CIHT is delighted to share news of two opportunities now open by Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, aiming to fill future skills gaps for both individuals and organisations and provide grants for innovative research in the transport sector.

Ready for the Future professional development grants

Ready for the Future grants fund transport professionals to gain the emerging skills needed for the future in the transport sector. Aimed at filling the future skills gap, applicants can apply for funding to learn about a variety of topics. Trustees anticipate funding requests for topics such as:

• Deepening understanding how to better address Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in transport research, policy and practice, including aspects such as appreciation and design for neurodiversity and disability;
• Understanding the impact of emerging and future technologies (e.g. AI, extended-reality, meta-verse, automated delivery technology) on future transport mobility or delivering operational road development;
• Building on road safety expertise by deepening understanding of automotive engineering technology.

This list is not exhaustive and applicants are encouraged to get in touch to learn more.

The grants are targeted at people who would not otherwise be able to fund their study and who can use their newly acquired skills in an impactful way in the transport sector.  The deadline for applications is 9 October 2026.  More information about the scheme can be found here.

Grant funding for innovative projects

Rees Jeffreys Road Fund provides grants for innovative research and educational projects that promote and advance how roads are experienced by everyone in the UK. Grants of up to £30,000 are available for projects that develop and test new ideas or create new learning that make roads safer, more efficient and effective in terms of maintenance, environmental impact and user experience. 

The next deadline for applications is 9 October 2026. Rees Jeffreys Road Fund encourages potential applicants to get in touch now to discuss their proposed project application. Trustees favour proposals which have national, rather than local, significance and those which involve other funding partners. Click here for more info.

About the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund

The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund was established in 1950 by William Rees Jeffreys. The Fund promotes and encourages better and safer roads through design, engineering, policy innovation and education, supporting projects with national significance. Supported by an endowment and guided by a board of experienced trustees from across the sector, the Fund continues to champion improvements in transport planning, professional development, and the overall experience of road users.

Find out more at www.reesjeffreys.co.uk or email: secretary@reesjeffreys.co.uk