Transport Research at the University of Aberdeen is long-established and over the last three decades has contributed to theoretical and applied debates, focusing increasingly on: transport and accessibility-related policy analysis; social inclusion, social justice and sustainability; and rural development, communities and sustainability. A Transport Geography course is run as part of the undergraduate MA/BSc degrees in Geography and transport is taught within MSc programmes offered by the Centre for Planning and Environmental Management. The Centre for Transport Research (CTR), established in 2007, acts as the focus for transport research at the University of Aberdeen.
The Centre for Transport Research (CTR) has been established following significant investment by the University and a major funding partnership with the UK’s largest transport provider, FirstGroup.
Distinct focus in research
Transport research includes a wide range of themes from public (road and rail), social and private transport to aviation, from policy to technology, from regional economics to the low carbon economy. The Centre for Transport Research (CTR) aims to distinguish itself through excellent research of international standing and the strength of its links and expertise. The Centre is initially focusing on two broad themes Transport, Energy and Environment and Transport and Society. Research within these two themes is expected to be realised within the framework of cross-cutting topics. Please see our research pages for further details.
The Centre benefits significantly from its close working relationship with FirstGroup which allows staff and students unparalleled access to the activities of an internationally-leading public transport operator. There are close working relationships with cognate groups across the University including the Institute for Rural Research , the Centre for Planning and Environmental Management and the Northern Research Partnership in engineering and related disciplines.
Governance
The administrative structure of the Centre for Transport Research involves a Governing Board (chaired by the Head of College of Physical Sciences of the University of Aberdeen), a Strategic Management Board and an Advisory Committee.
The Strategic Management Board is chaired by the Director of the Centre for Transport Research and has responsibility for developing research policy, setting and reviewing project milestones and reports regularly to the Governing Board. The Advisory Committee draws on external expertise in the transport community.