The third International Conference on Sustainable Transport, SuTra 2026, concluded on 6 November following three days of scientific exchange, professional dialogue and international collaboration at Hotel Admiral in Opatija, Croatia. Organised by the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, and University North, the conference gathered researchers, academics, industry professionals and institutional representatives to discuss the challenges and future directions of sustainable transport.
Research, Expertise and New Perspectives
This year’s programme featured 60 conference contributions, including 41 oral presentations and 19 posters, complemented by eight project summaries. The programme was structured around seven specialist sessions, two student sessions, three expert panels, invited lectures and dedicated project activities. Discussions addressed a range of interconnected challenges, including transport decarbonisation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and system resilience, navigation and safety, transport modelling, logistics, sustainable mobility and human factors.
A prominent part of the programme was dedicated to expert dialogue connecting research, industry and policy. The opening panel, held within the framework of the Horizon Europe INNO2MARE project, addressed the future of European maritime research and innovation funding. Other expert discussions explored emerging challenges in transport systems, infrastructure and technological development. Together, these activities reflected the conference’s central premise: sustainable transport cannot be addressed through isolated disciplines, technologies or transport modes.
Beyond the Conference Programme
SuTra was conceived as more than a sequence of presentations and formal sessions. Its purpose is to provide an environment where different forms of knowledge, experience and perspectives meet, and where scientific, professional and seemingly informal discussions can develop into new ideas, collaborations and lasting professional relationships. The 2026 edition reinforced three important principles: the need to respond constructively to change, the responsibility to shape future developments rather than merely anticipate them, and the value of moving beyond established conventions when seeking new solutions.
These principles extend beyond the conference itself and remain central to SuTra’s continuing development.
The People Behind SuTra
The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to all authors, speakers, panellists, participants, session chairs, supporting institutions, partners, patrons and sponsors, as well as the colleagues whose commitment and work made the conference possible. The positive feedback received from participants is particularly encouraging. Beyond the scientific programme and organisational achievements, the greatest value of SuTra lies in the people who contribute to it and the connections they establish.
Moving Forward
SuTra 2026 has concluded, but the conversations, collaborations and ideas it brought together continue.
Fittingly, sutra is Croatian for tomorrow. For months, SuTra belonged to the future. Then it was tomorrow. Then today. And now, it is not yesterday. It is the future again. And not an uncertain one.
See you SuTra!