Is driver distraction a problem to road safety?

Introduction to ITSDr Chandra Balijepalli PhDProgramme Leader MSc(Eng)Institute for Transport Studies

October 2015Institute for Transport StudiesFACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAbout meA British National with Indian OriginBEng in Civil Engineering (Distinction), IndiaMSc(Eng) Transport Planning & Engineering (Distinction), LeedsPhD Transport Modelling, LeedsConsulting experience in India World Bank, UNCHS, GTZAs a Faculty Member at ITS since 2006Current duties:ResearchStrategic, network modelling, resilient systems Teaching at Masters and Undergraduate LevelTransport Modelling, Traffic Network Modelling, Transport Engineering Supervise PhD and Masters studentsProgramme Leader MSc(Eng) Transport Planning & EngineeringMasters Admissions TutorITS Employability OfficerVisiting faculty at University of Gadjah Mada, IndonesiaThe City of LeedsTwo hours away from London by trainDirect flight to major European capitalsCulture and economic centre of Northern EnglandSurrounded by three national parks

Overview of UOL (1)Founded in 1904Leeds School of Medicine, 1831Yorkshire College of Science, 1874One of the six Red Brick universities33,000 students: 25,000 UG and 8,000 PG5,000 international students from over 140 countriesA wide range of courses: from Arabic to Zoology!560 UG courses and 300 PG courses7,645 staff of 97 different nationalitiesStrong impact and influence:Russell Group, Worldwide Universities NetworkOverview of UOL (2)Faculty of ArtsFaculty of Biological SciencesFaculty of BusinessFaculty of Education, Social Sciences and LawFaculty of Engineering (including the School of Computing)Faculty of EnvironmentFaculty of Mathematics and Physical SciencesFaculty of Medicine and HealthFaculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications

Brief history of ITSCentre for Transport Studies formed in 1965:MSc Transport Planning & EngineeringMA Transport EconomicsITS became an independent academic school in 1972.

Slide shows staffing profile of group

Italics associate members

Few Grade 7 staff

No FT Grade 10 staff member

Not enough PhD students

6ITS todayITS is the largest transport institution involving both teaching and research activities in EuropeFive Masters programmes, including the only MA Transport Economics in the UK. Around 80 Masters students per year.A wide range of modules, covering the fields of policy, economics, appraisal, modelling, engineering, safety, technology, and environment etc.A truly international learning environment: over 50% of Masters from overseas, covering 20+ nationalitiesStrong international influence: alumni across 6 continentsRoyal recognition 40 years of sustained excellence in transport research and teachingITS todayITS is a richly multi-disciplinary research-led academic school, undertaking transport-related research at the interface between academia, policy and practice.Research excellence backed by REF: Research Excellence Framework55 academic staff, 15 support staff, 55 PhD students.External research income of around 3m per annumResearch councilsUK governments, agencies, regulatory bodiesInternational governments and agencies (e.g. EU, World Bank)Industry (bus & rail operators, transport consultants, Jaguar Land Rover)

REF2014 resultsTransport & Civil Engineering at Leeds Internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour100% of our research environment is conducive to producing research of internationally excellent or world leading quality92% of our research impacts are very considerable or outstanding85% of our research is internationally excellent or world leading 80% of our research outputs are internationally excellent or world leading

ITS staff profileITS is an interdisciplinary centreStaff from a wide range of backgrounds:EngineersEconomistsGeographersMathematicians/StatisticiansEnvironmental ScientistsComputer ScientistsPsychologistsSociologistsPlannersStrong culture of collaborationITS is actively involved in cross-disciplinary collaborationITS is a freestanding institute, but has strong links with:School of Civil Engineering and Mechanical EngineeringComputer StudiesBusiness SchoolSchool of Psychological SciencesSchool of GeographySchool of Earth and EnvironmentEstablished history of collaborative research and strong link with industry and government agenciesTeaching activities: UG500 undergraduate students via Business School and School of Geography, and Civil EngineeringModules:Instruments of Transport PolicyTransport EngineeringTransport EconomicsTransport Land Use and DevelopmentProject AppraisalTransport and the EnvironmentTransport and SocietyPublic Transport Policy and PracticePhysical Distribution and Logistics

Taught Masters programmes:Overview (1)Five programmes:MSc(Eng) Transport Planning and EngineeringMSc Transport PlanningMSc Transport Planning and the EnvironmentMSc SustainabilityMA Transport EconomicsProgramme structure:Compulsory ModulesOptional ModulesDissertation Duration: 12 months (September August)Taught Masters programmes:Overview (2)Teaching is supported by cutting-edge research outcomesITS teaching programmes are accredited by professional bodies (CIHT, CILT, ICE)Masters dissertation:A wide range of topics suggested by members of staffStudents can also choose their own topics (e.g. case studies based on circumstances in home countries)Delivery of teaching:Lectures/SeminarsGroup projectsField exercisesDissertation poster sessions

Traffic survey

BBQ

Peak District Field Trip

International Night

European trip

AccreditationUpon completion of the programme, it fulfils the educational requirements for the membership ofThe Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)Or provides a pathway for Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualificationThe students say

Strong demand from the industry

PhD programmeDiverse range of research topics Individual supervision from subject specialists with supervision team (2-3 supervisors) tailored to suit the specific topicScope for collaborative PhDs with other departments or the industryExcellent study environments:Comprehensive literature in the libraries (2.8m items and access to 33,000 online resources)Strong PhD community network and peer supportStudent are part of a research groupResearch Groups4 research groups - each a world renowned transport centre in its own rightEconomics and Discrete ChoiceResearch on marginal cost pricing, externalities, high speed rail, rail efficiency analysis and demand forecastingChoice modelling (fundamentals, experimental design and application to real-world contexts)Project appraisal including advice to World Bank, European Commission and UK GovernmentModellingHome of the SATURN Traffic Assignment Model, network analysis and optimization and uncertaintyBuilding the next generation of models

Research GroupsSafety and TechnologyDriver behaviour and human factors (e.g. UK Intelligent Speed Adaptation Field Trial) - University of Leeds Driving SimulatorAccident analysis (with modelling group)Technologies for Eco Driving and pollution managementSustainable Transport PolicyLow carbon transport futuresThe role of technology in influencing travel behaviourPolicy design and the governance of the transport systemAlso working across groups themes such as energy, ICT, health and economic growthMajor research facility