Dear reader,
the RMR team wishes you a happy New Year and a successful start to 2026!
European rail research has set clear priorities for 2025: digitalisation and automation, resilience to climate and operational risks, cybersecurity, interoperability and preparation for FRMCS. Key deliverables from Europe's Rail (EU-Rail) and studies by ERA, DZSF, DLR and industry partners show how these topics are increasingly moving from specification to implementation.
In 2025, railway research in Europe was focusing heavily on digital operations management and automation, particularly within the framework of the EU Rail Programme. The aim is to create a ‘Single European Railway Area’ with interoperable, digital systems that increase the capacity, reliability and efficiency of railway operations. This includes automated train radio standards such as FRMCS, modular onboard platforms and ETCS-based asset management, all based on a common system architecture. Projects such as R2DATO are testing moving block demonstrators and hybrid localisation concepts to validate ATO functions and modular control systems.
Predictive maintenance gained importance in 2025 as an integral part of operational resilience. Modern systems combine real-time sensor technology, machine learning algorithms and digital twins to detect failures at an early stage and plan maintenance measures in advance. Studies and industry discussions show that intelligent data-driven maintenance not only increases availability but is also seen as a climate adaptation measure: AI-based systems can, for example, identify and prioritise thermal deformations and other weather-related risks at an early stage.
Scientific work on the use of deep neural networks for diagnosing track circuit anomalies also shows that such a data-driven approach significantly improves fault detection and, in many cases, works even before a failure occurs.
Increasing digitalisation has brought cybersecurity to the forefront of the research agenda. National and European initiatives are working on harmonisation methodologies to make digital systems in signal boxes, train radio and operations centres more resistant to attacks. This includes promoting digital sovereignty, standardised security frameworks and networking national players to develop joint security solutions and reduce investment barriers.
In the context of increasing extreme weather events, the resilience of the rail network has also become a greater focus of research and operational strategies. International industry meetings such as the Intelligent Rail Summit 2025 show that data-driven approaches to climate adaptation are increasingly understood as an integral part of digitalisation.
FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System) will remain a key topic of research and standardisation in 2025, as it will enable the replacement of the existing GSM-R system by around 2030 and create the digital infrastructure for future operational and safety functions. According to the UIC Global FRMCS Conference 2025, the focus is on further developing specifications, involving numerous players from industry and railways, and expanding initiatives to international partnerships.
At the same time, scientific work is investigating the coexistence of FRMCS and GSM-R in the current network during the transition phase by optimising resource allocation and frequency use without affecting ongoing operations.
Also in 2026, we will continue to report on key research topics in the railway sector — so read you in the next email!
Best regards, Your RMR-Team | 
