Celebrating Excellence
TRA 2026 proudly celebrates innovation and research excellence through the TRA VISIONS Awards – one of the most anticipated moments of the conference. Established in 2014, these awards have grown into a key European platform for recognizing breakthrough achievements that push the boundaries of mobility, technology, and sustainability.
The awards shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals and teams whose work advances transport research, strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, and inspires collaboration between academia, industry, and policy. Winners gain international visibility, contribute to shaping the future of mobility, and become part of a growing community of changemakers dedicated to smarter and greener transport.
Award Categories
TRA VISIONS 2026 will present four main award categories, recognizing talent and achievement across all transport modes — road, rail, waterborne, airborne, passenger, and logistics.
Junior Researcher Award – Honoring master’s and PhD students or recent graduates who demonstrate outstanding creativity, innovative research, and a forward-thinking approach to the transport challenges of tomorrow.
Senior Researcher Award – Recognizing established experts and academics for their long-term contributions to European research, innovation, and policy development in the transport sector.
Special Honorary Award – A lifetime recognition presented to individuals or institutions that have made an exceptional impact on European transport research and innovation through vision, leadership, or collaboration.
Host Award – Introduced for TRA 2026 by the Hungarian organizing committee to highlight remarkable regional research and innovation projects that embody the spirit of Re-Generation in Transport.
The Awards Ceremony
The winners will be announced during the TRA VISIONS Awards Ceremony at TRA 2026 in Budapest – an evening celebrating creativity, collaboration, and Europe’s shared commitment to shaping the future of transport.
Competitions
The Junior Researcher Awards are open to master’s and PhD students, as well as graduates within two years of completing their doctoral studies. Applicants must be the main author of an abstract submitted to the TRA 2026 Call for Papers.
Why participate?
- Showcase your innovative thinking to leading experts and institutions.
- Gain visibility in front of an international audience.
- Strengthen your research profile and CV through a high-level European competition.
- Win monetary prizes: €5,000 for first place, €3,000 for second, and €2,000 for third.
- Receive complimentary full access to TRA 2026 in Budapest.
How to apply:
Submit your abstract via the TRA 2026 Call for Papers platform and indicate your interest in participating in the Junior Researcher competition. You will be asked to upload additional materials such as a research summary, presentation, and letters of recommendation.
The Senior Researcher Awards honor experienced scientists and innovators for their exceptional contributions to European transport projects and research excellence. Awards will be granted in six categories: Road, Rail, Waterborne, Airborne, Passenger, and Logistics.
Why participate?
Winning a Senior Researcher Award provides peer recognition, international exposure, and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of transport innovators.
How to apply:
Submit your paper through the TRA 2026 Call for Papers and indicate your interest in the Senior Researcher competition.
Launched in TRA 2022, this award recognises the lifetime achievements of an exceptional senior researcher in European transport R&I. Nominees are exclusively nominated by one of the partnering European Technology Platforms (ERTRAC, ERRAC, WATERBORNE, ACARE, ALICE and ECTP). Self-applications are not accepted.
Why it matters?
- Celebrates outstanding work and dedication in European transport research
- Highlights research as a career with lasting impact on society
- Offers the winner full access to TRA 2026 and visibility during the conference
As a new addition for TRA 2026, this award highlights innovative contributions aligned with the conference’s theme, Re-Generation in Transport selected by Hungary. Winners will be selected among authors of accepted TRA 2026 papers by the Hungarian host together with the co-organiser European Commission. No application is required.
Why it is valuable?
- Celebrates innovative thinking that responds to pressing transport challenges
- Highlights research tackling environmental, technological, and societal transformations shaping the future of mobility
- Offers the winner full access to TRA 2026 and visibility during the conference
