RESEARCHERS from the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University have been announced as part of a new national research hub which will help create a net zero transport system in the UK.
The expert from the universities have joined the new Research Hub for Decarbonised Adaptable and Resilient Transport Infrastructures (DARe), which is led by the Newcastle University and was launched to identify pathways and solutions to upgrade and decarbonise the UK’s national, regional, and local transport infrastructures.
Funding of £10 million has been awarded by the UK Government to the project, with the new hub set to host ‘world-leading’ researchers who will provide expertise, modelling, and data tailored to each area and each transport challenge.
The University of Glasgow said that it is ‘crucial’ that our transport infrastructure evolves to meet the challenges of climate change – whether that be flooding or extreme heat – if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions by 2050.
Professor David Flynn, of the James Watt School of Engineering, is leading the University of Glasgow’s contribution to the project. He said, “Cyber physical infrastructure is a new way to connect the real world – infrastructure, technologies, environments and communities – into an integrated and interactive digital domain.
“With this capability, we can use the virtual digital environment to create an understanding of how complex and interdependent social-techno-economic and environmental factors influence each other now and into the future.
“The digital environment enabled by cyber physical infrastructure has the potential to radically redefine how we plan, manage and create future transport services. That will help us to ensure we are creating sustainable, resilient, inclusive and effective transport solutions which underpin our quality of life and prosperity.”
Professor Flynn is already working on similarly ambitious net zero projects with colleagues at Heriot-Watt University and Newcastle University. Alongside Heriot-Watt’s professor Phil Greening, he is leading the twinning for decarbonisation transport project, which has begun a UK-wide consultation to radically accelerate the decarbonisation of transport through digital twin technology.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said, “The UK is cementing its position as a world-leader in net zero tech with this new investment into climate resilience. This Hub will be a centre of academic excellence, helping us keep our transport network resilient into the future.”
Professor Miles Padgett, interim executive chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of UKRI, said, “A well-functioning low carbon transport infrastructure is vital to sustain communities and economies. This investment in the climate resilient development of our transport system will keep the UK at the forefront of the green industrial revolution and accelerate the transition to a secure and prosperous green economy.”
