TRL and DfT grant framework agreement aims to drive transport innovation

Transport research and innovation organisation TRL has secured a new grant framework agreement with the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver their “shared goals” of driving innovation and scientific advancement within the transport sector.

The grant framework agreement has three main objectives: Supporting DfT’s diverse and skilled workforce, promoting collaboration across the sector, and integrating science into policymaking by focusing on: 

• People: Supporting and collaborating on projects where specific expertise is required which is not available within the DfT or wider market. 

• Partnerships: Utilising both organisations unique specialisms and networks to form partnerships, both across government and with the wider transport R&D sector, to enable efficient and effective action at pace​.

• Purpose: embedding science in DfT decision-making, ensuring focus on departmental purpose, and ensuring the right mechanisms to deliver impact​.

Commenting TRL CEO Paul Campion said, “The grant framework agreement will primarily focus on research and innovation relating to surface transport, encompassing areas such as standards and regulations, emerging and existing road-related technologies, innovation adoption, and safety,” emphasised. 

“TRL’s social purpose enterprise status, our unparalleled expertise and unique capabilities such as the Smart Mobility Living Lab test bed in London, and our renowned reputation for providing independent research, which all contribute to the future of transport, justify this partnership between the DfT and TRL.”