Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Purdue Road School: a recap of the 2025 conference and its global impact

March 20th, 2025

Purdue Road School, hosted by Purdue University’s Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP), took place on March 18–19, 2025, bringing together professionals from government, industry, and academia to discuss the latest advancements in transportation. While traditionally focused on areas such as pavement design and traffic operations, the event also explored topics like aviation, urban planning, and finance, showcasing the event’s wide-reaching scope.

Key highlights

Among the most downloaded presentations from Purdue Road School 2024, several stood out for their blend of innovation and historical context. The INDOT MOT Standards & Practices document, which has been downloaded 203 times, offers critical insights for transportation professionals. The second and third most downloaded documents were equally intriguing: INDOT Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) In-Pavement EV Charging Pilot Project and Design and Maintenance Considerations for Buggies. The first addresses the future of electric vehicles, while the second addresses maintenance and safety concerns for roads in areas that have high horse and buggy use. The event attracts a wide-ranging audience, as evidenced by the top three most downloaded presentations, which resonate with professionals across various fields.

Global reach and broad audience

Thanks to Purdue e-Pubs, the materials from Purdue Road School are available for free online, allowing global access—downloads have come from around the world, including Brazil, Germany, South Africa, and China. Sessions like those on automated driving systems and I-10 highway operations have garnered attention far beyond U.S. borders, demonstrating the global relevance of the topics discussed.

The event also attracts a variety of institutions. While 21% of downloads were from government entities, 56% came from commercial institutions, and 18% from educational spaces. Additionally, presentations on topics such as team building and project management using Microsoft Teams reflect the broader applicability of the event’s content, reaching professionals outside the transportation sector.

In 2023, Purdue Road School achieved a remarkable milestone, with its presentations surpassing 1 million downloads, highlighting the program’s growing global impact and the widespread value of its content.

Looking ahead: continued relevance

With Purdue Road School 2025 now concluded, the event continues to address both sector-specific and general professional development needs. Sessions on navigating difficult work relationships and overcoming public speaking fear highlight the event’s ongoing relevance for a diverse audience, extending its impact beyond transportation professionals.

By offering the opportunity to archive presentations as open-access resources, Purdue Road School ensures that knowledge is shared globally, fostering collaboration, and driving progress in transportation infrastructure. The event remains a vital platform for addressing both current challenges and future opportunities in the field.

To learn more and access the archived materials from Purdue Road School 2025, visit the Road School website.