University of Toronto’s Climate Positive Energy, the Office of Vice President International, and Singapore Management University are joining together to co-present an exciting grant call workshop for faculty researchers.
Select applicants will be invited to join the online workshop in preparation for a subsequent grant call focused on four key themes. This workshop is open only to U of T faculty members. For workshop dates, times, and themes, please see below.
Following the workshops, Climate Positive Energy and Singapore Management University will be launching a grant call in July, closing in September, funding up to $37,500 per one-year project for U of T researchers with possibility of a 6-month extension, and totalling $87,500 for a combined project between the 2 institutions. More information will be released prior to applications opening.
Please share your interest at the link below by Monday, May 13.
We look forward to hosting this opportunity with Singapore Management University.
Theme 1: Enhancing Quality of Life: Exploring the Social Impacts of Mobility Infrastructure and Solutions for an Ageing Population
Date: 23 May 2024 (Thu), 8pm SG time/ 23 May 2024 (Thu), 8am Toronto time | As a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, transportation is a focal point for achieving net zero by 2050. The emergence of EVs, fuel cells, and self-driving vehicles requires updated infrastructure to support this transition. Yet, we must consider the impacts on vulnerable populations and disaster-affected regions, as well as the needs of an aging population. While transportation innovations offer promise, they also risk widening inequalities. Low-income and elderly communities often lack access to affordable mobility options, highlighting the need for equitable infrastructure investments. Fragile governance systems pose additional challenges in regions affected by conflict or disasters. Urgent action is required to develop adaptive solutions that address pressing needs. We can create a better future for all by prioritizing equity and sustainability in transportation. This grant call aims to explore the Social Impacts of mobility infrastructure and solutions for an aging population.
Theme 2: Charting the Course: Navigating Post-Pandemic Mobility Transitions
Date: 23 May 2024 (Thu), 8pm SG time/ 23 May 2024 (Thu), 8am Toronto time | The Pandemic has had a tremendous societal impact. Not only has it changed the pattern of living, but it has also impacted how we work and move around. The Pandemic has drastically impacted mobility and transportation due to the new work flexibility models. Work From Home (WFH) and related flexibility of work hours impact the urban travel market and home economics. The subjective well-being of the WFH lifestyle is still evolving. With many urban commuters doing WFH, people are making more non-work trips. This results in differences in trip lengths and trip start times. These all affect urban traffic congestion, GHG emissions, and air pollution. On the other hand, WFH also induces e-shopping, which generates additional urban freight deliveries. Overall, we have little understanding of the complexities that have been evolving. This requires more rigorous data collection and advanced empirical research. This grant call aims to explore the post-pandemic mobility transitions by urban residents.
Theme 3: Decarbonizing the Mobility Sector: Integrating the Transportation and Energy Systems
Date: 29 May 2024 (Wed), 8am SG time/ 28 May 2024 (Tue), 8pm Toronto time | With transportation responsible for significant global emissions, we invite proposals to advance sustainable mobility solutions. This encompasses integrating electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure into electric grids, exploring grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. It also includes new innovations and technologies to improve charging, battery and the life cycle of EVs including recycling and mining. Projects may investigate EV usage in logistics and sharing economies or smart grid management for seamless EV integration. Stakeholder perspectives, including EV manufacturers and V2G service providers, are key, focusing on business model innovations and operational strategies. Additionally, research may analyze utility firms and policymakers, drawing from early adopters to identify global best practices. This grant call aims to address mobility challenges and foster a sustainable transportation future.
Theme 4: Harnessing the Big Data: Data Analytics for Urban Mobility and Logistics
Date: 29 May 2024 (Wed), 8am SG time/ 28 May 2024 (Tue), 8pm Toronto time | Recognizing the complex challenges faced in modern urban environments, where transportation inefficiencies contribute significantly to congestion and emissions, we seek innovative solutions to enhance mobility and logistics efficiency. Projects should aim to harness big data and advanced analytics techniques to perform any of the following: forecast public transit demand to improve service planning and resource allocation, analyze real-time data to adjust transportation routes dynamically, optimize last-mile delivery logistics in the urban environment or the operation of urban freight consolidation centers, or develop intelligent parking management systems, or plan and optimize bicycle and micromobility infrastructure, or create a dynamic ride-sharing platform, or develop data-driven Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms that integrate various transportation modes, or assess and improve the accessibility of public transit systems. Ultimately, the grant call aims to support initiatives that harness the potential of data analytics to create more sustainable, efficient, and resilient urban transportation systems for the future.
Please note that invited researchers may only attend one workshop per day. Registering online does not guarantee participation. Once your registration information is assessed, Climate Positive Energy will contact select registrants to confirm their participation. An online participation link will be shared prior to the event date exclusively for those selected to attend. If you have any questions, please contact info@cpe.utoronto.ca.