Reflections from Modelling World 2025: a glimpse into the fture of transport modelling

In June, I had the pleasure of attending Modelling World 2025 alongside fellow DARe team members Professor James Woodcock (University of Cambridge) and Dr David Alvarez (Newcastle University). Held in Manchester, Modelling World is the UK’s leading annual gathering for professionals in transport modelling, data science, and mobility policy. Now in its 20th year, the event brought together a rich mix of government officials, academic researchers, consultants, and software innovators to explore the evolving role of models in shaping future mobility systems.

During the event, several key themes and topics stood out to me as particularly important.

A key thread throughout the sessions was the future of the modelling profession itself. How do we attract, train, and retain the next generation of modellers? How can we ensure modelling practices are inclusive, open, and aligned with emerging policy missions? Several sessions, including contributions from the Department for Transport, focused on the need for models that can inform early-stage decision-making, support mission-oriented planning, and better reflect the behavioural dynamics of active and public transport modes. 

The innovation showcase was particularly striking. Tools featuring smart visualisation, AI-driven scenario analysis, and open-source platforms were on display — signalling a shift towards more agile and transparent modelling ecosystems. While technical rigour remains foundational, the ability to communicate results clearly and support fast-moving policy environments was repeatedly emphasised.

What truly stood out was the clear focus on applied modelling. From flood risk assessments for rail networks, to accessibility analysis in 15-minute cities, to freight decarbonisation strategies — models are increasingly expected to operate not just as analytical engines, but as policy-enabling tools. Multiple sessions underscored the need for early-stage modelling to guide investment and regulatory decisions, particularly in high-uncertainty contexts like climate adaptation. 

Beyond the sessions, the event offered a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and build new collaborations, emphasis that this community is not only technically strong but deeply motivated by the public value of better modelling. 

As transport systems face increasing pressures — climate change, demographic shifts, digital transformation — the role of modelling as a policy-enabling tool has never been more critical. Modelling World 2025 reaffirmed our belief in the DARe Hub that we need not only better tools, but also better frameworks for integrating models into planning processes, especially in uncertain or high-risk contexts. 

At DARe, we left Manchester energised and reflective. Modelling World 2025 was more than a technical conference — it was a reminder that transport modelling, when done right, can be a driver of equity, sustainability, and informed decision-making.