Research and innovation

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Rail Centre

Our multidisciplinary centre for collaborative research into rail transport systems aims to improve social welfare

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Research and innovation

We are a leading transport research centre worldwide. We deliver internationally excellent research outputs, which impact upon transport policy and practice, and contribute to the wider economy and society. Our research mission is to support the development of intelligent mobility systems that are connected, inclusive, productive and resilient. To find out more, browse a selection of our current and past research projects.

Research themes and centres

Virtuocity is a unique programme for city simulation and co-design which provides a world-leading technical platform and leverages research and innovation expertise from across the University.

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Our aim is to enhance understanding of the economics of rail transport demand and supply, rail operation and control, and the economic value of rail technical innovation and investment.

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We bring together expertise from a range of disciplines to work both in modelling choices and the development of surveys and techniques for capturing data on choices.

More on Choice Modelling Centre

Our research aims to shape future sustainable transport systems by addressing the dynamic interaction between emerging technologies and the evolving mobility of people and goods.

More on Connected and Shared Mobility

Our research looks at the provision of sustainable, low carbon and secure sources of energy to fuel transport systems of the future.

More on Energy

We are finding ways to transform transport environments in the Global South to address mobility and access challenges faced by low income populations in developing cities.

More on Global South

Research conducted under this theme is focussed on understanding the human factors implications and challenges of connected and automated vehicles.

More on Automation

Research under the Digital Futures theme, a part of the ‘Big Data’ genre, aims to harness the potential of new forms of digital data to generate policy relevant insights for the transport sector.

More on Digital Futures

Our research groups

Our research covers new methodological developments, theoretical insights and practical solutions to real world problems.

More on Choice Modelling

We look at the economics of transport from a demand and supply side perspective to assess the overall business case for transport investment.

More on Economics and Appraisal

We investigate road users’ interactions with new and current transport systems and technologies to advance transport safety.

More on Human Factors and Safety

We develop mathematical and statistical models and simulation tools for the representation, analysis and optimisation of traffic and transportation systems.

More on Spatial Modelling and Dynamics

We investigate transport and mobility from perspectives of the social and political sciences studies with the aim of delivering effective and sustainable mobility systems.

More on Social and Political Sciences