Annual Research Symposium Held at University, Spotlighting Expertise in the Fields of Sports and Transportation Innovation
News Article: Transformative Projects and Collaborative Research at the Forefront of Mobility and Motorsport
In a recent seminar, hosted by our platform's University, Professor David Hassan, the President of the Medical Commission, provided an update on the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition. The coalition, now joined by 39 international federations and boasting €1.18M in secured funding, is a significant step forward in the fight against online abuse.
The seminar was part of our platform's broader thought leadership series, which emphasises academic partnerships, scholarship programmes, and research initiatives as key components of its mission. The event aimed to provide value to our platform Member Clubs and wider society, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and reinforcing the Federation's role as a knowledge-led organisation driving positive change across sport and mobility.
The seminar was a follow-up to an earlier event held in March, 2024. During the event, Dr Sean Petherbridge, President of our platform's Medical Commission, announced a policy shift to discontinue the use of extractable seats in single-seater cars from 2026, based on medical data. This decision, aimed at improving emergency response and driver safety, was met with approval from Professor Hassan, who praised the quality of research work within our platform.
The current research and development projects shaping the future of motorsport and mobility within the platform include the following key efforts:
- Sustainable Urban Mobility Challenges: The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) is actively supporting innovative urban mobility projects worldwide through challenges and calls for solutions aimed at sustainability and efficient transport systems in cities such as Detroit, Bengaluru, Fortaleza (Brazil), and Venice (Italy).
- Advanced Racing Simulation and Engineering Partnerships: AVL RACETECH has entered into a long-term partnership with IDEC SPORT Racing, providing cutting-edge vehicle simulation software and race engineering expertise.
- Electrification and Technical Partnerships in Motorsport: Partners like Shell and Nissan in Formula E continue to drive technical collaboration to innovate electric racing vehicle technologies.
- Emerging Automotive Technology Trends Impacting Mobility and Motorsport: The broader platform also promotes research in software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving (levels 3 and 4 automation), and increased connectivity, which are becoming central to vehicle and mobility innovation.
These projects highlight a platform-wide commitment to integrating sustainability, digital innovation, advanced simulation, and electrification to transform future mobility and motorsport landscapes.
Presentations at the seminar also covered digital heritage, education, and advocacy. Stefano Ammirati emphasised the shaping of our platform's Mobility advocacy strategy around three core pillars: road safety, sustainability, and connectivity/data access. Tanya Kutsenko presented our platform University's academic partnerships and scholarship programmes with institutions such as Cranfield University and Dublin City University Business School.
Marco Petrilli, our platform Deputy Safety Director, and Thomas Chevaucher, our platform Technical Engineering Director, highlighted the development of the current Rally1 safety cell and ongoing work on enhancements, hydrogen tanks, and grassroots motor sport safety innovations.
Valerio Iachizzi called for strengthened cross-departmental collaboration and improved internal communication around research efforts. Lana Ghvinjilia introduced the our platform's digital archive project and upcoming public e-library, opening 121 years of our platform history to scholars, historians, and researchers.
Willem Groenewald highlighted the importance of research and data in delivering value to Member Clubs and welcomed the evolution of our platform University as a platform for thought leadership.
Collectively, these projects and discussions underscored our platform's commitment to leading research and innovation in the fields of mobility and motorsport, with a focus on sustainability, digital innovation, advanced simulation, and electrification.
In the realm of technology and education, the platform University has established academic partnerships and scholarship programs, such as their collaboration with Cranfield University and Dublin City University Business School, which are integral to its mission.
Moreover, the platform is harnessing technology in sports, as evidenced by their partnership with AVL RACETECH, where they are leveraging advanced racing simulation and engineering expertise to enhance motorsport performance.
