Professor Maria Boile, faculty member of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus and Director of the Quantitative Analysis in Shipping Laboratory, has received the TRA VISIONS 2026 Senior Researcher Award in the Waterborne category.
The award was presented during the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026, Europe’s leading conference on transport research and innovation, held in Budapest, Hungary, from 18 to 21 May 2026.
The Transport Research Arena is one of Europe’s foremost events in the field of transport, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, European institutions, policymakers, and technology platforms from across all transport modes. The conference serves as a forum for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue on the future of European transport, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
The TRA VISIONS Awards are among the most prestigious distinctions in European transport research and innovation, recognizing researchers whose work has made a significant contribution to scientific advancement and the development of innovative solutions for the transport sector. The Waterborne category highlights research contributions in areas such as energy efficiency, electrification, digitalisation, ports and infrastructure, sustainable alternative fuels, safe and secure waterborne transport, and green shipping corridors.
Professor Boile’s award recognises her long-standing contribution to maritime and waterborne transport research, with emphasis on sustainable shipping, ports, logistics, transport policy, infrastructure, and the green and digital transition of the waterborne sector. Her work has contributed to European research collaboration and to the development of knowledge, methodologies, and policy-relevant tools supporting the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of maritime transport systems.
Commenting on the award, Professor Maria Boile stated:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the TRA VISIONS 2026 Senior Researcher Award in the Waterborne category. This recognition reflects a journey shaped by my work with the University of Piraeus, HIT/CERTH, CAIT/Rutgers, and Waterborne TP, and by the people who have accompanied me throughout it. I dedicate this award to all those who have worked with me, walked with me in research and in life, and supported me with trust, friendship, and encouragement along the way, and especially to those closest to my heart, whose unconditional love and support have given meaning, strength, and joy to this journey.”
This distinction highlights the strong presence of the Greek academic community in European transport research and underscores the contribution of the University of Piraeus in fields of strategic importance, including shipping, port infrastructure, logistics, and the blue economy. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of research and international collaboration in addressing the contemporary challenges facing maritime transport worldwide.
