safe. Trends such as the integration of mobility with energy and digital systems, electrification combined with smart charging, data-driven traffic management, and the expansion of shared and active mobility are gaining momentum. Equally important are solutions that address behavioral change alongside technology. This panel looks at how innovation can transform mobility from a major challenge into an opportunity for better climate, health, and equity. Innovation is the enabler that allows cities to build fair and sustainable mobility systems that respond to urgent climate needs and rapid urban growth. The conversation will also consider how public institutions, universities, research centers, and private companies share responsibility for moving toward sustainable mobility. We will examine how the most promising innovations drive decarbonization in our cities. Panelists will share how cities test, learn, and scale to accelerate towards climate-neutral mobility.
Moderator: Sophie VOINIS (FRANCE)
Speakers:
– Rosario Macario, University of Lisbon
– Martí Massot, EIT Urban Mobility
– Laia Pagés, UPC-CARNET
– Maxime Boyer, City of Toulouse