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

12th

in the world

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019

Over 60

academic and research staff

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

Research themes and centres

Automation

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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Electric cars

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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Train

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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Data stream superimposed on city-scape and highway

Digital Futures

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

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Girl with baskets in boat

Global South

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

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Computer simulation image of glass building with Virtuocity letters

Virtuocity

Virtuocity is a unique programme for city simulation and co-design

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Our research groups

Choice Modelling

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

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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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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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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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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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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

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Artist render of the new Institute for High Speed Rail at the University of Leeds

Funding agreed for cutting-edge experimental rail facility

The Government has today confirmed funding to create one of the most advanced…

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Image of a street in Nairobi, Kenya

Leading the way towards greener city transport choices

Research led by the Institute for Transport Studies, has been included as a…

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Someone using the pedestrian simulator, HIKER

Immersive technologies become the new reality at Leeds

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming the new normal at the University of Leeds,…

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Electric cars

Northern universities to tackle transport emissions

Leeds scientists are leading a research network of northern universities to…

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