Chair of Railway Engineering
In our field of work, we see ourselves as a contact for all questions relating to railway construction and operation, with a focus on the areas of track and railway superstructure.
Building the future of railways with innovative technology!
The Chair of Railway Engineering (formerly the Institute of Railway Engineering and Public Transport) has a long history of success in solving technical problems related to the railway track, and its solutions have been adopted by railway systems around the world.
The former Institute of Railway Engineering and Public Transport was headed by Mr. O.Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Erich Kopp in 1976. After his retirement in 2006, the railway engineering department was continued by Mr. ao.Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Günter Prager. After his retirement in 2018, Mr. Ass.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Steiner coordinated the activities in the railway engineering department. In September 2023, the department was taken over by Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Harald Loy.
Through its comprehensive and methodical problem-solving approach, supported by a team of seasoned technical experts, the work area has achieved substantial reductions in both operating and capital costs for its clients, while also delivering significant environmental benefits.
Railways, a multifaceted and evolving industry that blends technical and organizational challenges, remain a cornerstone of global transport infrastructure and are poised to play a pivotal role in sustainable transportation moving forward.
We are looking for reinforcements!
To expand our team, we are looking for contributors (students, phd students and project staff). You can get more information from our department.
Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Harald Loy
Head of Chair of Railway Engineering - Department of Intelligent Transport Systems
At the University of Innsbruck - Department of Railway Engineering, outstanding expertise in the evaluation and optimization of track superstructures and their components has been built up over decades. My goal is to continue this, to expand our team of experts and also to focus on sustainability in order to position the railway as a "green" alternative for the mobility of the future.
Teaching
We inspire students by offering a comprehensive railway and transportation curriculum in different courses. The Chair of Railway also supports the continuing education of railway professionals through seminars, short courses and conferences.
Railway engineering encompasses all aspects of the construction, operation and management of railways. It plays a central role in passenger and freight transport and has developed into one of the most important transport systems worldwide since the 19th century.
Research
The Chair of Railway Engineering leads both practical and theoretical research, driving advancements across a broad spectrum of critical and contemporary topics in railway, rail traffic engineering, and transport. Ongoing investigations focus on areas such as railway safety, systems, and infrastructure, addressing numerous topics essential to ensuring the safety, efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and resilience of both freight and passenger rail transport.
National and international research projects cover a diverse range of areas, including travel time and energy consumption, track system design, rail vehicle dynamics, assessment and approval of new vehicles, rail wear, and the development of sub-ballast mats, sleeper pads, and intermediate layers. Research also spans various superstructure measurements—particularly for high-speed travel—bridge crossings with ballast superstructure, slab track with continuously welded rails, switches with roller devices, and local public transport systems.
Services
The Chair of Railway Engineering shares its expertise with industry, academia and the public, helping to interpret and apply knowledge and implement solutions for the further development of rail transport and rail technology. Our teachers and staff are involved as leaders and members of various committees.
Chair of Railway Engineering. A film about some measurements as part of our chair's research projects for the 350th anniversary of the University of Innsbruck.
Contact us
Do you have any questions, suggestions or do you need further information? We look forward to hearing from you! You can reach us directly by email, phone or via our contact form. Our team is happy to help you and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone: +43 512 507 - 62401