Urban analytics

Institute for Data Analytics

Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) uses data collections to drive research, policy development and public initiatives

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Urban analytics

Cities are centres of culture, innovation and growth: they generate an enormous amount of data, which is used by modellers and data scientists to create solutions to modern challenges. Our urban analytics experts work with key decision makers, public bodies and businesses to create advanced models that transform this wealth of data into key insights, driving a smarter future for urban life.

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Our Urban Analytics researchers are working with key decision-makers in society to bring beneficial change to cities

Contact us

If you have an enquiry about the urban analytics research theme, please contact Professor Ed Manley.

Pioneering impact in urban settings

Many of our researchers are based in the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy, the Institute of Transport Studies, and Leeds Institute for Data Analytics. The University has a longstanding collaboration with the Property Analytics function at Sainsbury’s. If you would like to discuss an area of research in more detail, please contact the individual staff member.

Through advanced data science, Dr Nick Malleson is offering insight that could change the way we understand and respond to crime and health issues in urban life, and and prepare for natural disasters.

More on Improving emergency management strategies

Predicting how cities will develop in the future is being made easier for policymakers, through advanced modelling techniques being developed by Professor Alison Heppenstall.

More on Modelling the future of cities

Elderly city dwellers could benefit from demand-responsive automated transport in the future, through the modelling work of Professor Ed Manley.

More on Increased mobility for elderly citizens

Leeds' longstanding expertise in microsimulation modelling, developed by Professor Mark Birkin, will help businesses to rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic.

More on Rebuilding business after COVID-19

Government agents, key decision-makers and planners are transforming essential systems and services as a result of sophisticated analytical insight developed by Dr Nik Lomax.

More on Transforming infrastructure, planning and policy

Policing forces, political scientists, and transport planners are using bespoke data visualisation tools developed by Dr Roger Beecham. His methods are aiding the COVID-19 pandemic.

More on Representing insights through visual analytics

Collaborative links

Our expertise is strengthened by the University's interdisciplinary culture. Through partnerships, internal and external collaborations, we foster research, civic engagement and business growth.

Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) strives to understand health and human behaviour and to cast light on the action required to tackle a wide range of social and environmental problems.

More on Leeds Institute for Data Analytics

The Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy develops innovative ways of understanding business, society and the environment through sophisticated analyses of geographical behaviour.

More on Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy

The Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC) makes consumer data available for research use to give unique insight into societal and economic challenges.

More on Consumer Data Research Centre

A University of Leeds partner, the Alan Turing Institute is pioneering the next generation of leaders and pushing the boundaries of data, and social sciences for the public good.

More on Alan Turing Institute

Research degrees

Undertaking a PhD at Leeds will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential.

To browse funded projects, supervisors, research areas, and PhD opportunities, visit phd.leeds.ac.uk.