What is SPARK?

SPARK is a free web-based knowledge sharing tool, available to all. It contains an organised library of knowledge and information relating to research and innovation within the international rail community. It also provides a virtual space for researchers to promote their work and network with others with the same interests, therefore reducing duplication and speeding up innovation.

SPARK is developed and managed by RSSB and is promoted in partnership with UIC and the International Rail Research Board (IRRB), which UIC facilitates. SPARK is part of the Railway-Research.org portal targeted to all parties involved in rail research and innovation.
 

What might I find in SPARK?

  • SPARK contains thousands of records:  information relating to publications, research projects, initiatives, data sources, centres of expertise and test facilities.
  • These are entered by rail professionals and organisations from across the world, including railway administrations, universities and research institutes, suppliers, government bodies and others.
  • We have agreements which allow us to include abstracts (and in some cases the papers) from major rail conferences eg World Congress on Rail Research and Rail Engineering Forum.

What are the benefits of sharing on SPARK?

Sharing research information on SPARK provides a shop window for your research. It can help to facilitate networking between users, funders and holders of knowledge and offer a match-making forum for opportunities, issues and solutions.

RSSB members, IRRB members and those who have the correct SPARK permissions already have the ability to start contributing. If you currently only have reader level access you can also make an application to become a SPARK contributor and start adding your material.

We also have options for corporate level sharing with SPARK, for example if you are able to routinely supply information about your organisations projects we may be able to provide contributor access to everyone at your organisation. Please contact us at spark@rssb.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss this with you.