ITS-Irvine fosters an interdisciplinary research approach to contemporary transportation issues by providing an environment that will enhance and complement the research capabilities of transportation faculty and students at UC Irvine. The mission of ITS-Irvine also supports that of the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies (UC ITS) multi-campus research unit, which is: “to be the premier university-based transportation research center in the world, to advance the state of the art in transportation engineering and planning, to serve as a source for information to state, regional and local transportation agencies, and to provide technology transfer and continuous education to practicing transportation engineers and planners in California.
Our History
Creation of an Institute within the University of California was authorized by the California Legislature in 1947. The intent was to encourage research, education and training for professionals who were required to plan and construct ambitious highway programs following World War II. The Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Irvine (ITS-Irvine) was established in 1974 to foster interdisciplinary research on contemporary transportation issues involving the planning, design, administration, and operation of transportation facilities, initially with a focus on Southern California. Over the years this focus broadened to address many of society’s most pressing transportation issues, regardless of location, and ITS-Irvine established a reputation as one of the leading centers of transportation research and education in the nation.
ITS-Irvine is one of four centers comprising the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies (UC ITS) multi-campus research unit (MRU). Since its inception ITS-Irvine has served as the focal point of the highly successful transportation research and education enterprise on the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus.
Our Students
ITS-Irvine is cultivating the next generation of transportation leaders. ITS-Irvine supports 50+ graduate students pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. degrees across diverse disciplines ranging from engineering and computer sciences to urban planning and economics. ITS-Irvine alumni go on to excel in government, academia, and industry, making significant impacts on transportation policy and research worldwide.
Our Research Associates
With over 40 faculty and researchers, ITS-Irvine offers a broad range of expertise and an interdisciplinary approach to our research and educational programs. The research conducted by ITS-Irvine involves faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students, from the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, the School of Social Sciences, School of Social Ecology, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science, School of Law, Paul Merage School of Business, and the Program in Public Health. ITS-Irvine also employs Postdoctoral Scholars and Project Scientists on faculty research awards administered by the Institute. As space permits, ITS-Irvine hosts visiting scholars from the U.S. and abroad to facilitate cooperative research and information exchange, and sponsors seminars to disseminate research results.
Our Research
ITS-Irvine conducts extramurally research for a range of local, state, and federal agencies as well as industry partners. Our research is highly recognized in the field of transportation, both nationally and internationally.