A new research hub that will support innovation in transport decarbonisation is to launch in the UK with the help of government funding.

The Net Zero Transport for a Resilient Future Hub will drive decarbonisation solutions

Applications are now open for organisations to host the new hub, which will be backed by £10m in funding from the Department for Transport.

Transport currently accounts for 27% of the UK’s emissions and the Net Zero Transport for a Resilient Future Hub will drive decarbonisation solutions, such as greater use of recycled materials and reducing the carbon footprint of repairs and maintenance.

The centre will also support resilience across all transport modes and boost UK skills, jobs and innovation.

Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said: “Innovation is key to the growth of the transport sector, and the creation of high-skilled jobs and business opportunities across the UK.

“This new UK research hub will build a centre of excellence for the future development of low-carbon transport.”

Projects under research could include streetscape innovations to minimise carbon emissions, improve drivers’ and pedestrians’ mental health and wellbeing, and ensure their resilience to potential climate impacts.

The hub will also explore solutions for resilient transport infrastructure – researching ways to improve the design of transport-related infrastructure to better cope with potential climate impacts and reduce emissions. Examples include increased use of recycled materials, increasing biodiversity in projects, or ways to use fewer materials.

Another focus will be localised climate modelling of temperature, sea-level and weather – to ascertain which areas are most in need for possible adaptive measures and projects.

The hub will be run as a partnership between the Department for Transport and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Over 80% of the funding for the hub will come from government through the Department for Transport, UKRI (via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), and organisations in the Transport Research and Innovation Board, with the remaining coming from the winning research centre, which will become the home of the hub.

Applications to host the new hub are open here.