Research and innovation

Research impact

Using driving simulators to develop new vehicles

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Jaguar on ice
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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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Train
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Research degrees

Studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential

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Institute of Transport Studies, University of Leeds
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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.

85%

of our research is

'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' REF 2014

Top 10

in the world

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2018

Over 60

academic and research staff

working with over 50 PhD researchers to deliver high-impact research

Our research

Choice Modelling

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

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Train station

Economics and Appraisal

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

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car driving

Human Factors and Safety

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

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Tunnel

Spatial Modelling and Dynamics

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

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People on bikes

Social and Political Sciences

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

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VirtuoCITY

Brings together expertise from the University of Leeds Driving Simulator and Leeds Institute for Data Analytics to develop innovative technologies to design efficient and sustainable cities.

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Research themes

Automation

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

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Energy

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

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Rail

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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Global South

This research theme focuses on finding ways to transform transport environments in the Global South to address mobility and access challenges faced by low income populations in developing cities.

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Driving simulator at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds

Driving simulator

The University of Leeds driving simulator is one of the most advanced driving research environments in the world; and allows research into driver behaviour to be performed in accurately controlled and repeatable laboratory conditions. The facility consists of a large motion-based driving simulator, an advanced commercial truck simulator, and an immersive pedestrian laboratory.

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News and events

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Image of a bus in Leeds city centre at night

Planning for Leeds’ driverless future

A new study from Professor Simon Shepherd and Professor Anthony May has…

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Image of pedestrians crossing a road of traffic

Research into human-automation interaction given the green light

ITS academic, Dr Gustav Markkula, awarded prestigious EPSRC fellowship to…

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Photo of the Alan Turing Institute

Prestigious Turing Institute Fellowships awarded to our researchers

Six researchers from the Faculty of Environment have been awarded a…

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Staff and students from ITS with the Smogmobile

Investigating commuter exposure to air pollution in Leeds

In early June 2018, ITS staff and students studied commuter exposure to fine…

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