SPANISH ROAD ASSOCIATION HONOURS STA PRESIDENT WITH GOLD MEDAL
From left to right: Juan Francisco Lazcano, Dr José F. Papí Ferrando, Rocío Báguena.
Dr José F. Papí Ferrando receives the International Road Merit Gold Medal during the award ceremony held in Madrid on 16 June 2026.
On 16 June 2026, the Spanish Road Association (AEC), Member of the Smart Transportation Alliance (STA), awarded Dr José F. Papí Ferrando, STA President & CEO of Etelätär Innovation, the Gold Medal for International Merit in Roads (Medalla de Oro de la Carretera al Mérito Internacional) during a ceremony that brought together leading representatives from the Spanish road and mobility sector in Madrid, Spain. The award was given by Juan Francisco Lazcano, President of AEC and of the Spanish National Confederation of Construction (CNC) and by Rocío Báguena, Secretary-General of Land Transport of the Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Presented as part of the AEC's 2026 Road Honour Medals, the distinction recognises his outstanding contributions to the advancement of road infrastructure and the transport sector beyond Spain's borders and acknowledges a professional career spanning more than three decades.
Throughout his career, Dr José F. Papí Ferrando has worked on numerous European and international initiatives, strengthening cooperation among public authorities, industry and research organisations. His work has contributed significantly to the development of safer, smarter and more sustainable transport and mobility systems, while promoting a long-term vision for the future of road infrastructure.
A strong advocate of international collaboration, he has championed the importance of building networks, sharing knowledge and fostering trust among institutions and stakeholders as essential foundations for meaningful and lasting progress in the transport sector.
Under his leadership, STA has continued to promote dialogue and cooperation, bringing together organisations committed to accelerating innovation and supporting the transition towards smarter, safer and better-connected transport infrastructures.
The Smart Transportation Alliance warmly congratulates Dr José F. Papí Ferrando on this distinguished recognition.
Commenting on the award, he added:
“This distinction is also a recognition of the value of international cooperation and of the many institutions and colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work over the years. The challenges facing transport and infrastructure are long term and global in nature, and addressing them successfully requires collaboration, innovation and a shared vision”