APTA and the International Union of Railways (UIC) have issued a call for papers for the 8th World Congress on High-Speed Rail, July 10-13, 2012, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Abstracts must be received by Feb. 1, 2012, for review by the scientific committee.

Overall themes of the congress are:
* Social environment, economy, finances;
* Commercial;
* Infrastructure;
* Rolling stock;
* Operations, safety, security;
* Engineering and project management; and
* Corridors.

Details on each theme can be found here. More information on the submittal process is available.

The UIC Scientific Committee will select the speakers and presentations during February, March, and April 2012, and will notify applicants of its decisions by e-mail no later than April 10, stating whether an applicant has been selected, not selected, or is on a waiting list.