The 58th Universities’ Transport Studies Group (UTSG) Annual Conference will take place at the University of Surrey, Guildford, England, between 13th and 15th July 2026.

CALL FOR PAPERS

We are delighted to announce that Surrey will host the 58th UTSG Annual Conference.

Our Annual Conference is in its sixth decade, having an international scope with events held across the UK & Ireland.

PhD researchers are especially encouraged to submit and benefit by our dedicated training and mentoring sessions.

These sessions are open to all. We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, and students worldwide.

Travel & Tourism will be among the conference themes, given Surrey’s legacy in tourism.

Guildford is located just over half an hour from London, so it has multiple travel options.

Its historic town and Surrey Hills provide a pleasant background for social activities.

Conference submissions will be considered for publication in Special Issues by:

  • Elsevier
  • Taylor and Francis

All interested contributors are invited to submit their conference abstracts soon. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Travel and Tourism
  • Energy in Transportation
  • Transportation and Environment
  • Climate Change and Resilience in Transportation
  • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
  • Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAV)
  • Infrastructure Design and Maintenance
  • Public Transportation Systems
  • Shared Mobility and MaaS
  • Traffic Management, Operations and Safety
  • Transportation Policy and Economics
  • Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
  • Transportation and Health
  • Equity in Transportation
  • Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion in Transport
  • Logistics & Freight Transportation
  • Transport Accessibility and Urban Planning
  • Emerging Trends in Air and Water Transport

KEY DATES

– Abstract Submission: 10th February 2026

– Abstract Acceptance Notification: 25th March 2026

– Extended Abstract or Full Paper Submission Deadline: 5th May 2026

1. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Authors must submit a 300-word abstract (excluding any References) and six keywords that should clearly identify the Objectives, Background, Methods, Main Findings, and Conclusions of their work. The abstracts will be reviewed, and authors will be informed of the UTSG Committee decision by 25th March 2026. Only authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit either a ‘Full paper’ or an ‘Extended abstract’ using the appropriate templates available on the UTSG 2026 conference website (check at the top right side of this webpage).

Abstract Submission Deadline: 10th February 2026

2. PAPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Once received an abstract acceptance notification, authors of accepted abstracts will have two options for submitting their research work:

  • A Full Paper (max. 12 pages long): This is the recommended option for authors who wish to have their papers considered for the selected Special Issues arranged by the UTSG Executive Committee and the Local Organising Committee.
  • An Extended Abstract (max. 1500 words): This is the alternative option for authors who do NOT wish to have their papers considered for the selected Special Issues arranged by the UTSG Executive Committee and the Local Organising Committee.

Paper or Extended abstract submission deadline: 5th May 2026

Full papers and Extended abstracts will need to use the corresponding UTSG templates. Please also note that Smeed Prize entrants must submit a Full paper to be eligible (see criteria below and the Smeed Prize guideline on the right side of this page). Templates and further information can be found on the UTSG website.

SMEED PRIZE SUBMISSIONS

Anyone wishing to enter the Smeed Prize should clearly indicate this upon Abstract submission. The Smeed Prize competition is open only to contributors affiliated with UTSG member institutions in the UK and Ireland. A Full Paper submission is compulsory for all Smeed Prize entrants after their abstract is accepted.

The best Smeed Prize paper will be awarded £500 and the runner-up £250 by UTSG.

Papers can be submitted for the Smeed Prize competition if they are prepared and presented entirely by an author who:

  • Has carried out the work described in the paper while registered as a postgraduate (research) student at a UTSG member institution, and
  • Is either still registered as a student at such an institution or has had a viva since the previous UTSG conference.

Entrants must be supported by a confirmation message sent from the candidate’s supervisor to: utsg2026[AT]urrey.ac.uk.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You may send any administrative queries about the 58th UTSG 2026 Annual Conference to utsg2026[AT]surrey.ac.uk.

We are looking forward to welcoming you at Surrey next summer!

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION SYSTEM

Click on ABSTRACT SUBMISSION SYSTEM to visit the UTSG submission webpage and submit your 300-word abstract.

UTSG 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

  • Prof. Abigail Bristow
  • Prof. Ali Emrouznejad
  • Dr Yinglong (Ian) He
  • Dr James Kennell
  • Dr Jonathan Skinner
  • Dr Michael Pekris
  • Dr Lorna Wang
  • Dr Páraic Carroll
  • Dr Nikolas Thomopoulos (Chair of the Local Organising Committee)

VENUE, GALA DINNER, TRAVEL, AND ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

The 58th UTSG Annual Conference is hosted at the Lecture Theatres of Stag Hill Campus of the University of Surrey.

UTSG 2026 supports sustainable transport, so consider walking 15 minutes from Guildford rail station to Stag Hill.

Accommodation options include hotels and subsidised University accommodation at the Manor Park Campus.

Registered attendees can find out the full details, including hotel options, upon registration.

Guildford is located close to London and several international airports.

The travel, gala dinner and accommodation information are here.

There is a coach from Heathrow and a direct train from Gatwick.

A full course Gala Dinner will be held at picturesque Gorse Hill.

Delegate Fees (including full course Gala Dinner on 14th July):

  • Early Bird PhD Fee –£290
  • Early Bird Regular Delegate Fee –£390
  • Standard PhD Fee –£340
  • Standard Regular Delegate Fee – £440
  • Accompanying Person – £250 (includes Drinks’ Reception & BBQ, plus Gala Dinner & coach)

UTSG 2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Three renowned Keynote Speakers based in the UK and Ireland will present on each conference day.

The full Keynote Speaker details will be announced here soon:

13th July Keynote Speaker

The details will be provided soon.

14th July Keynote Speaker

The details will be provided soon.

15th July Keynote Speaker

The details will be provided soon.