Loughborough University academics join the Department for Transport’s College of Experts

Ashleigh Filtness stood next to vehicle

Two Loughborough University academics have been selected to join the Department for Transport’s (DfT) College of Experts.

Professor Ashleigh Filtness will contribute her expertise in road safety and driver behaviour, specifically in relation to driver sleepiness and fatigue.

Dr Ashley Fly, Senior Lecturer in Vehicle Electrification at the University’s department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering will use his expertise in batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric vehicles to advise policymakers.  

They will offer independent scientific advice to policymakers in the Department. This will increase the knowledge of decision-makers in the Department and help better inform the policymaking process.

The College of Experts at the DfT works to:

  • Increase the department’s access to scientific networks
  • Develop and maintain relationships with experts
  • Broaden DfT’s evidence base
  • Identify key areas of research interest
  • Support the provision of scientific advice

The College of Experts – made up of 45 experts from academia and industry - will work with the Department’s Chief Scientific Advisor’s team by forming a scientific network that can help guide and shape policy. They will also participate in working groups, specifically focussing on the Department’s Areas of Research Interest, which are key policy questions government departments form based on their priorities. The Department’s webpage has a full list of the experts who make up the College on their website.