Research and innovation
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.
MoreEconomics 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.
MoreHuman Factors and Safety
We investigate road users’ interactions with new and current transport systems and technologies to advance transport safety.
MoreSpatial Modelling and Dynamics
We develop mathematical and statistical models and simulation tools for the representation, analysis and optimisation of traffic and transportation systems.
MoreSocial 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.
MoreVirtuoCITY
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.
MoreResearch themes
Automation
Research conducted under this theme is focussed on understanding the human factors implications and challenges of connected and automated vehicles.
MoreGlobal 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.
MoreDriving 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.
Planning for Leeds’ driverless future
A new study from Professor Simon Shepherd and Professor Anthony May has…
MoreResearch into human-automation interaction given the green light
ITS academic, Dr Gustav Markkula, awarded prestigious EPSRC fellowship to…
MorePrestigious Turing Institute Fellowships awarded to our researchers
Six researchers from the Faculty of Environment have been awarded a…
MoreInvestigating commuter exposure to air pollution in Leeds
In early June 2018, ITS staff and students studied commuter exposure to fine…
MoreDisruption management in railway networks
Institute for Transport Studies research seminar with speaker Professor Francesco Corman, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich.
Thursday 28 February 2019, 11:30 - 12:30
More“🌍🎓 Next month our @LeedsAlumni will be hosting 'Big Get Together' events around the world. Read more 👉… t.co/6YABdEcaNq” -
2 days ago
“Dr James Tate, Dr John Nellthorp, Dr Zia Wadud and PhD researcher Kate Palmer, have led research finding that pure… t.co/uyztOTsYog” -
5 days ago
“Congratulations to alumna @ClareLLinton who has been named in @passtrans' 40 under 40! Read more 👉… t.co/kIImu5LXLs” -
1 week ago