TPS Bursary Competition 2022 launches

The Transport Planning Society is delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 Bursary competition.

The TPS Bursary competition encourages younger members of TPS 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 2023. You will then receive £500 and be featured in a TPS news item.

This year’s topic is:

'Buses – how do we ensure they take their rightful place as a key player in the UK’s public transport network?'

What role can the bus take in tackling the current challenges of:- 

• post-covid recovery,  
• cost of living crisis,  
• climate crisis, 
• inequality 

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 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.

The deadline for applying for this year’s competition is Friday 26th August 2022.

If successful, your completed paper will need to be submitted by 16th December 2022. 

Further information, including the application form and guidance notes, is available in the Bursary section of the TPS website.