We are a top ten university for research and impact power in the UK, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and are in the top 100 for academic reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2018. Additionally, the University was awarded a Gold rating by the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017.

The Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) is the host of the University of Leeds Driving Simulator and a leader in humanising Automated Vehicle technology. The Institute’s primary purpose is to advance the understanding of transport activity, operations and use, and to develop skills and best practice among transport professionals and decision-makers. ITS is a leading international centre for transport research. It is particularly notable for the breadth and depth of research, the international quality of which has been verified by Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) stretching back over a period of 20 years. The research is sponsored by a variety of organisations, including the UK Department for research management. ITS is a free-standing academic department of the University of Leeds and part of the Faculty of Environment.

Virtuocity is a centre for city simulation bringing together expertise from the University of Leeds’ major research facilities – including the University of Leeds Driving Simulator and Leeds Institute for Data Analytics. The University has extensive and internationally-recognised research experience across the disciplines of social sciences, engineering and medicine. Virtuocity combines these, so that any researcher can use them in their investigations. Corporate and public
partners also integrate their software, simulations, data and models thereby maximising the research capability of Virtuocity. An interactive environment centred around accurate virtual models of cities for decision-makers, business partners and researchers is at the heart of Virtuocity to help explore scenarios and test new systems. Partners are provided with a competitive edge through access to a unique combination of facilities, world leading research and key academic expertise to accelerate the creation of innovative solutions. For more information visit www.leeds.ac.uk