UIC is delighted to be launching its call for contributions to its upcoming Workshop on Cleaning Protocols for Railway Service, an online event taking place on 16 January 2026 (09:00-12:30 CET). The workshop will bring together international experts to review current cleaning practices and explore innovative approaches covering onboard services, stations, and rolling stock maintenance, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, service quality, and passenger satisfaction.
The programme aims to showcase real-world practices and case studies, address operational challenges, and foster discussions between railway stakeholders with the objective of harmonising cleaning standards and procedures across the sector.
Who should apply
UIC welcomes proposals from a wide range of stakeholders involved in railway cleaning and service quality. This includes railway undertakings and infrastructure managers seeking to share operational experience, cleaning service providers with hands-on expertise, research institutions contributing analytical or scientific perspectives, and industry partners developing products, systems, or solutions relevant to cleaning activities.
Potential topics
The contributions may address, but are not limited to, practical and strategic aspects of cleaning operations. Relevant themes include onboard cleaning procedures and turnaround operations, station cleaning strategies with particular attention to the management of high-traffic areas, and deep-cleaning processes for rolling stock carried out in depots. Submissions may also focus on quality assurance approaches, auditing methods, and performance monitoring, as well as innovation such as digital tools and emerging technologies applied to cleaning. Topics related to training, workforce management, and safety considerations are also strongly encouraged.
How to contribute
Speakers are invited to submit a proposal including a title, a 200 to 300-word abstract, and a short biography of up to 150 words. The submission deadline is Tuesday, 23 December 2025. Presentations are expected to last 10-20 minutes followed by Q&A, and the working language of the workshop will be English. Proposals should be sent by email to perez at uic.org. The selected speakers will be contacted in early January.
Participants and prospective speakers can also register directly via the event registration page on the UIC website: UIC - International union of railways
