Integrated Transport Research Lab (ITRL)

Integrated Transport Research Lab

Welcome to ITRL, a transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and demonstration arena, responding to global environmental transport challenges.

About ITRL

A System Approach to Transport

Transport is not an isolated sector; it interacts with energy, urban planning, logistics, policy, and society.
ITRL takes a system-of-systems perspective, capturing interdependencies and addressing rebound and compound effects in mobility.
Collaboration is key: We integrate perspectives from industry, academia, government, and civil society.
Our research looks at how automation, electrification, and digitalization transform entire mobility ecosystems.

At the Heart of Society

Everything and everyone relies on transport—whether moving people, goods, or services, even in a digital world.
The transport sector faces major grand challenges, including:

Reducing environmental impact.
Enhancing accessibility, safety, and mobility.
Strengthening efficiencies in transport.
Enabling systemic integration.

ITRL is dedicated to shaping the future of transport by addressing these challenges through multidisciplinary research and real-world testing.

Science-Driven, Impact-Oriented

ITRL’s work spans:

Transition Towards Sustainable Mobility.
Automation and AI.
Electrification and Sustainability.
Digitalization and Connectivity.

Research is conducted through:

Experimental platforms (e.g., Research Concept Vehicles, Smart Mobility Labs).
Transdisciplinary projects with multiple stakeholders.

The goal: Develop actionable insights that inform policy, industry, and society.

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

ITRL is a testbed for ideas, technologies, and policy experimentation.
Four-helix approach: We bring together academia, industry, public authorities, and civil society to co-create solutions.
A neutral platform: We foster open collaboration among stakeholders to test, validate, and scale innovations.
Recognized internationally, engaging policymakers and industry leaders.
Hosting discussions that shape national and global transport strategies.

News

Beyond technology: A holistic approach to electrifying heavy trucks

A new study examines the system-level effects of electrifying road freight transport. Using a multi-layer dynamics model, it offers various stakeholders a comprehensive framework to analyse impacts, b...

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Supporting public decision making under deep uncertainty

As part of the ITRL Breakfast Seminars series, Prof.dr.ir. Jan Kwakkel held a seminar on supporting public decision-making under deep uncertainty.

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A Decade of Provoking Progress

ITRL celebrated its 10-year anniversary on November 28th, an event that also marked the beginning of the centre's next phase and its renewed, extended collaboration with core and project partners. The...

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