Urban traffic systems are experiencing an increasing array of dynamic factors, from new means of transport to new infrastructure, technologies, or regulatory changes with uncertain safety consequences. Micro-simulation of traffic allows some effects of these changes to be tested and understood before any physical or operational changes are made in the real-world environment. However, existing micro-simulation techniques are strongly focused on traffic efficiency, and are limited in their ability to simulate (or model) safety outcomes, particularly non-motorised transport modes (such as bicyclists and micro-mobility) and pedestrians. The central challenge for this PhD position is to develop a predictive safety assessment framework for urban traffic systems.

The PhD researcher will contribute to the Horizon Europe project PHOEBE (Predictive Approaches for Safer Urban Environment ) which brings together the inter-disciplinary power of traffic simulation and road safety assessment into a harmonised, prospective assessment framework for road safety. This collaborative project consists of 11 partners across 7 countries in Europe and will last for four years (2022 to 2026).

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Eleonora Papadimitriou and Dr. Amir Pooyan Afghari. Eleonora and Amir are assistant professors in transport safety at TU Delft. They have extensively worked in the area of road safety assessment.