RailTEC Graduates Working Around The World

Welcome to the University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC)

In the news

Barkan Receives 2026 Worth Award for Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Christopher P.L. Barkan, Professor, George Krambles Director of RailTEC and Director of the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), was recently named the recipient of the 2026 Worth Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The award, presented at the 31st Annual Wheel/Rail Interaction (WRI) Heavy Haul Conference in Dallas, TX on 22-24 April 2026... Read More

Engineering Open House 2026 – “Forging the Future”

The 104th Engineering Open House (EOH) at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign was held on 10-11 April 2026. This is the nation’s largest student-run STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fair with 210 exhibits, 19 special events, and 15 engineering startups, most of which were designed and built entirely by current students. The theme, “Forging... Read More

RT&S Honors Dersch in Engineers Under 40 Article

RailTEC is proud to announce that Marcus Dersch, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Principal Research Engineer and Co-Director of Research, National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), has recently been honored for his contributions to the rail industry.  The April 2026 issue of Railway Track & Structures (RT&S) magazine recognized 13 engineers who have made an... Read More

What we do

Education

RailTEC inspires and engages students by offering the most extensive curriculum in railway engineering and transportation in North America. We offer multiple courses on rail topics and are committed to placing our graduates in rewarding public and private sector positions.  RailTEC also supports continuing education of rail professionals through seminars, short courses and conferences.

Research

RailTEC is a global leader in practical and theoretical research advancing the field in a broad range of important and timely railroad and rail transit engineering and transportation topics. Advanced research investigations are underway in railway safety, systems, and infrastructure, addressing dozens of topics that are essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, reliability, sustainability and resiliency of railroad freight and passenger transportation.

Service

RailTEC shares its expertise with industry, government, academia, and the public helping to interpret and apply knowledge and implement solutions to advance rail transport and engineering. Our faculty and staff are well engaged as leaders and members of AREMA, TRB, AAR, ASCE, INFORMS, and IAROR committees.