125th Anniversary Scholarship for Black British Researchers - Digital Twin for Urban Transport Optimization (DigiTUTO)

DigiTUTO is a forward-thinking PhD aimed at leveraging digital twin (DT) technology to transform urban transportation systems. The project will initially focus on the West Midlands, a region with a diverse and complex urban environment, providing a place-based approach to improving mobility, reducing pollution, and increasing liveability.

Research Questions

• How can DT technology be applied to optimise urban mobility and reduce congestion and pollution?
• What strategies can DT technologies enable for efficient EV taxation and equitable urban policies?
• How can these technologies be scaled to benefit other global regions and cities, promoting global impact?

Research Design

1. Reducing Pollution and Congestion

The approach will use real-world data from IoT sensors, air quality monitors, and GPS devices to model real-time traffic flows to feed into a prototype DT. Through advanced simulations, it will test congestion management strategies such as dynamic tolling, optimised traffic signal timings, and enhanced public transport schedules.

For pollution control, the DT will combine transportation data with air quality measurements to explore new solutions. For example, pollution-based tolling would charge drivers higher fees in heavily polluted areas. This approach is more efficient than the existing low-emission zone (LEZ) paradigm, which relies solely on static metrics like EURO class compliance. However, the public acceptability will need to be tested through stakeholder engagement.

2. Efficient EV Taxation

As EV adoption increases, traditional fuel taxes are becoming obsolete, with an estimated £35 billion shortfall in government revenue by 2035. The DT will explore usage-based taxation systems, incorporating real-time data on vehicle mileage, time on the road, and route choices.

This system could introduce tiered taxation, incentivising travel during off-peak hours and promoting public or non-motorised transport. Such a model ensures sustainable funding for infrastructure while encouraging environmentally friendly behaviours.

3. Technological Advancements and Long-Term Impact

The PhD will lead to the development of real-time data integration platforms, machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics, and tools to analyse behavioural science and political consequences. By incorporating diverse data streams—such as satellite data, road sensors, vehicle telemetry, and GPS data—the DT will provide a holistic view of urban mobility systems.

In the long term, this investment will create a scalable and replicable model for other cities and countries. By testing innovative strategies in the West Midlands, the DT will lay the groundwork for future urban transport solutions that improve liveability, reduce pollution, and foster global sustainability.

You can find more information via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The University of Birmingham is proud to celebrate its remarkable 125-year journey and announce the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship initiative designed to empower and support Black British researchers in their pursuit of doctoral education.

These newly established 3.5-year scholarships aim to address underrepresentation and create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in academia. You can find out more here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/funding/black-british-researchers-scholarship