Research at the Transport and Spatial Planning Institute
At the Transport and Spatial Planning Institute, our research is generally conducted through third-party funded projects. Since the Institute was established, we have already carried out over 100 research projects, including numerous projects funded by various federal ministries and the European Union.
Current Research Projects
Here is an overview of our current research projects.
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Cargo bikes are becoming more and more popular in German cities and local authorities are increasingly required to meet the growing demand for public parking facilities. The "ALADIN" project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) to implement the 2020 National Cycling Plan, is drafting recommendations for user-friendly parking facilities that address aesthetic, functional and practical considerations. Further information on this research project can be found here.
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The quest for environmentally friendly propulsion systems has already made some progress when it comes to cars, but we are still looking for technically feasible and economically viable solutions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the ever-growing volume of goods transport on our roads. The AMELIE 2 project is focusing on one possible option, overhead line trucks. More information on this research project can be found here.
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The DISTINplus project aims to digitalize the maintenance process linking ECM 3 and ECM 4. ECM is short for Entity in Charge of Maintenance, with responsibilities divided into the following functions: management (ECM 1), maintenance development (ECM 2), fleet maintenance management (ECM 3) and maintenance delivery (ECM 4).
The project focuses on three areas: process analysis and the standardization of communication channels and data patterns, the development of an adaptive IT system and the creation and identification of an analysis of the overall situation and potential synergies involved in the maintenance of locomotives and rail freight wagons. Further information on this research project can be found here.
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Road freight transport is about to undergo its greatest transformation, shifting from the previously dominant diesel engine to climate-neutral propulsion systems. In addition to developing alternative propulsion systems, the combination of battery and overhead line systems creates potential savings in terms of energy, space and time. The ESOB-RKI research project aims to extensively model, contextualize and assess these in an interdisciplinary manner. Further information on this research project can be found here.
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The Integrated Transport Model for Thuringia, developed at the Transport and Spatial Planning Institute and operated jointly with the Thuringian State Office for Construction and Transport, embodies a cross-modal approach to research and planning. The Thuringian model can be used to tackle issues relating to both network planning and research. Further information on this research project can be found here.
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In order to create an inclusive society with the right to mobility for all, it is essential to provide mobility infrastructure that is accessible to all. In reality, however, getting around is often a major challenge for people with reduced mobility. The KIMONO-EF project, which is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport in the program "A future-proof, sustainable mobility system through automated vehicles and connectivity", is dedicated to mitigating these obstacles with the help of technical systems. Further information on this research project can be found here.
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The EU project "Rail4Regions" is designed to help promote environmentally friendly rail transport by giving rural areas better access to the rail network. To this end, twelve participants are working together from all member states of the Interreg Central Europe program.
Further information on this research project can be found here.