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The International Collaborative Research Initiative (ICRI) on Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) and Wear of Rails and Wheels is an informal collection of academics, consultants, researchers, and engineers working in, or having significant involvement with, the international railway industry. The ICRI, formed in 2013, brings together roughly 475 people from over 225 organizations in 40 countries (as of 2025) to collaborate on topics of mutual interest by leveraging current or future, already funded work.
From 16–18 September 2026, the ICRI will host a multi-day, in-person workshop in Sheffield, UK. This event will provide a focused forum for researchers, suppliers and railway operators to exchange knowledge and engage in practical discussions on topics having significant safety implications for the railway industry.
The workshop will emphasise:
Translation of research into industry practice
Sharing of current methodologies, data, and case studies
Identification of common challenges and opportunities for collaboration
With rolling contact fatigue and wear continuing to present significant cost and safety implications for railway systems worldwide, the workshop aims to support more effective, evidence-based approaches to asset management and maintenance.
Attendees will benefit from direct engagement with keynote speakers, exposure to the latest research and operational insights, and opportunities to build collaborative relationships across academia and industry.
Registrations open on June 26.
Key Dates
18 May 2026 - Expression of Interest Opens
26 June 2026 - Registration Opens
24 August 2026 - Registration Closes
16-18 September 2026 - Event
Eligibility, Registration & Costs
Attendance at the workshop is open to all members of the International Collaborative Research Initiative (ICRI).
Places are limited to 100 participants. In the event of oversubscription, selection will aim to ensure a balanced representation across academia, industry, and international participants.
A registration fee of £100 per person will apply. This fee includes:
Catering throughout the workshop (refreshments, lunch & evening meal)
Transport associated with laboratory visits included in the programme
Venue & Logistics
The workshop will take place in 38 Mappin Street, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. The venue is located within walking distance of Sheffield railway station, or a short tram journey, and has wide range of hotels and city-centre amenities nearby. The venue address will be shared with participants in advance of the event.
The University of Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're renowned for the excellence, impact and distinctiveness of our research-led learning and teaching. International Ranking: Sheffield is a world top-100 (92nd) university and 15th in the UK (QS World Uni Rankings 2026) and a founding member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities. Its outstanding performance for excellent teaching and research, as part of a genuinely global community, is consistently confirmed by international independent assessments. It has been ranked at 105th in the world QS World University Rankings 2025 and 14th in the UK (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).
On Day 3, organised transport will be provided to take attendees to laboratory facilities located on the outskirts of the city: UoS School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, LVV or Factory 2050. Return transport to central Sheffield will also be arranged.
A workshop dinner will be held on one of the evenings at Cutlery Works, an industrial building with a collection of independent kitchens, vendors and bas, each serving a unique twist on global street food, comfort classics, sweet treats and craft drinks. It is a 20 minute walk or 16 minute tram from the venue. Please see more details regarding travel on the Travel & Accommodation page.
This meal is included in the cost of registration.
Travel Information
Travel Information
Attendees are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel.
Sheffield is well connected by rail, road, and air, https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/visit/getting-to-sheffield/:
Train:
Sheffield is approximately 2 hours from London St Pancras, 3 hours from London Heathrow or London Gatwick, 1 hour from Manchester, 1.5 hours from Manchester Airport. Train times and ticket costs can be found on the National Rail Website or Trainline.
Air:
The nearest major airports include Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands.
Car & Parking:
Sheffield is accessible via the M1 motorway, it is 165 miles from London and 35 miles from Leeds.
Sheffield City Council operates several surface level car parks and on street parking – parking charges and maximum parking times vary – details can be found here. Privately operated multi storey and surface level car parking is also available across the city centre to give motorists lots of choice. Details (including up to date availability) can be found at en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/Sheffield/. There are new rapid electric vehicle chargers in a range of locations across the city. You can find the SCC charge sites here or look at sites such as ZapMap for other locations of most publicly available chargers.
Local transport:
Tram, bus and taxi services operate throughout the city.
Tram from Train Station to Workshop Venue - Take the blue line from Sheffield Station/ Hallam University heading towards Malin Bridge. Get off at West Street and take a 2 minute walk down Mappin Street to the workshop venue. Tram tickets can be found here.
Tram from Workshop Venue to Cutlery Works- Take the yellow line from West Street heading towards Meadowhall. Get off at Shalesmoor and walk 7 minutes to Cutlery Works (by crossing the Kelham Island footbridge and turning left onto Neepsend Lane).
Bus from Train Station to Workshop Venue - Take the free, Sheffield Connect (SC1) city-centre shuttle bus from the bus station interchange B1 to West street. See more information about SC1 here.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Attendees are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation. Discounted hotel rates are available through a partnership with Sheffield City Council, and attendees are encouraged to book via the following link:
https://book.passkey.com/e/51245892
Reservations can be made using the web address below until 28 days prior to the event start date. On this date, some hotels will choose to leave unsold rooms on the system, or they may remove them. The site will close fully 14 days prior to the event start date. After this date contact details for hotel will be given for last minute enquiries.
Please note that participants are not restricted to these options and may make independent arrangements if preferred.
Programme
View the current draft programme: [LINK]
The programme is still being finalised. Please check back for updates, with the final version to be issued ahead of the workshop.
Lab Tours
To wrap up the workshop, we are offering free lab tours (subject to minimum numbers) to some of Sheffields most advanced engineering and manufacting research labs. Transport to and from the sites are included. Please register your interest when submitting your main registration form. Final schedule and departure times will be circulated to attendees closer to the event.
These site visits offer a fantastic opportunity to see cutting-edge testing rigs, digital manufacturing setups, and industry-leading research facilities in action. Lab options include:
University of Sheffield, MAC Labs
Located in the Sir Frederick Mappin Building (next door to 38 Mappin Street), the University of Sheffield's School of Mechanical Engineering houses world-class testing and research environments. This tour will include a number of the schools laboratories and is an excellent look into the academic and practical pipelines that support moden railway and engineering industries.
The LVV is an £11 million world-class environmental and vibration testing facility. It serves as a pivotal bridge between fundamental research and full-scale industrial application. This tour will give you an up-close look at how substantial engineering structures and components are subjected to realistic, accelerated environmental conditions and dynamic testing to validate next-generation engineering models.
Step into the future of manufacturing. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Factory 2050 is the UK’s first state-of-the-art facility entirely dedicated to collaborative research into reconfigurable, digitally assisted assembly and component manufacturing. Encased in a stunning glass rotunda, you will see how advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technology are actively transforming high-value manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
Things to do in Sheffield
Sheffield is a city defined by transformation. Once the beating heart of England’s industrial revolution, world-renowned as the "City of Steel" and the birthplace of stainless steel cutlery, it has reinvented itself as a rising star of the UK’s arts and culture scene. Today, the historic factories and foundries that shaped the modern world have been reborn as vibrant galleries, independent theatres, bustling bars, and award-winning restaurants. As one of the major hubs of Yorkshire (the UK's largest and most historic county), Sheffield seamlessly blends a rich heritage with a progressive spirit. It boasts a legendary music scene, its very own Walk of Fame, and over a thousand historically listed buildings.
Remarkably, 61% of Sheffield is comprised of green space, making it the greenest city in the UK and the second greenest in all of Europe. It offers the ultimate "outdoor city" experience, serving as the premier gateway to the breath-taking Peak District National Park, famed for its dramatic landscapes, historic stately homes, and natural mineral springs.
Whether you are interested in guided walking tours, culinary food trails, or cycling excursions, there is always something to discover. For a complete guide to current events and itineraries, head over to Welcome to Sheffield.
Top Attractions in Sheffield:
Millennium Gallery – The city's premier destination for art, craft, and design.
Kelham Island & Museum – A trendy, historic district where Sheffield's industrial past meets its modern independent food and drink scene.
Botanical Gardens – Spectacular Victorian glass pavilions surrounded by 19 acres of stunning flora.
Peace Gardens – An award-winning public space featuring spectacular water fountains right in the heart of the city.
Weston Park Museum & National Emergency Services Museum – Deep dives into local history and fascinating heritage.
Meadowhall – One of the UK's premier indoor shopping and leisure destinations.
Whether you are interested in guided walking tours, culinary food trails, or cycling excursions, there is always something to discover. For a complete guide to current events and itineraries, head over to Welcome to Sheffield.
Top Attractions in Sheffield:
Millennium Gallery – The city's premier destination for art, craft, and design.
Kelham Island & Museum – A trendy, historic district where Sheffield's industrial past meets its modern independent food and drink scene.
Botanical Gardens – Spectacular Victorian glass pavilions surrounded by 19 acres of stunning flora.
Peace Gardens – An award-winning public space featuring spectacular water fountains right in the heart of the city.
Weston Park Museum & National Emergency Services Museum – Deep dives into local history and fascinating heritage.
Meadowhall – One of the UK's premier indoor shopping and leisure destinations.
FAQ's
Can I attend the event online?
This workshop will be in-person only.
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel your registration. You will be entitled to a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of registration, a 50% refund if you cancel between 15-21 days of registration, a 25% refund if you cancel between 22-28 days of registration. You will not be entitled to any refund if you cancel more than 28 days from registration.
Please contact the organisers to arrange this.
Please note that we are unable to assist with the cancellation or reimbursement of travel or accommodation bookings, as these are arranged independently by participants. We recommend booking flexible or refundable travel and accommodation options where possible.
Do I need a visa?
Participants travelling from outside the UK may require a visa to attend the workshop. Requirements will vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances.
It is the responsibility of each participant to check the relevant entry requirements and ensure that they have the appropriate visa or travel authorisation in place before travelling. We recommend consulting the official UK Government website for the most up-to-date information:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
If you require a visa, we advise applying as early as possible to allow sufficient processing time.
Register
Registrations will open on June 26.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the workshop, application process, or logistics, please get in touch with the organising team. We aim to respond as promptly as possible.
Email: sheffield.icri@sheffield.ac.uk
For more information about the International Collaborative Research Initiative (ICRI), please visit: ICRI Website
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