European and international networks
National and European network
The National Information Point "City" (NIP City) is coordinated by Université Gustave Eiffel. It is initially an I-SITE FUTURE tool designed to increase the joint and coordinated participation of French public and private players in European urban initiatives, programmes and networks.
*I-SITE FUTURE is an institutional and scientific project on desirable cities and territories for the future.
The NIP City provides the French community with comprehensive information on European policies, bodies and funding opportunities, while promoting networking and cooperation between stakeholders. Its mission is also to influence European policies and programmes by contributing to the development of French positions within European bodies.
The NIP City's mission is to complement and work in association with existing national initiatives. Its operations involve national structures and networks of players in the fields of research, companies, local authorities, town and country planners, as well as the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion (MTECT), the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT).
To achieve its objectives, the NIP City takes a number of actions:
- Producing summary documents on French players and European initiatives and programmes in the urban field
- Organising national information days on European funding and support schemes for players
- Organising regional information days for the various players in the regional ecosystem
- Giving advice and refering people to the right entry point or source of information (programme, network, call for projects, etc.)
- Disseminating a regular newsletter on policies, news, events organised in particular by the NIP City, as well as various European calls for proposals
- Producing position papers on urban research and innovation
- Leading a Mirror Group for the "100 Climate-neutral Cities by 2030" Mission, the "New European Bauhaus" initiative and the "Driving Urban Transitions" Partnership (DUT).
To subscribe to the newsletter of the National Information Point City
European associations and alliances
Founded in 2003, ECTRI is an international non-profit association based in Brussels. It has 28 members including leading European transport research institutes and universities.
ECTRI contributes to the construction of the European Research Area (ERA) in the field of inland and maritime transport by developing cooperation between its members through working groups, projects and meetings on the themes and processes relevant to transport research. A Young Researchers Seminar (YRS) is organised jointly by ECTRI, FERHL and FERSI every two years.This Seminar aims at building up scientific excellence, improving presentation skills and the ability to communicate science.
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel are involved in several ECTRI’s thematic groups (Mobility, Road Safety, Security and Risk Management, Freight and Logistics, Ecopol, Traffic Management) so as to produce strategic documents for research project proposals in preparation of the multiannual European Research Framework Programme (ERFP).
The EUA represents universities and national university president conferences from 47 European countries (850 members). It plays an important role in the Bologna Process and in defining the European Union's policies on higher education, research and innovation. Through its relations with numerous other European and international organisations, the EUA guarantees that the independent voice of European universities is heard whenever decisions are taken and that impact their activities.
The association provides expertise in the fields of higher education and research and is a space for exchanging ideas and good practices. The results of the EUA's work are made available to its members and stakeholders through conferences, seminars, its website and publications.
EURNEX is a network of excellence that became an association dedicated to railway research, involving 44 universities and research centres/institutes from 20 EU member states and Russia, as well as the main European railway associations such as UIC, UITP, and UNIFE.
The EURNEX association:
- Contributes to improving integration within the currently-fragmented world of European railway research
- Contributes to the creation of a more competitive European railway system for the future
- Strengthens cooperation in research and education and reinforces the exchange of knowledge between the association’s members
- Facilitates the planning and implementation of joint research projects between the members and provides a sustainable research environment for the railway sector
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel are involved in the thematic groups of Smart Mobility, Safety and Security, Infrastructure and Signalling and Human Factors.
FEHRL is an international association founded in 1989 and based in Brussels. It has over 30 members including institutes and national research laboratories from all over Europe and associate members from outside Europe (USA, Australia, South Africa and Israel).
FEHRL works to create, maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of road transport networks and to gain recognition of the vital role that these networks play in Europe. FEHRL is involved in research on topics such as road engineering and related environmental issues, smart transport and geotechnology. Every two years, FEHRL organises an international seminar bringing together 100 or so experts to identify research priorities and maintain smooth cooperation between its members.
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel are involved in expert bodies and groups in preparation of the multiannual European Research Framework Programme (ERPF) and to collaborate on responses to calls for projects.
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel are involved in expert bodies and groups in preparation of the multiannual European Research Framework Programme (ERPF) and to collaborate on responses to calls for projects.
Created in 1991, FERSI promotes collaboration between research institutes in 24 European countries to implement pre-normative road safety research.
FERSI promotes and coordinates high-quality research projects on road safety issues, consultations on the implementation of research results and their scientific evaluation.
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel, which is a co-founder of FERSI, are directly involved in the work carried out by the working groups.
This network of excellence brings together 16 universities and research centres in Europe. It focuses on research themes related to the design of information and communication technologies in transport and carries out actions to federate research and disseminate knowledge at European level.
Humanist organises a biennial conference and summer schools.
Researchers from Université Gustave Eiffel contribute to identifying priority research themes and European projects.
The PIONEER Alliance is a European network on the city, spearheaded by the Université Gustave Eiffel, made up of 9 complementary universities and an associate partner in the social and engineering sciences, all offering courses related to the cities of tomorrow:
- University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL, Portugal)
- University of Applied Science (LAUREA, Finland)
- University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln, Germany)
- University of Žilina (UNIZA, Slovakia)
- Université Gustave Eiffel (France)
- University of Applied Sciences (AVANS - Netherlands)
- University of Huelva (Spain)
- University Tomas Bata (ZLIN - Czech Republic)
- University of Venice (IUAV – Italy)
- University of Applied Sciences (Bern - Switzerland) Associate partner
The aim of the PIONEER Alliance is to co-create and develop a unique European educational facility, building on the strengths of the partners, with a focus on cities of the future, and covering the following 6 areas:
- Civil engineering for carbon-neutral urban areas
- Safety, security and risk management for resilient cities
- Technology-enhanced solutions for smart cities
- Designing services for future sustainable cities
- Sustainable urban living and tourism
- Circular economy for city dwellers
With this global learning and innovation model, the PIONEER Alliance links activities and players across Europe to develop and mobilize a new generation of learners, knowledge producers and entrepreneurs for future cities and societies.
Universities and associated cities bring together the relevant players and create an ecosystem that acts as an incubator for the engagement of European citizens, seizing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of future cities, with a view to 2030.
The PIONEER Alliance universities train altogether over 130,000 students with more than 16,000 faculty and staff members on 34 campuses.
POLIS is a network of European cities and regions working together to deploy solutions for more sustainable mobility. POLIS promotes cooperation and partnerships across Europe and with the EU to make transport research and innovation more accessible to cities and regions. Through POLIS, decision-makers also have access to the information and tools they need to make sustainable mobility and public policies a reality.
Université Gustave Eiffel is an associate member of the POLIS network (only cities, communities, regions and transport operators can be full members).
An initiative of the Urban Europe JPI, UERA is a network for cooperation between research organisations and universities carrying out research and innovation projects on the urban theme. The Alliance involves over 50 research organisations from 18 European countries, going beyond the framework of JPI Urban Europe and integrating all the actors of the urban research world. UERA promotes scientific excellence in the field of urban research according to a systemic, environmental and socioeconomic approach, promoting the study of useful methodologies and tools for urban decision-making, planning, design and management. The objectives, activities and organisation of the Alliance reflect these principles in the context of European urban development and international cooperation.
UERA aims to strengthen European capacities in the field of urban research and innovation by:
- Developing a common vision for urban research
- Building joint projects by sharing skills and resources
- Sharing research infrastructures such as databases, urban observatories and living labs
- Developing cooperations with the main European and international research organisations in the urban field
European public-private partnerships (PPP) in Horizon Europe
The European Commission has implemented a number of public-private partnerships through the Horizon Europe programme so as to coordinate the contributions of the research community and industry in order to mainly :
- Strengthening and integrating scientific, innovative and technological capabilities and collaboration;
- Meeting global challenges;
- Contributing to the strategic priorities and economic growth of the European Union (EU);
- Contributing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.
Université Gustave Eiffel is involved in the following partnerships:
2Zero is a co-programmed partnership funded under the Horizon Europe programme to accelerate the transition towards zero-emission road transport across Europe.Officially launched on 23 June 2021, 2Zero builds on the successes of the European Green Car Initiative (EGCI: 2009-2013) and the European Green Vehicle Initiative (EGVI: 2014-2020).
2Zero is implementing an integrated systems approach covering battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). With the support of five technology platforms (ERTRAC, EPoSS, ETIP-SNET, ALICE and Batteries Europe), it will continue to study new vehicle technologies and extend its scope to cover the integration of zero-emission vehicles into their ecosystem, helping to boost the EU's competitiveness and technological leadership.
CCAM is a co-programmed partnership funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The aim of CCAM is to create a more inclusive and user-centred mobility system by:
- Increasing road safety while reducing congestion and the environmental footprint
- Promoting more collaborative research, testing and demonstration projects to accelerate the pace of innovation and implementation of automated mobility
- Working together at European level to help remove barriers and contribute to the acceptance and effective deployment of automation technologies and services.
General objectives of the CCAM Partnership
- Improving road transport safety
- Guaranteeing inclusive mobility and access to goods for all
- Strengthening the competitiveness of European industries
- Reducing the negative impact of road transport on the environment
- Capitalising on knowledge to accelerate the development and deployment of CCAM solutions
DUT is a co-financed partnership under the Horizon Europe programme. This partnership builds on the achievements of JPI Urban Europe and aims to strengthen joint efforts in favour of sustainable urban development and to implement the knowledge and results obtained.
Vision of the DUT partnership: "The DUT Partnership steps up the game to tackle urban challenges. Through research and innovation and capacity building, we enable local authorities and municipalities, service and infrastructure providers, and citizens to translate global strategies into local action. We develop the skills and tools to make urban change happen and boost the urgently needed urban transformations towards a sustainable future with enhanced quality of life in cities."
DUT's Transition Pathways to drive the realisation of this vision and ambition will be integrated into the Doughnut Economics model, which aims to ensure that our societal needs are met within planetary limits. To support cities in their specific strategies, the Partnership focuses on three critical urban sectors (and their interactions):
- The Circular Urban Regenerative Economies Transition Pathway)
- The Positive Energy Districts Transition Pathway
- The 15-Minute City Transition Pathway
EU-Rail is established by Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021. It is the new European partnership for rail research and innovation established under the Horizon Europe programme (2020-2027), and the successor to the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking.
The vision of EU-Rail is to deliver, via an integrated system approach, a high capacity, flexible, multi-modal and reliable integrated European railway network by eliminating barriers to interoperability and providing solutions for full integration, for European citizens and cargo.
This partnership aims to accelerate research and development in innovative technologies and operational solutions. This will support the fulfilment of European Union policies and objectives relevant for the railway sector and the competitiveness of the rail sector and the European rail supply industry. In this way, EU-Rail will accelerate the penetration of integrated, interoperable and standardised technological innovations necessary to support the Single European Railway Area (SERA).
Université Gustave Eiffel is involved in EU-Rail as an associate partner of SNCF (National Society of the French Railways).
European Technology Platforms
European Technology Platforms are recognised by the European Commission as key players in innovation, knowledge transfer and driving European competitiveness. The aim of each platform is to define a shared vision between the players in its sector and a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).
The European Technology Platform ALICE is set-up to develop and implement a comprehensive industry lead strategy for research, innovation and market deployment in the field of logistics and supply chain management in Europe.
Founded in 2004, ECTP is an industry-led stakeholder forum. The platform gathers 163 Member organisations from 26 countries in Europe (including the associate countries Switzerland, Turkey and Israel), across the construction sector and other sectors from the whole supply chain of the Built Environment.
ECTP influences research and innovation investment in Europe through engagement with stakeholders and members to be able to respond, alone or togehter with other sectors, to the research agenda of the European Commission.
The five main working groups of ECTP are:
- Active ageing and design
- Energy-efficient buildings
- Heritage and regeneration
- Infrastructure and mobility
- Materials and sustainability
ERTRAC mobilises stakeholders in the road transport system to develop a common vision and ensure rapid, coordinated and effective implementation of research in Europe. The aim is to meet the societal challenges of road transport and improve European competitiveness.
The European Technology Platform ERTRAC is structured as follows :
- An Executive Group (Chair and Vice-Chairs) responsible for the daily decision-making and representing ERTRAC in public events and consultation bodies;
- A Plenary responsible for defining the strategic orientations and adopting documents pepared by the working groups and deciding on the strategic approaches;
- Working groups consisted of experts from the ERTRAC members working on : Urban Mobility, Long Distance Freight Transport, Energy & Environment, Road Transport Safety & Security, Global Competitiveness, Connectivity and Automated Driving.
International Networks
Internationalisation outside of the European area is also one of the university’s priorities: the field of sustainable cities, among others, is a strong indicator. To nurture and boost its influence and visibility, the university aims to inspire a structuring, visible and attractive dynamic by geographical area in collaboration with international partners, particularly those involved in the field of cities.
PIARC has existed since 1909, coinciding with the start of the automobile era. PIARC facilitates and promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing on road-related issues and challenges. It has 122 member states and is recognised worldwide. Since 1970, it has had consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Université Gustave Eiffel is involved in the governance of the World Road Association and contributes significantly to PIARC's work, mainly through its technical committees. The 2016-2019 strategic plan established 18 technical committees and 3 study groups. Université Gustave Eiffel was involved in several technical committees and one study group, including:
- Road design and infrastructure for innovative transport solutions
- Pavements
- Adaptation strategies / Resiliency
The Francophone University Agency (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie - AUF) brings together 990 French-speaking universities, graduate schools, university networks and scientific research centres in 118 countries. Founded nearly 60 years ago, it is one of the most important associations of higher education and research institutions in the world. It is also the operator for higher education and research of the Francophone Summit. As such, it implements, within its field of competence, the resolutions adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of countries sharing the French language.
AUF is present in 40 countries and has a network of 59 local branches. Its central offices are located in Montreal (Canada/Quebec) and Paris (France). Ten regional directorates lead its actions on the ground in Central Africa, the African Great Lakes Region, West Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Maghreb, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Seven administrative offices, 36 French-language digital campuses dedicated to digital technology and four Francophone institutes dedicated to training, research, advice and expertise complete this regional system.
CODATU is an international Non Governmental Organisation (French 1901 Law), created in 1980 in Dakar during the World Conference on Urban Transport. CODATU contributes to the capacity building of decision makers and transport actors in Southern countries, by proposing cooperation between cities. This cooperation is based on the exchange of experiences between developing countries and more industrialised countries. Hence, CODATU promotes sustainable urban mobility policies through training, leadership and scientific, technical, economic and social exchanges around urban and peri-urban transport systems.
ITF, like the former European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), is an intergovernmental organisation. It was created in 2006 and is part of the OECD.
The founding members of the ITF include all OECD members, as well as many Central and Eastern European countries. The ITF's annual plenary meetings provide an opportunity for transport ministers from member countries to exchange views on issues of global strategic importance for all modes of transport. The ITF allows for more countries to join than was previously the case with the ECMT, as the Forum is now international rather than just European.
Through its permanent working group on road safety, known as IRTAD, the International Transport Forum (ITF) aims to advance international knowledge on road safety and help reduce the number of road casualties. With 80 members and observers from over 40 countries, IRTAD has become a leading force in promoting international cooperation on road accident data and its analysis.
IRTAD manages an International Road Traffic and Accident database, created in 1988. IRTAD’s database collects and aggregates international road accident data, providing an empirical basis for international comparisons and more effective road safety policies. The database includes validated data for 32 countries.
Université Gustave Eiffel chairs IRTAD.
The Interuniversity Coordination Mission for Franco-American Exchanges (Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Echanges Franco-Américains - MICEFA) is a non-profit association created in 1985. The consortium brings together 18 member universities in Paris and the Île-de-France region and over 65 North American partner universities, mostly in the United States and some in English-speaking Canada.
MICEFA promotes scientific and cultural cooperation between France and English-speaking North America. The work carried out with universities and their students ains to facilitate the exchange of students and the promotion of education abroad, with exchanges lasting for one or two academic semesters.
Founded in France in 1947 and present in 70 countries, RILEM promotes scientific cooperation in the arrea of construction materials and structures.
Université Gustave Eiffel’s activities are particularly in line with RILEM and its objectives, with its methodology based on rigour, scientific excellence and openness.
Université Gustave Eiffel is strongly represented within RILEM with 40 individual members, 26 of whom are present in 22 technical committees. TC 237 (Testing and characterization of sustainable innovative bituminous materials and systems) and TC 241 (Mechanisms of cracking and debonding in asphalt and composite pavements) have the largest number of Université Gustave Eiffel members.