Resources

Virtual Conference on Transportation Planning Research Needs

Monday, August 2, 2010

NCHRP 08-36, Task 95 – The objective of this research was to plan and conduct a Virtual Conference on Transportation Planning Research Needs. In the past, TRB has sponsored research needs development conferences, such as the Environmental Research Needs in Transportation Conference held in 2002 in Washington, DC. These conferences allow transportation practitioners to meet face-to-face, typically over a two to three-day period, to identify research gaps and help to define research priorities. Unfortunately, face-to-face conferences are a luxury few state DOTs and MPOs can afford today. AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Planning, Subcommittee on Research recognized the need to take a new approach to soliciting, gathering, and compiling research needs statements. The SCOP Subcommittee on Research also wanted a very inclusive process that would bring in perspectives from State DOT and MPO planners from across the country to identify research needs. The Subcommittee proposed a “Virtual Conference” on Transportation Planning Research Needs where participants gather via the Internet or telephone, since this would offer an opportunity to expand the level of participation in defining research needs and developing research project statements.

This report documents the structure of the virtual conference, the resulting research statements, and lessons learned from the experience of utilizing a virtual conference format.