We are pleased to announce the 3rd International Symposium on Transportation in Emerging Countries (ISTEC 2025), taking place on 4 & 5 November 2025 at Hasselt University, Belgium.
ISTEC 2025 brings together academic researchers, professionals, policymakers, and students to exchange knowledge and best practices on sustainable and innovative transportation solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This edition of ISTEC places a special focus on capacity building and education through e-learning, highlighting how digital learning platforms and innovative short training programs can advance transportation safety and policy implementation worldwide.
As partners, alumni, and students of the ICP Master of Transportation Sciences - Road Safety in LMICs at Hasselt University, you are uniquely positioned to share insights, experiences, and research that can drive transformative change and improve transportation outcomes globally.
We invite contributions in the form of research studies, case studies, and project experiences aligned with the following symposium themes:
Capacity Building & E-Learning for Road Safety
This theme focuses on innovative digital learning methods, training programs, and capacity building efforts that enhance road safety knowledge and skills.
Potential topics include:
• The role of e-learning, digital tools, and online short courses in strengthening road
safety expertise in LMICs
• Case studies on successful training programs and capacity-building initiatives in
transportation sciences
• Challenges and best practices in delivering online education to diverse audiences in
LMICs
• Developing interactive and accessible e-learning content for road safety
professionals and policymakers
• Gamification, simulations, and virtual reality (VR) in transportation training
• The role of governments, universities, and international organizations in scaling e-learning initiatives
Safe System Approach in LMICs
This theme highlights research and practical applications of the Safe System Approach (SSA)
in LMICs, focusing on challenges, successes, and policy implications.
Potential topics include:
• Implementation of the SSA in LMIC contexts: barriers, enablers, and lessons learned.
• Infrastructure design and safety interventions aligning with SSA principles.
• Institutional collaboration and governance structures for effective SSA adoption.
• Innovative data-driven approaches to monitoring and evaluating SSA strategies.
• Integration of SSA with sustainable mobility and urban planning in emerging
economies.
• Community-based approaches and campaigns that support SSA principles.
📅 Abstract Deadline: 1 July 2025
📩 Submit your abstract to: patricia.hellriegel@uhasselt.be
📄 Abstract length: 250-500 words
A limited number of travel & accommodation grants (up to €1,500 per person) will be awarded to selected participants from VLIR-UOS partner countries. Selection is based on the quality of the submitted abstract.
• €150 (includes conference materials, lunches, and conference dinner)
• free registration and participation for students of Hasselt University (lunches and conference dinner excluded)
Please share this Call for Abstracts with anyone who might be interested.
For further inquiries, contact Patricia Hellriegel.
We look forward to welcoming you to ISTEC 2025 in Hasselt!
Staff Member UHasselt