Professor Roberto Palacin is a faculty member at Newcastle University specializing in transport engineering. His research spans rail systems, sustainable transport, maritime logistics, and data-driven infrastructure optimization, with consistent publication output from 2022 to 2025. His primary research interests focus on decarbonizing transport networks through innovative engineering solutions. Key areas include rail performance analysis using tools like Time Signal at Red (TSAR), electric vehicle charging infrastructure optimization, maritime emissions reduction, and air quality policy interventions. He employs interdisciplinary approaches combining simulation modeling, machine learning, and multi-objective optimization to address complex transport challenges. Analysis of his 14 publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications for sustainable mobility. Recurring themes include the integration of data analytics in rail operations, development of resilient maritime logistics frameworks, and cross-sectoral collaboration for safety and emissions reduction. His work consistently targets real-world implementation of decarbonization strategies across transport modes.
Frances Sprei is a Professor at Chalmers University of Technology, working within the Physical Resource Theory research group in the Department of Space, Earth and Environment. She conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable mobility with a focus on electric and alternative fuel vehicles, as well as innovative mobility solutions like car pools, ride-sharing, and micromobility options. Her work integrates economic, political, technical and behavioral perspectives to evaluate incentives, business models, and methods for making travel more sustainable. Dr. Sprei's research spans several critical areas of transportation sustainability: Electric Vehicle Systems: She investigates real-world performance of plug-in hybrids, charging behavior patterns, and infrastructure requirements across European contexts Alternative Mobility Solutions: Her work examines how e-bikes, e-scooters, and car-sharing can replace conventional car trips and reduce emissions Policy Analysis: She evaluates the effectiveness of transportation policies, particularly incentives for electric vehicle adoption and corporate fleet electrification Behavioral Adaptation: Her research explores how users adapt to new mobility technologies in household contexts and urban environments Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals an increasingly systemic approach to transportation decarbonization, addressing both supply-side challenges in vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure development alongside demand-side factors influencing consumer adoption. Her work shows particular attention to regional variations in adoption patterns and the integration of multiple mobility solutions into cohesive sustainable transportation systems. Dr. Sprei actively engages with policy contexts through multiple leadership roles: Chair of the Research Council for Västra Götaland's climate work Member of the working group for fossil-free transport in the Collaboration Program for the Climate Transition of the Swedish Industry Board member of Transport & Environment She leads and participates in numerous research projects funded by Swedish agencies including Energimyndigheten, Formas, VINNOVA, and Mistra, with current projects extending through 2027. These projects address critical challenges in home electrification, mobility services, regional logistics electrification, and the integration of micro-mobility solutions into urban transportation systems.
