Global rail research leaders announce major collaboration

In a landmark move for the global rail industry, two of its leading research organizations announced a new strategic partnership to accelerate innovation and address pressing technological challenges. The agreement, formalized during Rail Research Week 2025, establishes an unprecedented commitment to knowledge sharing, site coordination, and mission-critical research between the organizations.

The new partnership significantly enhances the capabilities of both MxV Rail and KRRI by aligning their world-class testing facilities, institutional knowledge, and engineering expertise. Future research endeavors will include shared use of test rolling stock, collaboration on digital data asset management and maintenance systems, exchanging personnel for knowledge transfer and employee growth, as well as joint development of thought leadership, training programs, seminars, and symposia.

The agreement emerged from Rail Research Week, an event that brought together global experts to explore advancements in rail technology. For the first time, MxV Rail united and hosted the International Heavy Haul Association Conference (IHHA) and the World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR) as a combined experience.

Leaders from MxV Rail and KRRI were also proud to announce specific plans for collaboration in the areas of heavy haul and high-speed rail technologies.

Dr. Myung Sagong, President of KRRI (Korea Railroad Research Institute), stated, “This partnership is significant as it further strengthens the longstanding cooperation that has continued since the signing of the MOU in 2018.” He added, “Through closer collaboration between our two organizations, we expect to see enhanced joint responses to the digital transformation of the railway industry driven by the sharing of information, knowledge, and experience; strengthened practical cooperation in testing, certification, and the use of test tracks; and improved national competitiveness through proactive and mutually beneficial responses to changes in the global railway environment.”

President and CEO Kari Gonzales of MxV Rail said, “Our teams have historically worked on carbon-neutral and digital technologies together, and both organizations recognize that, along with our technical prowess, people are the heart of what we do. With every advancement in the safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the railways, we improve communities around the globe. We are going to do great things together!”