Research and innovation

Institute celebrates success at REF2021

The new Institute for Transport Studies building at University of Leeds.

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

Join us

Join us

Rail Centre

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

Find out more

Research impact
Research degrees
Rail centre

Scroll down

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.

93% and 97%

research outputs 'world-leading'/'internationally excellent

Research submitted in our Units of Assessment - REF 2021

Top 20

in the world for Transportation Science and Technology

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2021

Over 90

academic and research staff

working with over 60 PhD researchers to deliver high-impact research

Research themes and centres

Virtuocity

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.

Our research groups

Choice Modelling

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

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.

Human Factors and Safety

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

Spatial Modelling and Dynamics

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

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.

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.