Throughout the event, participants engaged in lively discussions across thematic clusters and sessions covering a wide range of topics related to urban mobility transitions. The conference highlighted both current challenges and emerging opportunities for transport planning in an increasingly uncertain world. A particular highlight was the strong involvement of researchers from the EIT Urban Mobility Doctoral Training Network. Early-career researchers had the opportunity to present their work, connect with senior scholars, and establish new collaborations within the international NECTAR community.

The conference was organized by the Chair of Urban Structure and Transport Planning and Accessibility Planning at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The successful delivery of the event was made possible through the dedication of staff members, student assistants, and volunteers who supported the conference throughout all stages of planning and implementation.

Special thanks are extended to Maria Attard, Chair of NECTAR, Karst Geurs, Vice-Chair of NECTAR, and the cluster co-chairs whose efforts contributed to the development of an engaging and high-quality scientific programme. 

NECTAR’26 was generously supported by EIT Urban Mobility, Elsevier, Plan4Better, PB Consult GmbH, Bolt, and Oskar von Miller Forum. The conference also featured inspiring keynote addresses by Mark Nieuwenhuijsen and Tim Schwanen, who provided valuable perspectives on the future of mobility transitions and urban development.

Alongside the scientific programme, the event encouraged networking and community building among participants. Informal activities and social events created opportunities for new connections, collaborations, and exchanges beyond the conference sessions.

The conference concluded with a look ahead to the next edition of the event. NECTAR 2028 will be hosted by Trinity College Dublin and organized by Brian Caulfield.

Watch the NECTAR26 video here.