The formal launch of a new international transport Centre –the University of Aberdeen’s Centre for Transport Research – officially took place today (April 8, 2008).
Leading players in the world of transport research reflected on alternative transport futures and the way ahead at the launch event being held at King’s College Conference Centre.
The event was attended by over 80 delegates including policy makers, politicians, regional transport partnerships, local authorities, transport operators, voluntary organisations, community groups, academics and transport consultants.
The Centre for Transport Research (CTR) will be a significant boost to Aberdeen and aims to distinguish itself through excellent research of international standing and the strength of its links and expertise. The Centre's research is addressing a number of areas which impact significantly in the pursuit of a more sustainable transport system. More specifically, its current work embodies three principal themes: strategies for improved public transport systems, a clear appreciation of the relationship between transport, energy and the environment, and an awareness of the interactions of transport and society.
Director of the Centre for Transport Research and Professor of Transport Studies, John Nelson, joined the University in July last year as part of a major investment in the field of transport research. He is heading up the new Centre and speaking ahead of the launch he said: "It is tremendously exciting to be involved in the setting up of the new research centre. Issues of transport and travel influence many aspects of contemporary lifestyles. Our mission at the University is to develop a leading research centre of international excellence and reputation. The Centre will specialise in the sustainability of transport systems with a clear emphasis on environment, society and technology.
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with FirstGroup and are confident that this will enable the Centre to develop and distinguish itself through excellent policy-relevant research of international standing.
Chief Executive of FirstGroup, Moir Lockhead, is pleased with the University collaboration and said: "I am very proud that FirstGroup is supporting the Centre for Transport Research at the University of Aberdeen. Just like FirstGroup, I expect the Centre to use Aberdeen as a spring-board for national and international success. FirstGroup's vision is to transform travel and the mission for the Centre is to encourage creative, innovative transport thinking.
"I am pleased that we have here today at the launch an example of how we approach innovation. The ftr is a very good demonstration of how First has responded to the needs of our customers and delivered an eye-catching, customer friendly vehicle.
"First is looking forward to working in partnership with John Nelson and his team at the University to identify and deliver other innovative transport solutions."
"In Aberdeen we benefit greatly from the presence of the country's largest and most important transport organisations, FirstGroup. First has a long association with the University of Aberdeen, and we are delighted that First has chosen not only to support the Centre for Transport Research that is being launched today, but also to actively participate in its ongoing development. We are hugely excited about the launch of the Centre, and it is our clear and stated ambition to become a centre of international reputation for excellence, specialising in the sustainability of transport systems, and with particular emphasis on environment, society and technology."
Transport is one of the burning questions facing society today, not just in the UK, but extensively across Europe, and worldwide. Sustainable transport solutions are vital not only for the strength of the economy, but also for communities, and overlap with debates on energy, urban and rural planning, work-life balance and health.
The Centre for Transport Research at the University builds on a strong history of research into sustainable transport solutions. The University is placing itself at the forefront of the transport debate in the UK, a debate that it intends to influence locally in the Northeast of Scotland, but also to contribute internationally, taking advantage of the synergy that close connections between experts working in different discipline areas can bring to a fundamental policy area.
Professor Nelson added: "It is our intention to use today's launch to develop our close networks with fellow academics at home and overseas, and to build on our existing relationships with transport professionals, distinguishing ourselves through our inter-disciplinary and multi-methods approach to complex research, and to practical policy problems.
"We are already working closely with partner Universities and transport professionals, and have a number of important ongoing projects such as our work for the Yellow School Bus Commission chaired by David Blunkett, regional transport delivery for Scotland, and transport policy planning with the European Union."
It is hoped that the launch will promote further collaborations and strengthen existing relationships to contribute positively in debate and policy in road and rail, new technology, regional economics, transport and the