Using urban modelling to support climate-resilient transport: AUM2026

The recent Applied Urban Modelling (AUM) symposium provided an important opportunity for the DARe Hub to showcase its expertise in transport modelling, with Hub researchers playing a prominent role in the event through sponsorship, session leadership, and presenting the Hub’s research on nature-based adaptation strategies.

AUM 2026 took place in June 2026 at the University of Cambridge, marking the 11th edition of the event since its launch in 2011. Connecting urban modelling researchers and practitioners to advance urban modelling for more sustainable and resilient cities, the event attracts delegates from a broad range of disciplines and organisations, including universities, professional institutions, government agencies, international organisations, and civic groups from across the globe.

This year, the DARe Hub sponsored and led the conference session on Transport Net Zero and Climate Resilience, chaired by Dr Alistair Ford, DARe Co-Investigator at Newcastle University. Showcasing cutting-edge research, the session focussed on how modelling can support decision-making for climate adaptation and transport resilience. 

Presentations explored a range of timely topics, including the resilience of urban supply networks under flood disruption, dynamic pathways towards urban climate action in rapidly urbanising Chinese cities, and new methods for identifying critical transport network links to improve resilience under uncertainty. Dr Tabea Sonnenschein and Dr Ismaïl Saadi, DARe Hub researchers at the University of Cambridge, presented their work exploring nature-based adaptation strategies for reducing flood risk while supporting long-term transport and land-use planning, and the effects greening can have on heating and travel behaviour in Greater Manchester. Dr Jingyan Yu, DARe researcher at Newcastle University, presented work on using spatial modelling to support local planning and national net-zero land-use strategies, exploring alternative development futures and trade-offs between planning priorities. 

Overall, the session highlighted the growing role of interdisciplinary modelling in helping policymakers understand climate risks, evaluate adaptation strategies, and support the transition to net-zero, resilient transport systems. 

AUM is one of several high-profile academic conferences in 2026 through which DARe members are presenting and demonstrating their work. As the final year of the Hub programme, the team are busy disseminating their research through a variety of engagement means and opportunities. Ensuring that engagement with the wider academic community is a part of that activity is important, enabling team members to contribute to vital knowledge and academic discussions, and inform work in the decarbonisation, adaption, and resilience of transport infrastructures going forward.