2025 STA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & INNOVATION AWARDS: PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE
On 17 September 2025, the 10th anniversary edition of the STA Annual Conference & Innovation Awards, under the theme “Safer & Greener Transport Infrastructures in the context of AI & Big Data developments”, took place under the umbrella of the European Transport Conference at the University of Antwerp in Antwerp, Belgium.
The one-day event opened with remarks from Prof Thierry Vanelslander, Department of Transport and Regional Economics, University of Antwerp, and Dr José F. Papí, CEO at Etelätär Innovation, STA President. Their contributions set the tone for an engaging discussion on the future of transport infrastructures.
More than 40 participants attended and had the opportunity to hear insights from leading experts – ranging from European Commission representatives to industry leaders – on how AI is no longer a theoretical concept, but a practical tool enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The roundtable discussions sparked exchanges with the audience.
Roundtable 1 discussions highlighted real-world applications, from the use of AI in road maintenance inspections, and the digitisation of logistics services, to broader applications across the infrastructure lifecycle. Roundtable 2 showcased STA’s research in action, including the new Discussion Paper on EU Transport Priorities, and the latest developments in the EU-funded project KEYSTONE. Now in its final phase, KEYSTONE is preparing pilot activities and aims to simplify cross-border compliance in the transport and logistics sector through the KEYSTONE web application.
In her closing keynote speech, Ms Isabelle Vandoorne, Acting Head of Unit for Innovation and Research at DG MOVE, European Commission, placed these discussions in the wider policy context, outlining the European Commission’s ongoing efforts, and commitment to supporting innovation in the field.
At the end of the event, the 2025 STA Innovation Awards recognised outstanding contributions to transport innovation:
Person of the Year: Mr Erwin Verstraelen, Vice-President of Innovation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), was recognised for his leadership in driving port innovation and digital transformation.
Best Innovation Solution: RECORAIL, a decarbonised, circular, and reusable road safety barrier developed by Road Steel by Gonvarri Industries. STA recognised RECORAIL as a concrete example of private sector alignment with EU principles on sustainability, promoting both environmental and societal benefits. The award was collected by Mr Antonio Amengual, Director at Road Steel by Gonvarri Industries.
All conference topics and presentations are available in our Dedicated Section and in the Conference Proceedings, which are now accessible.
STA would like to thank all the speakers and attendees, and looks forward to welcoming you to next year’s edition!