The Transport Planning Society is delighted to announce the 2021 Bursary competition.

The Transport Planning Society’s Bursary competition encourages younger members of the Transport Planning Society to produce a structured written paper on a topic of current relevance to transport planning.

You will be supported by a mentor appointed by the TPS Board who will be a senior member of the profession. 

If your proposed title is accepted, you will be asked to write the full paper with the help of your mentor and present it at a special meeting of TPS Board members in January 2022.

 You will then receive £500 and be featured in a TPS news item.

This year’s topic is:

Scenario planning – how can Transport Planners best plan for the new normal?

Change, especially at the rapid rate that we are now experiencing, creates uncertainty but also opportunities – what do you think are the most likely issues we will have to face and how can we plan for them whilst staying flexible enough to respond to rapid change ….. please provide examples of at least two scenarios and share your ideas on how transport planners can be prepared for these.

We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

The papers will be judged by members of the Transport Planning Society board and the best paper will receive the “Bursary of the Year” engraved award and an additional £250.

The bursary competition provides a great opportunity to;

• expand your knowledge of your chosen topic,
• raise your profile within the profession,
• contribute towards completing the TPS PDS requirement
• promote your career development and;
• to benefit from your mentor’s experience and advice.

Previous applicants have been enthusiastic about their experience;

“It has been a very worthwhile process in terms of writing and practising presentation, and I am pleased that other transport professionals have been able to hear my views”

“It is important for the industry to facilitate engagement between its junior professionals and those at the top. The Bursary process has been excellent in this regard. Long may it continue.”

The deadline for proposals for this year’s competition is Friday 27^thAugust 2021.

If successful, your completed paper will need to be submitted by 17th December 2021.

The panel are looking for you to present innovative ideas and new perspectives, preferably supported by your own experience or new research, written clearly in no more than 5000 words.

Further information including the application form and guidance notes are available for download here and in the Bursary section of the TPS website at https://tps.org.uk/tps-policy/bursaries?no_cache=1&content__edit_container=plgslt_Main_1  

Any questions / queries can be sent to bursaries@tps.org.uk