Research and innovation

Research impact

Driving change in car safety regulation

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Academic and student
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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

People rushing

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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City scene

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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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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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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Image of woman cycling

Lifestyle changes could hold the key to cutting Co2 emissions

A recently released paper, published in Energy Efficiency, has looked at ways…

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pot holes image

University of Leeds to develop robots to self-repair potholes

The University of Leeds is leading a pioneering £4.2m national…

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Traffic in Jakarta, Indonesia

Transportation Master Plan in Jakarta

Dr Chandra Balijepalli from the Institute of Transport Studies (ITS) is…

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See more events like this

Cohesive land transport strategies for an urbanised city state

ITS alumni seminar series presented by alumna Wee Ping Koh.

Wednesday 17 October 2018, 11:00 - 12:30

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Developing Interdisciplinary Research into Practice for the Resolution of Transport Inequalities in Global South Cities

Institute for Transport Studies seminar with speaker Professor Karen Lucas.

Thursday 1 November 2018, 11:00 - 12:00

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Transport: modelling, policy and business

ITS alumni seminar series presented by alumnus Iosif Stroumtsas.

Friday 2 November 2018, 15:00 - 16:30

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MATSim - An open-source alternative to transport planning

ITS alumni seminar series presented by alumnus Hamish Thomas.

Wednesday 7 November 2018, 15:30 - 17:00

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