News

How effective has European rail policy been?

Added: 2010-01-22

Over a number of years, several ITS research projects have examined EU rail policy, to assess how effective it has been in encouraging competition and to contribute to the identification of best practice in implementation. The results from this and other research, together with the future plans of the European Commission and views from industry stakeholders will be the focus of an international conference...read more. 

ITS WINS QUEEN’S ANNIVERSARY PRIZE

Added: 2009-11-19

ROYAL RECOGNITION FOR SUSTAINED TEACHING AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

The Institute for Transport Studies has underlined its credentials as a leader in transport after winning a prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. The Prize is awarded to ITS for “sustained excellence - 40 years' impact in transport research and teaching.” It is the first time that a University of Leeds department has won one of the Prizes and comes as the Institute prepares to tackle the transport challenges of tomorrow. Read the full story here. 

The Tony May Scholarship

Added: 2009-10-10

To mark Tony May's retirement, a scholarship appeal fund has been launched.
Professor Tony May retired from ITS this year after more than 30 years remarkable service. To honour his dedication we are aiming to establish a scholarship, to provide an international student with a life-changing opportunity they would not otherwise have.
The appeal coincides with a government initiative to top-up every pledge, which together with gift aid, will turn a £3 donation into £5. ITS will be contacting the alumni body but the appeal is not limited to former students - everyone can get involved. To find out more or add your support, please visit the appeal webpage.  

Want to reduce your exposure to pollution?

Added: 2009-10-09

Pedestrians could reduce the amount of traffic pollution they breathe in simply by crossing the street, according to new inter-disciplinary research.
Researchers at the Instrumented City (IC) joined forces with colleagues from the Energy & Resources Research Institute (ERRI) and found that air pollution levels change dramatically within small geographical areas, dependent on wind patterns, the location of traffic queues and the position and shapes of the surrounding buildings. The IC team monitored traffic flow and carbon monoxide levels over an 8-week period at one of the busiest junctions in the UK – the intersection between Marylebone Road and Gloucester Place in West London. The findings showed that carbon monoxide levels were up to three times higher on the leeward (sheltered) side of the street than the windward, in relation to the wind’s direction at roof-top level. A similar pattern of ‘pollution hotspots’ would also be expected for other traffic-related emissions such as ultrafine particles and nitrogen dioxide. Given that pollution is concentrated in the street where it is emitted, it means that cyclists and pedestrians could significantly reduce their pollution exposure by moving regular journeys to back streets adjacent to the main thoroughfares. The research also has significance for local authorities and other bodies monitoring urban air quality. Every city has pollution monitoring sites, in order to comply with EU standards, and their positioning may now need to be reviewed. The study was carried out as part of the DAPPLE (Dispersion of Air Pollution & Penetration into the Local Environment) project, funded by the Engineering & Physical Science Research Council and involving a consortium of six Universities including Leeds. For further information please contact Dr James Tate via www.its.leeds.ac.uk/facilities/icity/  

PhD funding - UK Transport Research Centre (UKTRC)

Added: 2009-10-09

Applications are invited for up to eight prestigious doctoral studentships,
which are being made available to UK/EU students by the UK Transport Research Centre (UKTRC). The UKTRC is a £7.25m virtual centre funded by the Department for Transport, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the Scottish Government. It has been established in order to bring new social science insights to bear on the UK’s transport policy issues. UKTRC is jointly managed by Imperial College, University College London and the University of Leeds. Its activities are open to all UK academic institutions and the competition for PhD studentship funding is open to all ESRC recognised departments. For further details please visit the ESRC website and download the application guidance notes. 

Honorary Doctorate for ITS Alumnus

Added: 2009-07-17

Bekele Geleta, ITS class of 1974, now Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies,
received an Honorary Doctorate from the University in recognition of his dedicated service to humanitarian causes.
With the responsibility of organising relief in the wake of crises and natural disasters across the globe, Bekele brings his knowledge of strategy and logistics to his role as Secretary- General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The former Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Red Cross, who graduated from ITS with an MA in Transport Economics in 1974, is widely experienced in lobbying presidents, royalty and the general public to raise much-needed aid. To read more about his fascinating life and work click here.