Your function

UHasselt is offering a PhD position as part of an EU-unded project focused on advancing road safety and infrastructure management through digital twin technology and cost-effective road safety interventions.

In collaboration with leading European institutions, this project involves developing, testing, and evaluating solutions that enhance road safety. The PhD research will focus on creating and implementing digital twins to improve infrastructure, developing and assessing low-cost interventions using simulations and real-world pilots, and integrating road asset and safety management with performance indicators. Key tasks include designing advanced digital twins for predictive analytics, testing interventions in simulated environments (e.g., driving simulators), implementing real-world pilot plans, and conducting comprehensive cost-benefit analyses to assess intervention viability and impact.

The expected outcomes include enhanced digital twin methodologies, improved understanding of intervention effectiveness, and innovative approaches to integrated safety and asset management. One of the project's key applications is the creation of a digital twin—a virtual replica of real-world environments that will allow children to learn about traffic safety in a context-sensitive setting. This digital twin replicates actual environments, enabling children to recognize their surroundings and practice safe behaviors in a controlled digital space. The successful candidate will conduct independent PhD research, publish findings, and contribute to a robust evaluation framework, focusing on short- to long-term social and safety impacts, especially for vulnerable road users.

Your team

The PhD position will be hosted by the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB) at Hasselt University, a leading center for innovative research in mobility, road safety, and sustainable transportation. IMOB’s multidisciplinary team integrates expertise in engineering, behavioral sciences, and data analytics, utilizing advanced tools like driving simulators and digital twins to address real-world challenges. The candidate will join a dynamic team with extensive experience in collaborative EU projects, benefiting from cutting-edge facilities, a strong international network, and opportunities for professional development.

This research aligns closely with IMOB’s mission to advance road safety and infrastructure management, ensuring impactful contributions to the field.