Why attend this event?
Local transport teams are under pressure to deliver sustainable, data-driven solutions, yet often lack clear pathways to apply relevant research and innovation.
The Transport Research in Practice event, brings together leading researchers and practitioners to explore how academic insight can support real-world transport challenges and opportunities. This event will feature three expert speakers, each presenting on key themes shaping the future of transport, followed by facilitated round table discussions designed to explore these topics in more depth through, reflection, and thought-provoking questions.
The programme begins with a focus on community engagement and decarbonisation, led by Professor Greg Marsden, Professor of Transport Governance at the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS), University of Leeds. Drawing on work from the INFUZE project, this session will explore how tools, data, and participatory approaches are being used to help shape more liveable, low-carbon communities. Attendees will gain insight into how citizen perspectives, trade-offs, and data modelling can inform future transport systems, alongside practical resources that can be adapted for local engagement activities.
The second session features Dr Sam Chapman, Founder of The Floow and a leading expert in transport data and analytics. Drawing on the PHOEBE project and UK case studies, including work in the West Midlands, Dr Chapman will explore the growing role of data in transport planning. The session will highlight both the challenges and opportunities of new data sources, and how local authorities can engage more confidently with research projects to unlock practical, real-world benefits.
The final session is delivered by Dr Dawn Rahman, who will present research on the lived experiences of mothers cycling with children in the UK. Her work highlights the practical, social, and infrastructural barriers faced in everyday journeys, and the adaptations families make to continue cycling. This session will be followed by a practical workshop where participants will identify realistic actions their organisations can take to better support inclusive, family-friendly active travel.
Across the event, attendees will have the opportunity to select one speaker-led roundtable discussion, allowing for deeper exploration of a chosen topic. These sessions will provide a more focused setting to engage directly with speakers, ask in-depth questions, and reflect on key themes. Participants will leave with valuable insights and connections to support future collaboration between academia, local authorities, and industry.
The event will conclude with a dedicated feedback and reflection session, providing attendees with the opportunity to share insights, discuss key takeaways, and identify how the learning can be applied within their own organisations.
What to Expect
What you'll go away with
Practical tools and approaches to apply research, data, and engagement techniques to real-world transport challenges
Greater confidence to collaborate with academia and use new data to inform local transport planning and decision-making
Actionable ideas to deliver more inclusive, sustainable transport solutions within your organisation
Tea, Coffee & Networking
We’ll kick off the morning with freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, the perfect way to start the day and ease into conversations with fellow attendees.
While we won’t be providing food, you’ll be right in the heart of Sheffield, with plenty of great cafés, restaurants, and grab-and-go options just a short walk away.
And the conversation doesn’t have to stop when the sessions end there’ll be plenty of opportunities to stick around, connect with speakers, and continue networking after the event.
Experts Attending
Meet the experts who will be there.
