STA Newsletter
STA in Action - Special Issue # 1-2025
This special edition of the quarterly STA Newsletter focuses in detail on the upcoming 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards.
Last Chance to Reserve Your Seat at the 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards!
Register and join the 10th STA Conference & Innovation Awards.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This year, the 2025 STA Annual Conference, under the theme “Safer & Greener Transport Infrastructures in the Context of AI & Big Data Developments,” will be held as part of the European Transport Conference 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium, on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, from 11:00 to 13:30 CET.
All participants will have a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts - from representatives of the European Commission to industry leaders - to explore the transformation of transport infrastructures through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, and to celebrate innovators driving digital and sustainable advancements in the sector.
The conference will conclude with the STA Annual Innovation Awards, accompanied by a working lunch served during the ceremony.
Do not miss the opportunity to participate in the 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards and be part of the important conversation shaping the future of transport infrastructures.
To secure your place, please register by 5 September 2025, as seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note: While registration for the STA Annual Conference is free, separate registration is required for the full attendance of the European Transport Conference.
Opening Session by Prof Thierry Vanelslander & Dr José F. Papí
Welcome speeches on the role of AI and Big Data in transport infrastructures.
Prof Thierry Vanelslander, from the Department of Transport and Regional Economics at the University of Antwerp, together with Dr José F. Papí, CEO at Etelätär Innovation and STA President, will open the 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards with a welcome address, setting the tone for a high-level exchange on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in advancing safer and greener transport infrastructures.
Roundtable 1: AI Applications to Transport Infrastructure
Expert speakers will discuss innovative AI solutions and practical applications transforming transport infrastructure.
Mr Jorge Alfonso, Researcher at the Visual Telecommunications Application Group (VTAG), Research Group of the Technical University of Madrid(UPM), will present insights on the application of AI across infrastructure development and management. Read Mr Kurano’s latest Technical Report, “AI Applications Across the Road Infrastructure Lifecycle”.
Also, 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 AI-powered road maintenance inspections, highlighting how digital technologies enhance infrastructure reliability. Read Dr de la Peña’s latest Technical Report, “Roadmap for the Digital Adaptation of Local Roads”.
Mr Stephen Rakoma from the Department of Transport and Regional Economics at the University of Antwerpwill conclude the session by addressing the impact of digitalisation and AI on logistics services.
Quick Guide to STA’s Safety+ Excellence Labelling for Road Restraint Systems
Setting a new benchmark for the safety performance of CE-certified Road Restraint Systems (RRS).
We are pleased to share that the Smart Transportation Alliance (STA) will delve into the requirements and advantages of the STA Safety+ Excellence Labelling at the 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards. The initiative, to be presented by Dr José F. Papí, CEO at Etelätär Innovation and STA President, provides an objective assessment of the safety performance of CE-certified Road Restraint Systems, supporting both authorities and consumers while promoting innovation and best practices in road safety.
Roundtable 2: STA Research in Action
Leading professionals will explore key research initiatives driving sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
Mr César Bartolomé, Director for Innovation at the Spanish Institute of Cement and its Applications(IECA) and Chair of STA’s Technical Committee on Smart Sustainability, will present a new STA Position Paper on EU Transport Research Priorities, outlining future policy directions and research and innovation priorities at the European level.
Ms Friederike L. Kühl, Programmes Coordinator at STA, will present recent findings from the EU-funded KEYSTONE project, focused on digitised cross‑border logistics compliance, and will also highlight STA’s ongoing research and innovation activities.
Closing Keynote by Ms Isabelle Vandoorne from DG MOVE, European Commission
Ms Isabelle Vandoorne will present the EU’s R&D+i efforts towards more sustainable and efficient transport infrastructures.
Ms Isabelle Vandoorne, Acting Head of Unit for Innovation and Research at DG MOVE, European Commission, will deliver the closing keynote address at the 2025 STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards. Her speech will focus on the EU’s research, development, and innovation strategies for advancing safer, greener, and smarter transport infrastructures across Europe, highlighting ongoing and future initiatives that support sustainable mobility.
2025 STA Innovation Awards Ceremony
Recognising global innovators who are leading the way in the digitisation of transport infrastructures.
Mr Erwin Verstraelen, Vice-President of Innovation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges(Belgium), will be recognised for his outstanding leadership in driving port innovation and digital transformation.
RECORAIL, a decarbonised, circular, and reusable road safety barrier developed by Road Steel by Gonvarri Industries, will receive the award for Best Innovation Solution. The award will be collected by Mr Antonio Amengual, Director at Road Steel by Gonvarri Industries.