Research and innovation

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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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Rail Centre

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

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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.

Research themes and centres

Computer simulation image of glass building with Virtuocity letters Virtuocity

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.

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Train Rail Centre

Rail Centre

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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Crowd of people Choice Modelling Centre

Choice Modelling Centre

We bring together expertise from a range of disciplines to work both in modelling choices and the development of surveys and techniques for capturing data on choices.

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Connected cities Connected and Shared Mobility

Connected and Shared Mobility

Our research aims to shape future sustainable transport systems by addressing the dynamic interaction between emerging technologies and the evolving mobility of people and goods.

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Electric cars Energy

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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Girl with baskets in boat Global South

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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Automation 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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Data stream superimposed on city-scape and highway Digital Futures

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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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 LeedsMore on Driving simulator

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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Postgraaduate Researcher Thalia Hernandez AmezcuaMore on Research degrees

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.

Search our projects, ideas, funding opportunities, research areas and PhD supervisors.

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