Research
From science to service
The Research department is preparing the company’s responses to the commercial, economic and environmental challenges of tomorrow. The objective: promote the development of innovative products and services for all sectors of SNCF. The policy: carry out international technological intelligence and adapt high-tech scientific and technological advances to its specific requirements in order to take the railway system forward.How are we organized?
SNCF Research is a multidisciplinary department. Our experts are spread across the entire company and grouped together in “skills centres”. Our research correspondents in various branches and technical department act as intermediaries. Overall coherence is guaranteed by the Innovation and research department. Its role: run the research programme and budget, lead and coordinate the internal network and scientific partnerships and cooperation.
With whom do we work?
Most of SNCF Research’s research projects are conducted with research institutes, the scientific laboratories of universities and grandes écoles, industrial groups and other major railway networks.
We have framework agreements with CNRS (France’s national centre for scientific research), INRETS (national institute for research on transport and safety) and LCPC (the central laboratory of the college of civil engineering - Ponts et Chaussées).
Our researchers and experts are part of international networks and participate in laying down guidelines for national, Franco-German, European and international research programmes. At the same time, we are actively involved in the work of ERRAC (European Railway Research Advisory Council).