Mobility Planning of the Future DFG funds new Collaborative Research Centre with participation of TU Braunschweig

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved funding for the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TRR 408 “AgiMo: Data-driven agile planning for responsible mobility” at TU Dresden and TU Munich with participation from TU Braunschweig, TU Berlin, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This is the first interdisciplinary research program in systemic transportation research.

The research program on data-driven agile planning for responsible mobility pursues an integrated approach on the mobility planning of the future. There are four objectives defined by the researchers: (1) A new set of consistent scientific mobility planning methods are to be developed, including behavioral data and models as well as methods for planning and managing transportation systems and mobility services. Different modes of transport, from walking to motorized traffic, are to be considered. (2) In addition, new modular metrics for responsible mobility are to be generated and integrated into future planning methods on the basis of the so-called “4F principles” (function, form, fairness and forever). (3) Furthermore, the researchers want to embed the new planning methods into the open data AgiMo Digital Twin that provides up-to-date network-wide assimilated mobility data and the models for generating this data with fast turnaround. (4) New participatory planning methods based on the technical outcomes from the AgiMo Digital Twin are to be developed to create future scenarios for responsible mobility that are technically well-grounded and at the same time represent stakeholder preferences.

For the first time, a multidisciplinary network of transport researchers from high-ranking research institutions is thus committing itself to mobility planning of the future in a coordindated programme funded by DFG. The applicant universities TU Dresden and TU Munich are the two largest academic centers for transportation research in Germany. Together with the partner institutions TU Berlin, TU Braunschweig and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the consortium combines experience and innovative strength to realize this demanding and unique program.

Landmark in Mobility Research

Professor Regine Gerike, Dean of the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences and spokesperson for the CRC, has an ambitious view on the research project: “The Collaborative Research Center is a milestone in mobility research. I am confident that we will significantly advance research into integrated mobility planning with this excellent research network.”

TU Braunschweig is represented by Professor Vanessa Carlow: “I am thrilled to be part of this ambitious project with my team at the SpACE Lab at the ISU – Institute for Sustainable Urbanism. Our role in AgiMo is to strengthen urban planning and participatory perspectives in mobility planning and infrastructure design. As a member of the steering committee, I will be responsible for cooperation and knowledge transfer of the consortium. This will allow us to continue our diverse work in collaboration with cities and municipalities. I look forward to working together!”

The DFG has approved funding of 12.7 million euros for the entire consortium for the four-year funding period.