We are part of the university-wide Choice Modelling Centre (CMC), which is the largest group of its kind in the world. We have links with many other leading researchers in the field of choice modelling. Our research covers new methodological developments, produces theoretical and behavioural insights and provides practical solutions to real-world problems across numerous thematic areas.
<p>The research in <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-choice-modelling">Choice Modelling</a> (CM) focuses on three different areas:</p> <h3>Methodological research in choice modelling </h3> <p>The Choice Modelling research group has been relentlessly pushing the boundaries of traditional choice modelling by methodological contributions to better replicate the human decision process. Examples include enriching choice models with insights from psychology and behavioural economics to better capture the behavioural dynamics, mental deliberation, decision in risky situations, (apparent) irrationality, etc.</p> <p>Ongoing research by the current PhD students also includes fusing machine learning and choice modelling techniques. Recent doctoral researches in this area have been lauded by best PhD paper and most Innovative paper awards at the International Choice Modelling Conferences (2017 and 2019) as well as numerous publications in leading journals. CM group at ITS Leeds is the largest group of researchers in the UK working on choice modelling. The group has close links with <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/psychology">School of Psychology</a> and <a href="https://business.leeds.ac.uk/">Leeds University Business School </a>which facilitates cutting edge interdisciplinary methodological research. </p> <h3>Travel behaviour modelling using emerging data sources</h3> <p>Technological innovations have led to a marked shift in the data available for modelling travel behaviour. In recent years, CM research group has conducted methodological and applied research using diverse sources of emerging data sources. These include mobile phone records, GPS traces, virtual reality, smart-cards and ride-sharing data, and are often used in conjunction with physiological sensor and brain images.</p> <p>This research has been used as inputs to the Transport Appraisal Guidance (TAG) of the UK Department for Transport, leading to direct practical impact. The partnerships with the <a href="https://www.turing.ac.uk/">Alan Turing Institute</a> and <a href="https://lida.leeds.ac.uk/">Leeds Institute for Data Analytics</a> provide excellent access to data, as well as training facilities for doing cutting-edge research in these areas. </p> <h3>Travel behaviour modelling in the Global South</h3> <p>Travel behaviour is significantly different in the Global South – not only because of the stark differences in the socio-demographic characteristics, family compositions and activity types, but also because of the remarkable differences in priorities and attitudes. Researchers at CM have experience of working with data from Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa and other locations, in topics such as residential location and car ownership, public transport choices and driving behaviour.</p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees">Research degrees within the Institute of Transport Studies</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-choice-modelling">Choice Modelling research</a></li> <li><a href="https://cmc.leeds.ac.uk/">Choice Modelling Centre</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research">Institute of Transport Studies, Research and Innovation </a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a aria-label="Link Doctoral College" href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, development and overall experience.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>
<p>For general enquiries and further information about the application process, please contact the Faculty of Environment postgraduate research admissions team.</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>