1. Cross-border Challenges

• Operational integration in international lines
• Advanced coordination models between multi-country authorities
• Technical and digital interoperability challenges at border interfaces
• Secure transnational data-sharing and protection of critical information

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2. Maintenance (infrastructure and Rolling Stock)

• AI-driven predictive maintenance and distributed sensing technologies
• Impact of digitalisation on maintenance efficiency and safety outcomes
• Risk-based decision models for critical maintenance operation
• Asset management strategies for complex and ageing networks

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3. Intermodal Connectivity

• Integration of rail with next-generation smart logistics hubs
• Safety challenges at modal interfaces (metro, road, maritime, aviation)
• Intermodal flow planning under extreme or degraded operating conditions
• Resilience of intermodal information systems and control platforms

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4. Resilience to Extreme Natural Events (Resilience to extreme natural events)

• Climate vulnerability assessments for railway lines and structures
• Monitoring technologies for floods, wildfires, landslides, and earthquakes
• Predictive models and mitigation strategies for infrastructure damage
• Continuity-of-operations planning under severe environmental stress

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5. Freight Terminals (Freight terminals)

• Safe automation of freight terminals and innovative operational models
• Risk management in intensive shunting operations and complex layouts
• Digital twins for multimodal terminal optimisation and safety
• Safety solutions for handling hazardous materials

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6. Management and Frontline Workers (Management & frontline workers)

• Closing the gap between management and front-line workers to unlock a resilient safety culture
• Evidence-based safety culture and human-behaviour insights
• Innovative training programmes and competency development
• Managing fatigue, stress, and workload in high-demand environments

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7. Emergency Management (Management of emergency)

• Interoperable command-and-control systems for complex emergencies
• Coordinated response strategies for multimodal infrastructures and engineering structures
• Technological solutions for critical communication during incidents
• Advanced simulation and scenario-based training for crisis preparedness

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8. Track Obstacles (Obstacles on the track)

• Intelligent automatic detection systems for intrusion and obstruction
• Wildlife management and accidental intrusions in sensitive areas
• Active prevention technologies in dense urban and remote rural zones
• Real-time data analytics for collision-risk mitigation

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9. Innovation (Innovation)

• Artificial intelligence and automation for enhanced safety management
• Next-generation rolling stock concepts with embedded safety systems
• Big data approaches for incident prediction and prevention
• Cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of digital railway innovation