ILCAD Conference 2026
Programs
Registration to our 3-day-events
Register via this link: https://evenium.events/trespad-and-ilcad-conferences-2026-uic-hq-paris
Venue
UIC Headquarters
Address:
16 rue Jean Rey,
75015, Paris,
FRANCE
International Union of Railways (UIC)
How to get there
Metro: Line 6 – Bir Hakeim station
RER: Line C – Champ de Mars station
Bus: Lines 42, 69, 82, 87
Taxi: Taxi stand located next door
Accessibility: Fully accessible for people with reduced mobilit
List of recommended hotels
List of hotels (EN)
List of hotels (FR)
Handpicked videos: Feel the spirit of Paris
Speakers
François Davenne
Mr Davenne graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications d’Evry in 1988 and from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in 1999. Throughout his career, he has consistently promoted interdisciplinarity as a key factor for success. Having gained experience in international satellite telecommunications, he initially held various roles in the housing sector, making use of his strong financial and legal skills. He was involved in policy and regulation of the sector and managed key operational programmes, most notably for the city of Paris.
After three years with the French Ministry of Transport, working on railway safety and regulation, with an emphasis on European regulations, he was elected in 2012 as Secretary General of OTIF, the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail. From early 2013 to the end of 2018, he promoted interdisciplinarity and partnership building in order to expand and develop the uniform regulations for international carriage by rail.
François Davenne
Director General (UIC)
France
Allan Spence
Allan’s career started as a safety regulator with experience in many different industries. In 2000 he joined the HM Railway Inspectorate, later becoming HM Deputy Chief Inspector of the safety and economic regulator, the Office of Rail Regulation. Allan joined Network Rail in 2012 to create the company safety strategy and vision of Everyone Home Safe Every Day, later leading the company’s work in all aspects of passenger and public safety; overseeing Network Rail’s relationship with the National Safety Authority (ORR) and National Investigation Body (RAIB) and leading industry investigation into the most serious safety events on the British network.
He semi-retired in 2022, now providing independent support and advice to various transport sector businesses. He remains vice chair of the Britain’s railway industry System Safety Risk Group, chair of UIC’s Global Level Crossing Network and a member of the UIC Safety Platform.
His rail experience spans all aspects of the British industry including infrastructure management, operators, major projects, light rail and the heritage sector, as well as work with oversees regulators and railway companies. But he also draws on his experience with many other industries, including his roots in agriculture.
Allan Spence
Chair of the UIC Global Level Crossing Network (GLCN)
UK
Damien Pallant
Deputy Managing Director for Safety at SNCF Réseau.
A graduate of the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile and holder of an Executive Master’s degree from Sciences Po and the University of St Andrews, Damien Pallant has spent most of his career at Air France, where he has held various operational and transformation management roles, rising over the course of 22 years from co-pilot to Director of Operational Performance.
He joined SNCF in 2016 as Deputy Group Director of Safety. In March 2020, he was appointed to the Executive Committee of SNCF Voyageurs as Director of Safety. There, he initiated a transformation of the company’s safety culture whilst making SNCF Voyageurs a leading company in the implementation of the regulatory framework of the 4th European Railway Package regarding safety. He was appointed Deputy Managing Director for Safety at SNCF Réseau in 2022.
Directeur général adjoint Sécurité de SNCF Réseau.
Diplômé de l’École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile ainsi que d’un Master Exécutif de Sciences Po et de l’Université de St Andrews, Damien Pallant effectue l’essentiel de sa carrière au sein d’Air France, où il occupe différents postes de management opérationnel et de transformation, passant, en 22 ans, de co-pilote à directeur en charge de la Performance opérationnelle.
Il rejoint la SNCF en 2016 en tant que directeur général adjoint Sécurité du Groupe. En mars 2020, il est nommé au comité exécutif de SNCF Voyageurs en tant que directeur Sécurité. Il y engage une transformation de la culture de la sécurité de l’entreprise tout en faisant de SNCF Voyageurs une entreprise-pilote dans la mise en œuvre du cadre réglementaire du 4e paquet ferroviaire européen en matière de sécurité. Il est nommé directeur général adjoint Sécurité de SNCF Réseau en 2022.
Damien Pallant
Deputy Managing Director for Safety (SNCF Réseau)
France
Frédéric d’Ettorre
Director Safety and Security at SNCF Gares & Connexions
Frédéric d’Ettorre joined SNCF in 2002 after graduating from the École des Mines in Alès and from the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland. After holding various operational management positions, notably in Traction, he joined Voies Ferrées Locales et Industrielles (VFLI, now Captain France), then the management of Fret trains in the Est France as Head of Safety.
In 2010, he went on to work for Eurostar first as Continental Safety Manager, then became project manager for new stations and routes (south of France, ski trains, Continental Terminals).
Joining SNCF Gares & Connexions in 2015 as project director, then Director of Development in Hauts de France and Normandy, in 2021, before becoming Director of the Great Parisian Stations.
Since May 2024, he has been Director of Security and Safety at SNCF Gares & Connexions (ExCom member) for the 3000 French stations, and 5000 collaborators.
Directeur Sécurité et Sûreté, SNCF Gares & Connexions
Frédéric d’Ettorre a rejoint la SNCF en 2002 après avoir obtenu son diplôme de l’École des Mines d’Alès et de l’École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, en Suisse. Après avoir occupé divers postes de direction opérationnelle, notamment au sein de la division Traction, il a rejoint Voies Ferrées Locales et Industrielles (VFLI, aujourd’hui Captain France), puis la direction des trains de fret en France de l’Est en tant que responsable de la sécurité.
En 2010, il a rejoint Eurostar, d’abord en tant que responsable de la sécurité continentale, puis en tant que chef de projet pour les nouvelles gares et lignes (sud de la France, trains des neiges, terminaux continentaux).
Il a rejoint SNCF Gares & Connexions en 2015 en tant que directeur de projet, puis directeur du développement en Hauts-de-France et en Normandie en 2021, avant de devenir directeur des grandes gares parisiennes.
Depuis mai 2024, il est directeur de la sécurité et de la sûreté chez SNCF Gares & Connexions (membre du comité exécutif) pour les 3 000 gares françaises et les 5 000 collaborateurs.
Frédéric d‘Ettorre
Director Safety and Security at SNCF Gares & Connexions (SNCF)
France
Dr. Elise GRISON
Project Manager in Human Cognition, SNCF Groupe
Elise GRISON completed a PhD in Cognitive Psychology at the Université Sorbonne Paris Cité and IFSTTAR in 2015. Her work has mainly focused on spatial cognition, especially wayfinding processes and route choice. Since she joined the Experience, Behaviour & Cognition program at SNCF in 2020, she developed a wide variety of research projects. In the security field she works on improving security by understanding cognition, developing new safety system and test their efficiency on human behaviour.
Chargée de projet en cognition humaine, SNCF Groupe
Elise GRISON a obtenu un doctorat en psychologie cognitive à l’Université Sorbonne Paris Cité et à l’IFSTTAR en 2015. Ses travaux ont principalement porté sur la cognition spatiale, en particulier les processus d’orientation et le choix d’itinéraire. Depuis qu’elle a rejoint le programme Expérience, Comportement & Cognition de la SNCF en 2020, elle a développé un large éventail de projets de recherche. Dans le domaine de la sécurité, elle travaille à l’amélioration de la sécurité en comprenant la cognition, en développant de nouveaux systèmes de sécurité et en testant leur efficacité sur le comportement humain.
Dr. Elise GRISON
Project Manager in Human Cognition (SNCF Groupe)
France
Richard Bye
Head of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Network Rail
Richard is Head of Ergonomics and Human Factors at Network Rail – the owner, operator and manager of Britain’s rail network. With more than 19 years of hands-on human factors experience in the rail industry, Richard has been involved in a wide range of projects and initiatives to optimise the safety and performance of the railway system. He works closely with Network Rail’s level crossing teams, combining approaches from the fields of naturalistic decision making and cognitive systems engineering to embed a deep understanding of human behaviour into research projects, hazard analysis, engineering design, and incident investigations.
Responsable Ergonomie et Facteurs Humains, Network Rail
Richard est responsable de l’ergonomie et des facteurs humains chez Network Rail, propriétaire, exploitant et gestionnaire du réseau ferroviaire britannique. Fort de plus de 19 ans d’expérience pratique dans le domaine des facteurs humains au sein du secteur ferroviaire, Richard a participé à un large éventail de projets et d’initiatives visant à optimiser la sécurité et les performances du système ferroviaire. Il travaille en étroite collaboration avec les équipes chargées des passages à niveau chez Network Rail, combinant des approches issues des domaines de la prise de décision naturaliste et de l’ingénierie des systèmes cognitifs afin d’intégrer une compréhension approfondie du comportement humain dans les projets de recherche, l’analyse des risques, la conception technique et les enquêtes sur les incidents.
Richard Bye
Head of Ergonomics and Human Factors (Network Rail)
UK
Eric FERRATON
Head of the Network Risk and Protection Division
Région Nouvelle Aquitaine; Safety Division
SNCF RESEAU
Eric FERRATON holds an Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from INSA Strasbourg. He is currently the Head of the Network Risks and Protection department within the Safety Division of the Atlantic General Management. In this capacity, his teams manage, among other subjects, the Level Crossing policy in the Atlantic territory.
He began his railway career in the Rolling Stock sector, then held several positions within SNCF Réseau, including: Project Owner for regeneration and development projects, General Project Manager, Safety Manager within a SNCF Réseau Regional Division.
Responsable du pôle Risques et Protection du Réseau
Direction Générale Atlantique ; Direction de la Sécurité
SNCF RESEAU
Éric FERRATON est titulaire d’un diplôme d’ingénieur en génie mécanique de l’INSA Strasbourg. Il occupe actuellement le poste de responsable du service Risques et protection du réseau au sein de la direction de la sécurité de la direction générale Atlantique. À ce titre, ses équipes gèrent, entre autres, la politique relative aux passages à niveau sur le territoire Atlantique.
Il a débuté sa carrière ferroviaire dans le secteur du matériel roulant, puis a occupé plusieurs postes au sein de SNCF Réseau, notamment : chef de projet pour des projets de régénération et de développement, chef de projet général, responsable de la sécurité au sein d’une direction régionale de SNCF Réseau.
Eric FERRATON
Head of the Network Risk and Protection Division, Nouvelle Aquitaine Region; Safety Division (SNCF Reseau)
France
Virginie TAILLANDIER
She is currently in charge of testing and validation of the innovative light train project and level crossing expert at the Innovation & Research Department of SNCF.
She has been level crossing safety manager at SNCF Réseau – Safety Division for 5 years.
She started her career in the rail transport sector and worked at different positions related to security and safety at RATP (Parisian Metro and Suburban transport). She also worked in the domain of information systems in the car industry.
Virginie TAILLANDIER
Innovation & Research Department, Responsable Essai et Validation du projet Train Léger Innovant, Chef de projet Carrefour intelligent, Programme Tech4rail, Experte Synapses PN (SNCF)
France
Maryam Hedayati
Senior Railway Engineer at Transport Canada
Maryam Hedayati is a Professional Engineer with over 15 years of experience in transportation, with a focus on rail and road safety. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa.
She is currently a Senior Railway Engineer with Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Operations. In this role, she contributes to national policies, guidance, and safety initiatives aimed at improving grade crossing safety across Canada.
Maryam is actively engaged in the industry and serves on several technical committees, including the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC). She regularly collaborates with stakeholders to advance safety practices and share knowledge at national and international forums.
Ingénieure ferroviaire principale à Transports Canada
Maryam Hedayati est ingénieure professionnelle et compte plus de 15 ans d’expérience dans le domaine des transports, notamment en matière de sécurité ferroviaire et routière. Elle est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en génie civil de l’Université d’Ottawa.
Elle occupe actuellement le poste d’ingénieure ferroviaire principale au sein de la Direction de la sécurité ferroviaire de Transports Canada. À ce titre, elle contribue à l’élaboration de politiques nationales, de lignes directrices et d’initiatives de sécurité visant à améliorer la sécurité aux passages à niveau partout au Canada.
Maryam est très active au sein de l’industrie et siège à plusieurs comités techniques, notamment ceux de l’Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), du Transportation Research Board (TRB) et de l’Association des transports du Canada (ATC). Elle collabore régulièrement avec les parties prenantes pour faire progresser les pratiques de sécurité et partager ses connaissances lors de forums nationaux et internationaux.
Maryam Hedayati, P.Eng.
Senior Railway Engineer (Transport Canada)
Canada
Dr. Starr Kidda
Human Factors Division Chief Office of Research, Development, and Technology U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration
Dr. Starr Kidda works for the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Starr is the Human Factors Division Chief in FRA’s Office of Research, Development and Technology. Starr has supported railroad safety research at FRA for 10 years. Her team conducts research related to human performance issues in railroading, and also grade crossing safety and trespass prevention. Starr has a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia.
Responsable de la division des facteurs humains, Bureau de la recherche, du développement et de la technologie – Administration fédérale des chemins de fer (FRA) du Département américain des Transports
Le Dr Starr Kidda travaille pour l’Administration fédérale des chemins de fer (FRA) du Département américain des Transports. Starr est responsable de la division des facteurs humains au sein du Bureau de la recherche, du développement et de la technologie de la FRA. Starr soutient la recherche en matière de sécurité ferroviaire au sein de la FRA depuis 10 ans. Son équipe mène des recherches sur les questions liées à la performance humaine dans le domaine ferroviaire, ainsi que sur la sécurité aux passages à niveau et la prévention des intrusions. Starr est titulaire d’un doctorat en psychologie industrielle et organisationnelle de l’université de Géorgie.
Dr. Starr Kidda
Human Factors Division Chief, U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
USA
Per Mörlin
Per Mörlin, Chief Sales Officer, WAVETRAIN, NORWAY
(ILCAD/TRESPAD GOLD SPONSOR)
Per has a Master in Business and Economics from Norwegian School of Management BI, majoring in Marketing and Strategy. He has an extensive background holding various commercial managerial roles on several markets, and in complex international and multicultural matrix environments. Latest coming from leading international expansion and strategic development of both customers and partners of Norwegian MaaS/SaaS start-ups with disruptive technologies. He has extensive experience in international B2B and a long history of solid strategic focus and proven track record in highly competitive markets with strong demand for innovation.
Per Mörlin, Directeur commercial, WAVETRAIN, NORVÈGE
(SPONSOR OR ILCAD/TRESPAD 2026)
Per est titulaire d’un master en gestion et économie de la Norwegian School of Management BI, avec une spécialisation en marketing et stratégie. Il possède une vaste expérience acquise à travers divers postes de direction commerciale sur plusieurs marchés, ainsi que dans des environnements matriciels internationaux et multiculturels complexes. Il a récemment dirigé l’expansion internationale et le développement stratégique de clients et de partenaires de start-ups norvégiennes MaaS/SaaS proposant des technologies disruptives. Il possède une vaste expérience du B2B international et une longue histoire marquée par une orientation stratégique solide et des résultats éprouvés sur des marchés hautement concurrentiels où la demande en innovation est forte.
Per Mörlin
Chief Sales Officer (WAVETRAIN)
Norway
Pål E. Bratlie
Chief Executive Officer, WAVETRAIN, NORWAY
(ILCAD / TRESPAD 2026 GOLD SPONSOR)
Pål E Bratlie has a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, with a focus in microelectronics and safety, from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has spent 26 years in the Kongsberg & Aerospace group, the last position as Executive Vice President, Land Systems. He is a dynamic and passionate leader with a strategic mindset and strong business acumen. Experienced Senior Executive managing large, complex organizations and programs both in domestic and international businesses. He has been a driver for change and long-term growth, always striving for efficiency and business mindset. During his career, he has been leading businesses to growth, but also significant reorganizations, down scaling, and mergers. More than 14 years of experience as an Executive Vice President for international operations, building strong management teams responsible for profit and loss. He has strong skills within business development and government relations in a highly competitive environment.
Président Directeur Général, WAVETRAIN, NORVÈGE
(SPONSOR OR ILCAD / TRESPAD 2026)
Pål E. Bratlie est titulaire d’un Master of Science en génie électrique, avec une spécialisation en microélectronique et en sécurité, de l’Université de Californie à Santa Barbara. Il a passé 26 ans au sein du groupe Kongsberg & Aerospace, où il occupait en dernier lieu le poste de vice-président exécutif chargé des systèmes terrestres. C’est un dirigeant dynamique et passionné, doté d’un esprit stratégique et d’un sens aigu des affaires. Cadre supérieur expérimenté, il a dirigé des organisations et des programmes complexes de grande envergure, tant au niveau national qu’international. Il a été un moteur du changement et de la croissance à long terme, recherchant toujours l’efficacité et adoptant une approche axée sur les résultats. Au cours de sa carrière, il a mené des entreprises vers la croissance, mais a également mené à bien d’importantes réorganisations, des réductions d’effectifs et des fusions. Il possède plus de 14 ans d’expérience en tant que vice-président exécutif chargé des opérations internationales, ayant constitué de solides équipes de direction responsables des résultats financiers. Il dispose de solides compétences en matière de développement commercial et de relations avec les pouvoirs publics dans un environnement hautement concurrentiel.
Pål E. Bratlie
Chief Executive Officer (WAVETRAIN)
Norway
Jacques Berling
Director of transport entities, SNCF Groupe.
Jacques Berling has been a director of transport entities within the SNCF Groupe for 30 years.
He currently heads the TELLi (Train Léger Innovant) consortium, a 80 million euro programme funded by France 2030 and involving 11 partners.
This project aims to revitalise the least-used lines with a 30-metre battery-powered train, offering a 200 km range, and a more efficient and cost-effective signalling system.
Previously, he headed Études Île-de-France, a team of 600 engineers and technicians specialising in track, signalling, catenary, energy and telecoms.
In this role, he contributed to major projects such as EOLE and the Charles de Gaulle Express, as well as to the accessibility of new rolling stock in the Île-de-France region.
He also served as Deputy Director of Rail France at SYSTRA, overseeing major contracts (LGV SEA, CNM) and business development.
________________
Jacques Berling est Directeur d’entités de transport au sein du groupe SNCF depuis 30 ans.
Il pilote actuellement le consortium TELLi (Train Léger Innovant), un programme de
80 M€ financé par France 2030 de 11 partenaires.
Ce projet vise à relancer les lignes les moins denses avec un train de 30 m à batteries, 200 km d’autonomie, et une signalisation plus capacitaire et économique.
Auparavant, il a dirigé les Études Île‑de‑France, regroupant 600 ingénieurs et techniciens sur les métiers voie, signalisation, caténaire, énergie, télécoms.
À ce titre, il a contribué aux grands projets EOLE, Charles‑de‑Gaulle Express et à l’accessibilité du nouveau matériel roulant francilien.
Il a également été directeur adjoint ferroviaire France chez SYSTRA, en charge de grands contrats (LGV SEA, CNM) et de la prospection commerciale
Jacques Berling
Director of transport entities (SNCF Groupe)
France
Dr Ikram ABOURAHIM
Head of the Works Coordination and Supervision Department –Project Management Office (PMO), Infrastructure and Traffic Division, ONCF (National Office of Moroccan Railways)
“I am an expert in the railway sector, specialising primarily in the new generation of railway signalling and telecommunications systems. I have 14 years’ experience in the railway sector, where I currently also act as a Project Management Office (PMO) lead for infrastructure projects. I also hold a PhD in automation and computer science, focusing on the interoperability of signalling systems, and I am continuing my research work across a broader range of railway projects and topics.”
Chef du Département Coordination et Supervision Travaux – Project Management Office (PMO) ; Pôle Infrastructure et Circulation, ONCF (Office National des Chemins de fer du Maroc)
Experte dans le domaine ferroviaire, principalement la nouvelle génération des systèmes de signalisation et télécommunications ferroviaires. J’ai une expérience de 14 ans dans le domaine ferroviaire où je suis actuellement au Project Management Office (PMO) des projets d’infrastructures. J’ai également un doctorat en automatique et informatique dont le sujet est axé sur l’interopérabilité des systèmes de signalisation et je continue ma vocation de chercheuse sur un portefeuille plus élargi de projet et thématiques ferroviaires. »
Dr Ikram ABOURAHIM
Head of the Works Coordination and Supervision Department –Project Management Office (PMO), Infrastructure and Traffic Division, ONCF (National Office of Moroccan Railways)
Morocco
Isabelle Fonverne
Isabelle has been working in an international environment from the very beginning of her carrier in September 1988.
From January 1992 she has been working at UIC, the worldwide professional association representing the railway sector and promoting rail transport, in different domains of activities (high speed, economics, environment, technology and research, interoperability and safety).
From December 2009 until today:
- Senior Advisor, Safety and Interoperability particularly in charge of level crossing safety, trespass and suicide prevention issues at the UIC Safety Unit.
- Project Manager and Coordinator of the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) the unique road/rail safety awareness campaign on a global level (up to 50 countries on board) and from 2022 a second UIC safety awareness campaign on trespassing issues called TRESPAD (Trespass Awareness Day).
- Project manager of a UIC project using AI to observe behaviours of level crossings users, trespassers and suicidal persons in order to propose mitigation measures to the financing railway companies, members of UIC to improve safety.
- Coordinator of the UIC Safety Platform and its following working groups:
- Global Level Crossing Network (GLCN)
- Trespass and Suicide Prevention Network (TreSP-Network)
- Systems Safety Management Group (SSMG) dealing with the European Railway Agency safety related working programme
- International Railway Safety Network (IRSN)
- Member of the UNECE WP1 on Road Traffic Safety and I have been cooperating actively with the UNECE in Geneva to create a Group of Experts on level crossing safety. This group met for the first time in January 2014 and finalized a report in January 2017.
- Member of a multi-disciplinary group on level crossing safety created on a national level by the French Ministry of Transport to issue a report with recommendations to improve safety at level crossings in France after the level crossing tragedy of Millas in France that happened on 14 December 2017 in France: 6 children died.
- Member of a French multi-sector brainstorming temporary group on level crossing safety of pedestrians set up by EPSF in 2023.
- Member of a French multi-sector brainstorming temporary group on road users at level crossings set up by BEATT in 2024.
- Member of the consortium and coordination team at UIC for the EU Project Safer-LC
- Member of the consortium and coordination team at UIC for the EU Project Restrail
Isabelle Fonverne
UIC Senior Advisor Safety, Project Manager of ILCAD and TRESPAD
France
Manuel Pastor
Manuel is currently the Engineering Director at Imotion Analytics.
He holds a degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. He also works as an independent consultant for the European Commission, as a registered member of its AI expert group. He is also a researcher in the fight against digital identity theft.
Previously, he was the CTO of several companies specializing in Computer Vision. He has over 30 years of experience in software development and managing development teams at major companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, Bell Labs, and Airbus.
Manuel occupe actuellement le poste de directeur de l’ingénierie chez Imotion Analytics.
Il est titulaire d’un diplôme d’ingénieur en informatique et d’un master en intelligence artificielle. Il travaille également en tant que consultant indépendant pour la Commission européenne, en tant que membre officiel de son groupe d’experts en IA. Il mène également des recherches dans le domaine de la lutte contre l’usurpation d’identité numérique.
Auparavant, il a occupé le poste de directeur technique dans plusieurs entreprises spécialisées dans la vision par ordinateur. Il possède plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans le développement de logiciels et la gestion d’équipes de développement au sein de grandes entreprises telles que Nokia, Ericsson, Bell Labs et Airbus.
Manuel Pastor
Engineering Director (Imotion Analytics)
Spain
Takuya YAMAWAKI
Manager, JR EAST (Paris Office)
Takuya is a railway operations, safety, and customer service specialist with 9 years at JR East. He had 5 years in frontline roles as station staff and train crew for conventional and Shinkansen lines.
Through these experiences, he has developed strong expertise in railway safety management, including risk detection, infrastructure maintenance, emergency response, and the coordination of safety measures across both high‑speed and urban rail systems.
Responsable, JR EAST (Bureau de Paris)
Takuya est un spécialiste de l’exploitation ferroviaire, de la sécurité et du service à la clientèle, fort de 9 ans d’expérience chez JR East. Il a occupé pendant 5 ans des postes de première ligne en tant que personnel de gare et membre d’équipage de train sur les lignes conventionnelles et les lignes Shinkansen.
Grâce à ces expériences, il a acquis une solide expertise en gestion de la sécurité ferroviaire, notamment en matière de détection des risques, de maintenance des infrastructures, de gestion des urgences et de coordination des mesures de sécurité sur les réseaux ferroviaires à grande vitesse et urbains.
Takuya YAMAWAKI,
Manager, (JR EAST Paris Office)
France
Masahiro SAWAYANAGI
Technical Director, JR EAST, Paris Office
Masahiro is an energy expert, specializing in energy sources such as electricity and hydrogen. Therefore, he possesses extensive knowledge and experience regarding safety. He also has experience in international trade and has been involved in numerous business ventures.
Currently, at the Paris office, he is responsible not only for technical aspects but also for the operational aspects of JR EAST.
Directeur technique, JR EAST, bureau de Paris
Masahiro est un expert en énergie, spécialisé dans les sources d’énergie telles que l’électricité et l’hydrogène. Il possède donc des connaissances et une expérience approfondies en matière de sécurité. Il a également une expérience dans le commerce international et a participé à de nombreux projets commerciaux.
Actuellement, au bureau de Paris, il est responsable non seulement des aspects techniques, mais aussi des aspects opérationnels de JR EAST.
Masahiro SAWAYANAGI
Technical Director (JR EAST Paris Office)
France
Francesca ACETO
Deputy Director General for Communications at SNCF Réseau
Francesca ACETO has pursued a career in the rail industry, specialising in business relations, marketing and communications.
A graduate in Political Science from Italy, she joined the SNCF in 1998 after spending five years in Paris working for the Italian State Railways (FSI) and the International Union of Railways (UIC).
She has held various roles in customer relations, communications and international development for the ‘Stations’ division and on behalf of the company’s senior management.
As Marketing, Sales and Service Director for the France-Italy TGV service, she was, among other things, instrumental in establishing a successful partnership with the French Pavilion at the 2015 Milan Expo.
From 2016 to 2020, she served as President of “SNCF au Féminin”, France’s largest corporate network dedicated to gender diversity, with a mission to actively contribute to making professional equality a reality and to increasing the representation of women across all roles and at all levels within the SNCF Group. Through her efforts to open up the network to all employees, she doubled the number of members and the proportion of men and non-managerial staff.
From 2020 to 2025, she served as Regional Director of SNCF Réseau for the Centre-Val de Loire region. In this role, she worked with all relevant stakeholders to shape the vision for the regional network of the future, implementing major programmes such as the modernisation of major regional lines (POLT, Paris–Chartres, Orléans–Tours, Tours–Vierzon) and the rail plan for local feeder lines across the region, as well as laying the foundations for the future Tours and Orléans Metropolitan Regional Express Services.
Since 1 June 2025, she has been Deputy Managing Director for Communications at SNCF Réseau and a member of the Executive Committee.
An IFA – Sciences Po graduate, she served on the board of UN Women France from 2020 to 2024 and on that of the CCI France-Italy from 2016 to 2020. She is a director on the executive committee of the SNCF Foundation and a member of the board of directors of GIE Objectif Transport Public
She was appointed Chevalier dans l’ordre national du mérite in 2019.
Directrice Générale Adjointe Communication, SNCF Réseau
Francesca ACETO poursuit une carrière dans le monde ferroviaire et notamment dans les domaines de la relation commerciale, du marketing et de la communication.
Diplômée de Sciences Politiques en Italie, après 5 ans en poste à Paris pour le compte des Chemins de fer italiens (FSI) et de l’Union internationale des chemins de fer (UIC), elle a rejoint la SNCF en 1998.
Elle a occupé différents postes en relation avec la clientèle, la communication et le développement international pour l’activité des « Gares » et pour le compte de la direction générale de l’entreprise.
Directrice marketing, commerciale et du service des TGV France-Italie, elle a entre autres était à l’origine d’un partenariat fructueux avec le Pavillon France à l’occasion de l’exposition universelle de Milan de 2015.
De 2016 à 2020, elle a occupé et incarné la fonction de Présidente de SNCF au Féminin, le plus important réseau d’entreprise en France dédié au sujet de la mixité, avec pour mission de participer activement à faire de l’égalité professionnelle une réalité, et à faire grandir la place des femmes dans tous les métiers et à tous les niveaux du Groupe SNCF. Par son action visant à ouvrir le réseau vers l’ensemble des salariés.es, elle a multiplié par 2 le nombre de membres et la part des hommes et des non-cadres.
De 2020 à 2025, elle a été la directrice territoriale SNCF Réseau pour la région Centre-Val de Loire. A ce titre, elle a construit avec toutes les parties prenantes concernées la vision du réseau régional de demain, avec la mise en œuvre de programmes majeurs comme la modernisation des grandes lignes régionales (POLT, Paris Chartres, Orléans Tours, Tours Vierzon) et le plan rail pour les lignes de desserte fine du territoire ou encore les bases des futurs Services Express Régionaux Métropolitain de Tours et d’Orléans.
Depuis le 1er juin 2025, elle est directrice générale adjointe communication de SNCF Réseau et membre du comité exécutif.
Certifiée IFA – Sciences Po, elle a été membre du conseil d’administration de ONU Femmes France de 2020 à 2024, de celui de la CCI France Italie de 2016 à 2020. Elle est administratrice dans le comité exécutif de la Fondation SNCF et membre du conseil d’administration du GIE Objectif Transport Public
Elle a été nommée Chevalier dans l’ordre national du mérite en 2019.
Francesca ACETO
Deputy Director General for Communications (SNCF Groupe)
France
Vincent PASCAL
Deputy Director of Social and Regional Engagement
SNCF Groupe
Since December 2025, SNCF Group has appointed him as Deputy Director of Social and Regional Engagement within the Group’s CSR Department. Following a career in public service, notably with the City of Paris and the CNIL, and subsequently holding several strategic roles within the SNCF Group, he now leads the Group’s social policies focusing on inclusion, inclusive mobility and regional engagement. In this role, he oversees the Interventions en Milieu Scolaire (IMS) programme, run in partnership with the Ministry of National Education. For over 20 years, the IMS programme has enabled volunteer SNCF staff to raise pupils’ awareness of railway safety risks, responsible behaviour on public transport and the challenges of sustainable mobility. This programme has already reached over 3.2 million young people thanks to the commitment of more than 500 SNCF staff members trained to deliver sessions in primary and secondary schools across France.
Directeur délégué à l’engagement sociétal et territorial
SNCF Groupe
Depuis décembre 2025, SNCF Groupe lui a confié les fonctions de Directeur délégué à l’engagement sociétal et territorial, au sein de la Direction RSE du Groupe. Après un parcours au service de l’action publique, notamment à la Ville de Paris et à la CNIL, puis plusieurs responsabilités stratégiques au sein du Groupe SNCF, il anime aujourd’hui les politiques sociétales du Groupe autour de l’inclusion, de la mobilité solidaire et de l’ancrage territorial. À ce titre, il encadre notamment le dispositif des Interventions en Milieu Scolaire (IMS), conduit en partenariat avec le Ministère de l’Éducation nationale. Depuis plus de 20 ans, les IMS permettent à des agents SNCF volontaires de sensibiliser les élèves aux risques ferroviaires, aux comportements citoyens dans les transports et aux enjeux de mobilité durable. Ce programme a déjà permis de sensibiliser plus de 3,2 millions de jeunes grâce à l’engagement de plus de 500 collaborateurs SNCF formés pour intervenir dans les écoles, collèges et lycées partout en France.
Vincent PASCAL
Deputy Director of Social and Regional Engagement (SNCF Groupe)
France
Rachel Maleh
Rachel Maleh is Executive Director of Operation Lifesaver, Inc., (OLI) the national, nonprofit rail safety education organization based in Washington, D.C. OLI is a nationally recognized leader of rail safety education whose goal is ending collisions, deaths and injuries on and around railroad tracks and trains.
Maleh has over 30 years’ experience in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, fundraising, organizational development, and leadership transition planning.
She was appointed in December 2022 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to be a member of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS), which provides information, advice, and recommendations on transit safety to the U.S. Transportation Secretary and FTA Administrator.
Prior to joining Operation Lifesaver, Inc., Maleh held several senior level positions at national nonprofits. Her expertise includes communications, marketing, and fundraising.
Maleh has advanced degrees both in International Relations and International Communications from Boston University as well as a Master of Science in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and French from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Rachel Maleh, directrice générale d’Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
Rachel Maleh est directrice générale d’Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), une organisation nationale à but non lucratif dédiée à la sensibilisation à la sécurité ferroviaire, dont le siège se trouve à Washington, D.C. OLI est un leader reconnu à l’échelle nationale dans le domaine de la sensibilisation à la sécurité ferroviaire, dont l’objectif est de mettre fin aux collisions, aux décès et aux blessures sur et à proximité des voies ferrées et des trains.
Mme Maleh possède plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans la gestion d’organisations à but non lucratif, la communication, le marketing, la collecte de fonds, le développement organisationnel et la planification de la transition du leadership.
Elle a été nommée en décembre 2022 par le secrétaire américain aux Transports, Pete Buttigieg, pour siéger au Comité consultatif sur la sécurité des transports (TRACS) de l’Administration fédérale des transports (FTA), qui fournit des informations, des conseils et des recommandations sur la sécurité des transports au secrétaire américain aux Transports et à l’administrateur de la FTA.
Avant de rejoindre Operation Lifesaver, Inc., Mme Maleh a occupé plusieurs postes de direction au sein d’organisations à but non lucratif nationales. Son expertise couvre les domaines de la communication, du marketing et de la collecte de fonds.
Mme Maleh est titulaire de diplômes supérieurs en relations internationales et en communication internationale de l’université de Boston, ainsi que d’un Master of Science en marketing de l’université Johns Hopkins. Elle a obtenu sa licence en sociologie et en français aux Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Rachel Maleh
Executive Director (Operation Lifesaver, Inc.)
USA
Wende Corcoran
Vice President of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. U.S.A.
Wende Corcoran is Vice President of Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the national, nonprofit rail safety education organization based in Washington, DC. Corcoran has over 24 years’ experience in educational materials development, nonprofit operations and administration. She manages the organization’s budget and relationships with federal grant partners, and oversees training, educational materials and tools. Corcoran has been with OLI since June of 1999 and has developed instructional programs and award-winning eLearning programs for the public. Before joining Operation Lifesaver, Corcoran was an educational resource specialist for gifted and talented students in Loudoun County, Virginia public schools, where she managed as many as 91 teachers and 2,100 students in a specialized educational program. Corcoran holds a master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Training from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and a B.S. in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Vice-présidente d’Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (États-Unis)
Wende Corcoran est vice-présidente d’Operation Lifesaver, Inc., une organisation nationale à but non lucratif dédiée à la sensibilisation à la sécurité ferroviaire, dont le siège se trouve à Washington, DC. Mme Corcoran possède plus de 24 ans d’expérience dans le développement de supports pédagogiques, ainsi que dans la gestion et l’administration d’organisations à but non lucratif. Elle gère le budget de l’organisation et les relations avec les partenaires fédéraux subventionnaires, et supervise la formation, les supports pédagogiques et les outils. Mme Corcoran travaille chez OLI depuis juin 1999 et a développé des programmes pédagogiques ainsi que des programmes d’apprentissage en ligne primés destinés au grand public. Avant de rejoindre Operation Lifesaver, Mme Corcoran était spécialiste des ressources pédagogiques pour les élèves doués et talentueux dans les écoles publiques du comté de Loudoun, en Virginie, où elle gérait jusqu’à 91 enseignants et 2 100 élèves dans le cadre d’un programme éducatif spécialisé. Mme Corcoran est titulaire d’un master en élaboration de programmes scolaires et en formation de l’université George Mason à Fairfax, en Virginie, et d’une licence en sciences de l’éducation de l’université de l’Indiana à Bloomington, dans l’Indiana.
Wende Corcoran,
Vice President (Operation Lifesaver, Inc.)
USA
Sanita Sīmansone
Communications Project Manager at VAS “LdZ = Latvian Railways”
Sanita has been working in the transport industry for 13 years, dedicating the last five years to a key railway safety priority: educating children and youth. She personally visits schools across Latvia, engaging students of all ages in direct and open conversations about safety regulations and the risks related to railway tracks. Each year, thousands of students attend her safety workshops.
By analysing real national accidents and their causes, Sanita provides insights into how today’s digital lifestyle and human recklessness impact railway safety. Through these workshops, her goal is to prevent proactively accidents and explain why following safety rules is essential.
*In her free time, Sanita practices tap dancing and enjoys the freedom of travel around Europe by van together with her husband.
Responsable des projets de communication chez VAS
« Latvijas dzelzceļš » (LdZ = chemins de fer lettons)
Sanita travaille dans le secteur des transports depuis 13 ans et consacre depuis cinq ans ses efforts à une priorité essentielle en matière de sécurité ferroviaire : la sensibilisation des enfants et des jeunes. Elle se rend personnellement dans des écoles à travers toute la Lettonie pour engager avec des élèves de tous âges des discussions directes et ouvertes sur les règles de sécurité et les risques liés aux voies ferrées. Chaque année, des milliers d’élèves participent à ses ateliers sur la sécurité.
En analysant des accidents réels survenus dans le pays et leurs causes, Sanita explique comment le mode de vie numérique actuel et l’imprudence humaine ont un impact sur la sécurité ferroviaire. À travers ces ateliers, son objectif est de prévenir les accidents de manière proactive et d’expliquer pourquoi il est essentiel de respecter les règles de sécurité.
*Pendant son temps libre, Sanita pratique les claquettes et apprécie la liberté de voyager à travers l’Europe en van avec son mari.
Sanita Sīmansone
Communications Project Manager (VAS “LdZ = Latvian Railways”)
Latvia
Sponsors
Gold
SNCF Groupe
SNCF Groupe is France’s national railway group and one of Europe’s leading mobility companies. Fully owned by the French state, it designs, operates, and manages passenger and freight transport services, as well as rail infrastructure. The group is organized around several core subsidiaries, notably SNCF Voyageurs (passenger transport, including TGV, TER, and Transilien), SNCF Réseau (rail infrastructure management), Rail Logistics Europe (freight and logistics), and Keolis (urban and international public transport). With a strong focus on sustainable mobility, innovation, and regional development, SNCF Groupe plays a key role in connecting people and territories in France and internationally.
France
WAVETRAIN
The Wavetrain Level Crossing Warning System (LCWS) is a comprehensive, CENELEC SIL 2 & IEC 61508 certified solution that uses acoustic sensors to detect approaching trains. Mounted directly on the rails, the sensors listen to the unique sound energy emitted by trains. The digital data is processed by a nearby Control Unit, which activates the appropriate warning measures at the correct time. All Wavetrain Systems components are installed at the level crossing, eliminating the need for extensive cabling thus improving track worker safety. This streamlined approach minimizes boots on ballast, reduces maintenance costs and ensures long-term efficiency. By choosing Wavetrain you get an instant upgrade in digital maturity. Our system not only automates your level crossing, it can also record data from all passing rolling stock. By continuously monitoring this data, we can predict infrastructure and rolling stock degradation. These predictions can serve as early indicators of potential system or rolling stock failures enabling proactive repairs. By installing our system, you will increase the reach of available funds to reduce risk at a greater number of unprotected crossings. If you want to capitalize on the advantages offered by digital transformation and enhance the efficiency in existing infrastructure, Wavetrain is the logic choice when upgrading your level crossings.
Norway
iMotion Analytics
Imotion Analytics designs, develops and deploys AI based video analytics solutions for intelligent mobility, with a strong focus on railway safety. The company provides advanced computer vision systems for the early detection of incidents, abnormal behaviors and safety critical situations in complex railway environments such as stations, platforms and level crossings. Its activities include passenger flow analysis, intrusion and fall detection, and preventive safety applications aimed at reducing accidents, suicides and trespassing incidents. These solutions are validated through large scale international projects with leading railway operators and are designed to operate reliably under diverse regulatory and operational conditions.
Spain
Silver
ZÖLLNER GmbH
ZÖLLNER – We Design Your Safety Solutions
For more than 80 years, ZÖLLNER has been delivering efficient, cutting-edge safety solutions for railway worksites, infrastructure, and level crossings worldwide:
ZGP monitors the speed of passing rail vehicles and automatically triggers emergency braking if the permitted speed is exceeded.
COBRA enables operators to remotely control balises to stop or slow rail vehicles approaching a hazard zone – working autonomously, independent of higher-level train control systems.
AI-Powered Train Detection combines low-cost sensors, cameras, and AI to detect trains with 85% accuracy at 30 fps – smart, efficient, and without storing any video footage.
Germany
HITACHI Rail
Hitachi Rail is a global player in the railway sector: an integrated business offering rail transport vehicles, signaling systems and digital technology, service & maintenance activities as well as turnkey solutions worldwide.
France
Ingegneria dei Sistemi (IDS)
IDS, a company belonging to Fincantieri NexTech, is an engineering and systems technologies company providing research, innovation and products in Electromagnetic Engineering, Satellite Communications, Robotics & Unmanned Systems and Radar fields for civil and defense applications. Since 1980 IDS has specialized in providing consulting services for high-tech engineering projects and in developing integrated solutions.
IDS has a strong customer focus and is committed to meeting customer requirements with high quality innovative solutions.
IDS is an international company with around 250 professional employees worldwide who are mostly graduated in electronic, telecommunications and aerospace engineering.
IDS’s headquarters are in Pisa, Italy with several offices in the Country and has a strong international attitude with four subsidiary companies located in UK, Australia, Canada and South Korea.
The international presence helps IDS to be closer to the clients and to provide better, localized, services and support.
Italy
Schweizer Electronic
Schweizer Electronic is the market leader in Europe for on track automated protection on busy railways for both passengers and freight lines. Railway automation expands the product range and opens up additional market segments.
France
Bronze
BODAN
BODAN is a level crossing system that is used for all types of rail & sleepers, characterized by high quality & a
long life time in different road stresses & climate conditions.
Austria
Universal Signaling
Universal Signalling is a SME based in Derby, UK, providing next-generation digital signalling. Our U-Cross product provides assured train locations and arrival times with respect to level crossings, improving safety and user experience.
UK
EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY Paris Office
JR East manages the largest railway infrastructure network in Japan and supports the safe and comfortable travel of about 16 million passengers every day.
Safety is always our top priority. It is our shared rule: “If you sense danger, stop the train!”
In the case of preventing level‑crossing accidents, we have systems to detect danger inside the crossing. If something dangerous happens, users can press an emergency button to alert the train driver. We also use radar sensors that automatically detect danger and notify the driver. With these systems, we work to prevent unfortunate accidents before they happen.
We also share the knowledge and experience we have built in Japan with partners around the world. Through the JR East Paris Office, we share our ideas, introduce our technologies, and provide solutions that match the needs of each partner. Through these efforts, we hope to help raise safety awareness and contribute to safer railways worldwide.
France
IHI Corporation
IHI Corporation’s Railway Safety Sensing Solutions Division provides sensing solutions for railway safety based on technologies developed through various business activities. Our main product, the 3D Laser Radar (3DLR), is a high-standard level crossing obstacle detection system. Since the first operational unit was installed in 2005, more than 3,000 units have been shipped worldwide, including to Japan and Europe. The 3DLR is easy to set up and user-friendly, and is currently used by over 40 railway operators. By enabling high-precision measurement in three dimensions, it offers superior obstacle detection capabilities and is highly resistant to adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow. We are committed to enhancing railway safety through reliable and flexible sensing solutions.
Japan
SANKOSHA Co., Ltd
In July 1926, we founded with the aim of manufacturing railway signal protection equipment and installing such equipment, and we have made every effort to improve our culture with a view to protecting the safety of railways. Today, we provide society with such products as railway signal security devices, parts for railway vehicles, traffic signals, road signs, and gas detection devices. In the railway field, we have developed and marketed products for domestic railway operators. We will enter overseas markets in the future. We aim to be a company that contributes to the formation of a safe and human-friendly society by constantly introducing and applying the results of advanced science and technology.
Japan
ILCAD Posters 2026
International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)
18th edition – June 9, 2026
Launch Conference at the UIC Headquarters in Paris, France.
What is ILCAD?
The International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) is a global initiative aimed at improving safety at level crossings. The campaign is led by UIC, the worldwide railway organisation, with strong support from the international railway community.
Over the years, an increasing number of road sector organisations and international institutions (such as UNECE, IRU, IRF) have joined the effort to raise awareness of the risks at level crossings and encourage road users and pedestrians to “Act safely at level crossings.”
Each year, a partner country hosts the launch event, providing an opportunity for participants to share best practices and projects that enhance safety and reduce accidents. Exceptionally this year our events will be held at UIC HQ in Paris.
Since 2009, the ILCAD international conference has marked the start of the global awareness campaign in a different country each year. This event attracts representatives from the railway industry, road authorities, academia, and other stakeholders committed to improving level crossing safety worldwide.