Celebrating Transport Planning Society Bursarians in London

Last week, we were delighted to host this year’s cohort of Transport Planning Society (TPS) bursarians in London – an inspiring group of early-career professionals bringing fresh thinking, insight and challenge to the transport planning sector.

The TPS Bursary Programme supports emerging practitioners to explore topics of real relevance to the profession. Working alongside senior mentors, bursarians develop structured research and present their findings to the TPS Board. Alongside a £500 award, the programme offers invaluable opportunities for professional development, mentorship and increased visibility across the sector.

During their visit, bursarians presented a range of thoughtful and impactful research, including:

Integration for All: Ensuring Inclusive Access in a Digitally Driven Transport Future – Niamh Mason
Integrating Policy, Places and People through Community Rail Initiatives: Strategies and Frameworks for Meaningful Participation – Maya Hodgson
Making Transport Policy Work for Everyone: How Can Luton’s Transport System Serve Its Diverse Communities? – Wiktoria Peksyk
Achieving Regional Integration in South West Wales – Stephen Hughes
Invisible Journeys: Understanding the Impact of Safety Concerns on Women's Mobility – Victoria Isherwood

Bursarians also joined a TPS Board meeting, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to meaningful engagement between young professionals and senior leaders.

💬 Laura Putt, Streets Analysis Manager at TfL and TPS Bursary Coordinator, reflected on the day:
“It was a delight to spend the morning discussing innovative research and new ideas on the theme of integration: policy, places and people with TPS bursary finalists, judges and mentors. Thank you to the bursarians for all their hard work and beautifully designed, thoughtful presentations – you really gave a great insight into your work, findings and conclusions, and handled the extensive Q&A confidently and calmly. Your enthusiasm and expertise really shone through. Great to hear you’ve had positive experiences and that the bursary has opened the door to conversations and connections you wouldn’t have otherwise had – including a new secondment opportunity for one finalist!”

💬 Liani Baglietto Castellares, TPS Events Director, added:
“Another year supporting the bursary competition and another year impressed by the quality of the work. It’s been a pleasure to co-lead this process and see such strong critical engagement from young professionals. Please do engage with them and their research!”

Huge congratulations to all bursarians for their excellent contributions, and thank you to the mentors, judges, Board members and partners who continue to support this important initiative.