Specific Challenge:

To promote the interest of students and researchers on research and innovation in the transport sector, by rewarding the best innovative ideas and research achievements in this field.

Scope:

The action should focus on organising two competitions for transport research and innovation awards to be assigned at the TRA conference in 2018:

―A competition for students and young researchers with the goal of stimulating the interest among young researchers/students in the field of transport.

―A competition for senior researchers in the field of innovative transport concepts based on results from EU-funded projects only.

Both competitions should cover all transport modes and cross-cutting issues (technological, socio-economic and behavioural aspects) in line with the EU policy objectives for smart, green and integrated transport. The organisation of these awards should ensure high-quality competition and very good media coverage before, during and after the TRA conference.

The action should give particular attention to gender issues.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 0.4 and 0.6 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact:

This action is expected to increase the attractiveness of transport related studies and reinforce the pursuit of excellence in European transport research and innovation, by giving recognition and visibility to the best achievements. The TRA conference is expected to efficiently disseminate knowledge and results of European and national research projects in the area of transport and thus improve the development and deployment of innovative solutions for transport in Europe.

Delegation Exception Footnote:

This activity directly aimed at supporting the development and implementation of evidence base for R&I policies and supporting various groups of stakeholders is excluded from the delegation to the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and will be implemented by the Commission services.

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