New ETC award reflects AET values on diversity and inclusion

We are proud to announce that at ETC 2026 we will be introducing a new award for the best paper dealing with diversity and inclusion in transport issues. The AET Diversity & Inclusion working group has initiated this award and we are very happy that we have found a sponsor in MIC-HUB.

In recent years, AET has been working on becoming a more inclusive and diverse organisation. As said in our Diversity & Inclusion statement, acccessibility, mobility and transport are about people and concern complex issues and many uncertainties. Diversity in backgrounds and points of view make us better in dealing with that reality. Being a diverse organisation helps us to remain relevant and anchored in society.

We have been encouraging presentations on this topic at ETC via our calls for papers. Seeing recent developments in politics and social media, limiting or even actively discouraging attention to diversity and inclusion in both practice and research, has strengthened AET in our efforts to keep this on the agenda and move forward. We want to continue being a platform where these topics can be discussed, where practitioners and researchers are welcome and safe to share their work.

In MIC-HUB, we have found a sponsor that shares our values. They consider inclusion a fundamental design principle. In all of their work and research, they strive to gain a better understanding of the various needs, behaviours and vulnerabilities that influence how people experience mobility, and to find ways to address these factors. Their aim is to incorporate this knowledge into the design process to help create more accessible, equitable and liveable cities.

Together with Fondazione Mobilità in Città, MIC-HUB promotes initiatives such as school streets, while their wider consultancy work covers topics such as accessible public transport, inclusive public spaces and micromobility networks. By combining technical requirements with an understanding of people’s experiences, they develop solutions that address the various ways in which people move through cities.

Sponsoring this award reflects MIC-HUB’s commitment to advancing research and recognising the people and ideas that can make the transport sector more inclusive and equitable. AET is grateful for their support in our efforts to contribute to transport for all.

All full papers for the ETC 2026 related to diversity and inclusion topics, uploaded by the deadline of 1 September, will be eligible for this award. The jury consists of a representative of MIC-HUB and members of the AET Diversity & Inclusion working group.