WCTR 2026 : UT Capitole and TSE are hosting the next transport research conference

11.6.2026 - | Université Toulouse Capitole

From July 6 to 10, the Toulouse Capitole University and Toulouse School of Economics (TSE) are honoured to host the 17th World Conference on Transport Research (WCTR). The event will bring together nearly 1,500 international experts to rethink the transport of the future.

This leading international event, which brings together the global transport research community every three years, returns to Europe after several editions held outside the continent. Selected from 17 candidate cities following the 2023 conference in Montreal, Toulouse will bring together experts from around the world to address key transport challenges, ranging from logistics and engineering to digital technologies and operational research. The 50th anniversary of the WCTR will take place on the campus of the University of Toulouse Capitole and will be organised by the Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).

As the European capital of aeronautics and aerospace, as well as a major hub for mobility, Toulouse boasts a unique ecosystem that brings together academic research, industry players and public institutions. This unrivalled regional context will enable the event to bring together leading organisations in the transport sector, such as Airbus, SNCF and Air France.

A comprehensive and inclusive programme to rethink the future of transport

The programme includes presentations, lectures, panel discussions and technical visits. The highlight of the conference will be the presentation of a joint declaration backed by 16 major international transport companies, aimed at setting out the sector’s key strategic directions and rallying stakeholders around a shared vision.

The main themes that will form the basis of the event are:

  • modes of transport – general overview,
  • freight transport and logistics,
  • traffic management, operations and control,
  • transport activity and demand,
  • transport economics and finance,
  • transport, spatial planning and sustainable development,
  • transport planning and policy,
  • transport in developing and emerging countries,
  • infrastructure design and maintenance.

A message from the director

Hosting the World Conference on Transport Research in Toulouse is much more than just an international gathering. It is a unique opportunity for key stakeholders in Toulouse to showcase their expertise in organising, promoting and hosting events of this scale. Beyond the logistical aspects, the WCTR in Toulouse offers the opportunity to bring about positive change by bringing together global transport experts.

Marc Ivaldi, Director of WCTR Toulouse 2026 and lecturer at TSE and EHESS


https://www.ut-capitole.fr/home/research/wctr-2026-ut-capitole-and-tse-are-hosting-the-next-transport-research-conference