AET Council

Council members have an important role in the governance of AET including setting our strategic direction. Among other things, they bring valuable perspectives and contributions to our activities and they are the voice of our members.

The Council, which consists of a maximum of 24 Members of the Association for European Transport, represents the AET members and helps with the direction of the association. One third of the Council seats are elected each year at the Annual General Assembly, held at the European Transport Conference.

Council Chair:                         Dr Jeffrey Howard

Council Deputy Chair:          Dr András Munkácsy

Council Members are normally elected for three years, with one-third of the Council standing down for re-election each year. If you are an AET member and would like to be considered for the next election please let us know by using the contact us form.

	Dr Jeffrey Howard AET Council Chair Rail Partners UK	AET is the leader in bringing together Europe’s transport research, policy, and practice. With my experience as both a practitioner and researcher, I joined the AET Council to support their vision to bring together the professional and academic perspectives in shaping transport discussions. I also want to support AET’s role in the development of the next generation of professionals and researchers. Working Groups: AET Website, Transport and Mobility Forum, Marketing & Membership
	Dr András Munkácsy AET Council Deputy Chair KTI Institute for Transport Sciences Hungary	After attending several ETCs and being a programme committee member since 2017, I have the impression that this conference is a unique meeting point of transport consultants, researchers and professionals from public administration and transport authorities in Europe. What is more, AET is a big family with a long tradition and great values. I want to support AET in maintaining or even improving its high standards and to strengthen the representation of my region (Eastern and Central Europe) in the Association. Working Groups: Transport and Mobility Forum Committees: AET Awards
	Dr Giovanni Acciaro Net Engineering s.r.l.  Italy	I am interested in contributing to the future development of the Association by sharing my experience and knowledge in the area of integration between mobility and transport infrastructure issues. I  am also interested in promoting interests and know-how of AET in events and projects, with specific attention to Italian market. I would also like to promote engagement of young professionals, both enriching AET experiences and offering opportunities to young resources for exchanging ideas at European level. Working Groups: Marketing & Membership
	Michael Bach Independent Consultant UK	I want help to translate the revised Vision for AET into action to help take AET onto a new level. I also want to strengthen the links between research, policy and action; to maintain the link between land-use and transport planning; and to measure our success in changing the structure and modal split of our cities and adapting our travel behaviour to create more sustainable and livable places. Working Groups: AET Vision
	Colin Chick Gloucestershire County Council UK	My motivation for being an Individual Member of the Council is so that I can continue to play an active role in further developing and strengthening AET to be the premier transport organisation in Europe from an Independent Council Member perspective. In addition, I want to work with and through the Association to assist in furthering the knowledge and experience of individuals and organisations, thereby promoting and fostering a greater understanding of transport. Working Groups:
	Dr Francis Cirianni Department of Transport and Infrastructures Calabria Region Italy	I have been an AET member since 2002 and on the Council since 2016. I believe that the involvement of associates is fundamental for the progress of AET, with a particular attention to young professionals. Working Groups: Marketing & Membership, Publications
	Anna Contenti Dar Italy	I served as an AET Ambassador for Italy for two years and I will take the opportunity to further support and expand AET's impact in Europe. I intend to contribute my network of transport professional in Italy and Europe and my enthusiasm for integrating transport research with transport practice. Working Groups: ETC Locations, Diversity & Inclusion
	Dr Pierluigi Coppola Politecnico di Milano Italy	My interest for the Association for European Transport (AET) commenced in 2001 with active  participation in the ETC Program Committees and in AET Ambassadors network. It persisted in years  with guidance and coordination roles. Joining the AET Board of Directors, in 2013-2023, was the  occasion to contribute to reinforce the role of ETC in the worldwide panorama of transport  conferences and enhance the AET profile in Europe, encouraging the participation of members in the  governance through the working groups approach.  I would like to promote actions that even more could stimulate the participation of young  researchers and practitioners, creating occasions for interactions with senior peers, for discussions  on cutting-edge research topics and for networking with colleagues in Europe.
	Dr Domokos Esztergar-Kiss Budapest University of Technology and Economics Hungary	I have been an AET member since 2015. With my growing experience I would like to serve the Council and represent the Central European perspective of transportation research. Working Groups: ETC Locations, Publications
	Olakunle Faleti Costain Ltd UK	I am an experienced infrastructure support engineer with over a decade of career in the construction  industry in a responsible position. I have been privileged to accumulate valuable experience focused  on project development, and implementation of strategies aimed at improving the efficiency and  sustainability of transportation systems. I am passionate about the role of transport in improving people’s quality of life in terms of active  travel and public transport accessibility and infrastructure.  I would like to contribute my vision to AET on sustainability to enhance people’s quality of life by  championing and influencing mobility improvement through transport network accessibility and  connectivity. My skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and ability to advocate for policies and  practices will be valuable to Council, working members and external partners. Finally, I currently sit as a committee member responsible for supporting young professionals at The  Institute of Highways Engineer, Greater London Branch.
	Kay Gade DLR Germany	My contributions will be to proactively participate in the Council's activities and to assist in the organisation of the ETC as well as to support the collaboration with other organisations and with the European Commission. As the exchange of knowledge among researchers and bringing together research and practice are especially important to me, I would also like to contribute to the (further) development of new formats for knowledge exchange and transfer. Working Groups: AET Website, ETC Locations
	Andre Goncalves Sweco Belgium	Since I joined the AET in 2017 I have been looking to actively contribute to the ETC and the AET. I  have started by joining the YRPF programme committee and more recently have started the role of  Ambassador for Belgium. This allowed me to participate in all ETC editions since 2017 and to  network with an amazing group of professionals, across Europe, in the transport sector. I hope that  by joining the Council I can keep actively contributing to the AET and provide a good connection to  the young researchers and practitioners of the AET.  I hope I can contribute to make the bridge between the council and various work groups, including  the Ambassadors and the ETC. With my experience of chairing the YRPF programme committee I aim  to provide a link from the Council to a group of “younger” AET members. I hope this will contribute  to the target of the AET Council to have young researchers and professionals involved in the Council  and AET activities. As the current AET Ambassador for Belgium I have had the chance to participate in the current  selection of Antwerp, Belgium as a future conference location. I am currently based in Belgium and  looking forward to contributing to ETC success in Antwerp in 2024 and 2025.   Working Groups: ETC Locations, AET Ambassadors
	Dr Tobias Hagen Research Lab for Urban Transport,  Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences Germany	I would like to represent the academic perspective and especially that of young researchers: My PhD students are strongly engaged as presenters at the ETC. I conduct applied research in the field of "Data Science & Mobility". In doing so, I regularly cooperate with companies. Data science has become increasingly important for the transportation sector in recent years. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to help shape and develop the AET and the ETC. Working Groups: Publications, Diversity & Inclusion
	Dr Farshid Kamali Atkins UK	AET (and its predecessor PTRC) has played a significant role in promoting transport planning in the UK and in Europe, by way of holding these conferences as well as various training programmes. I would like to play a key role in leading the work of AET, specially in the Transport in Urban Areas over the next phase of its growth. Working Groups: ETC Locations
	Dr Siamak Khorgami  AECOM UK	I believe that AET has a key role in promoting transport planning and in connecting policy makers, researchers and practitioners in Europe and worldwide. I would like to contribute to the organisation by sharing my experience and knowledge in transport planning and in particular in the area of Data and Mobility Analytics. I am keen to promote a more integrated analytical approach in transport planning, energy, environment and health through relevant Programme Committees and Transport and Mobility Forum. Moreover, I would like to contribute to the organisation by encouraging young practitioners and researchers to join and contribute to AET agenda.
	Wim Korver Goudappel Group The Netherlands	In our profession knowledge, exchange is the fuel for new ideas. The European Transport Conference is one of the leading platforms to facilitate this knowledge exchange. I see it as my personal mission to bring this knowledge exchange one step further. Being a AET Council member gives me the opportunities to contribute to the ETC’s actual performance and its future role. Working Groups: AET Vision, ETC Locations Committees: Scrutiny
	Federico Messa Transform Transport Italy	I am a strong supporter of the scientific debate driving innovation in transport and mobility planning.  The goal of achieving liveable cities and resilient communities is deeply connected to the need for an  equitable and sustainable mobility. AET and ETC are constantly bridging the gap between research  and practice and I would very much look forward to being a part of this effort. I would like to contribute to the improvement of opportunities for young researchers and  practitioners such as myself, through the many AET’s activities. In particular, I see the potential of  AET as a conversation enabler between representatives of different countries and regions,  transferring knowledge and fostering innovation on multiple territorial scales. Working Groups: AET News
	Dr James Odeck Norwegian University of Science and Technology Norway	I want to network with other transport professionals, share the Scandinavian experiences with the rest of Europe and develop my own profession from an international perspective. I want to help to shape the AET activities based on the background that I have and in collaboration with other members of the council. Working Groups: Transport and Mobility Forum
	Johnny Ojeil Romboll UK	I have been a council member and am enjoying contributing to the organisation and this has helped me raise the profile within my own organisation and beyond. It is a worthwhile and an important role to fulfil. Links between academia and the industry are crucial and unique, and I can help bridge the gap and bring us closer. I also bring some pragmatism to our approach and can bring large organisation thinking to the table that will help us in the long run. Plus my international experience and background I feel can be helpful. Working Groups: Marketing & Membership
	Dr Csaba Orosz Budapest University of Technology and Economics Hungary	I want to increase the influence of AET and its spirit in some new EU member states. I also hope that our best students become young members in AET. Besides, I would also participate in the renewal activities of the Association, initiated by the General Assembly, by the Council and by the Board. Working Groups: Marketing & Membership
	Sally Scarlett AET UK	I offer my skills to the Association to ensure its continued development as an inclusive forum for transport planners and engineers. I should like to use my experience of working for and with the Association since 1978 with ideas for the development of the Association and ETC. It is important that Council members offer a variety of skills and experience. Since my “retirement” in 2022, I have assisted with aspects of AET administration and with checking details of the ETC programme. I will continue to maintain my position of loyalty to the Association and to the Conference.
	Peter Snelson Independent Consultant UK	One of the most challenging things for the future of AET is the renewal of its membership and bringing younger professionals and academics into its membership and in particular Council and Board. I want to continue to help move AET into the future with a strong and active membership as well as a successful conference.  Working Groups: AET Vision, Marketing & Membership Committees: AET Awards, Scrutiny
	Bruno Villé MINT nv Belgium	As a regular visitor of ETC, I have experienced several times how enlightening it can be to hear about the work and experiences of other professionals, even about subjects that do not necessary fully match my own work domain. Being able to contribute to this with my personal ideas and professional experience is, in my opinion, an added value not only for myself but also for the AET. Working Groups: ETC Locations
	Vacancy

AET Board

The Association for European Transport's Board is appointed by the AET Council. It is accountable to AET members via the representation of the Council for developing the Association and the European Transport Conference.

The AET Board consists of up to seven members appointed by the Council. The Board is responsible for agreeing its own roles and responsibilities amongst its members, however, it must have a Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Board members also have roles on AET Working Groups.

	Hermann Maier AET Board Chair Jacobs Consultancy UK	I grew up in a remote corner of West Germany, cut off to the north by East Germany and to the east by Czechoslovakia, both then impenetrable borders. This made me really appreciate open borders and international cooperation, and I am engaged with AET to build connections and help us all learn from international experience. I started my career in transport planning in a local authority in London before moving to London Transport and later a consultancy, working on projects in Europe, Asia, Australia and the US. My main interests are in public transport, demand forecasting, scheme appraisal and business cases. I attended my first conference in 1988 and ever since I have found that ETC reinvigorates my interest in transport planning and keeps my enthusiasm for the profession alive. Working Groups: European Transport Conference locations, AET Ambassadors
	Remko Smit AET Board Secretary Rijkswaterstaat, Water Verkeer en leefomgeving The Netherlands	I have been working for Rijkswaterstaat since 1997, in the field of strategic transport models, freight and logistics, inland navigation and travel surveys.  It has always been clear to me that knowledge dissemination and international cooperation is of crucial importance. It is inspiring, and  helps the transport sector forward with high quality knowledge and innovation. AET, and ETC are very important to keep the international knowledge network in shape, and I am honoured that I can contribute to this by being active for the AET. Working Groups: AET Website
	James Fox AET Board Treasurer Jacobs Consultancy UK	Attending ETCs was a highlight of my early career, the ability of the ETCs to bring together European practitioners and researchers provided invaluable networking and technical development opportunities. I am keen to support AET in realising its vision, not least so that young researchers can benefit from all it has to offer.
	Dr Daniëlle Snellen AET Board Director PBL - Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving The Netherlands	I’ve been working on the boundary of spatial and transport planning ever since my (PhD) student years at Eindhoven University of Technology. I love to help make the connection between different areas of expertise, with ideas, knowledge or sometimes just as a translator between different professional languages. Starting as steward at PTRC many years ago, the conference and the association have always had a special place in my heart. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, get inspired and to strengthen professional and personal relations. The fact that it brings together policy, academics and practice is very valuable for me, since PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency aims to bring together knowledge and policy. I’ve been on the Planning for Sustainable Land Use and Transport committee for many years and had the pleasure of chairing that group. Joining the board seems to be the logical next step for me in AET. As board member I hope to contribute to many more successful and enjoyable conferences where a diverse group of delegates can feel comfortable sharing, learning and socialising. Working Groups: Conference Management Team, Diversity & Inclusion
	Gisela Gräfin von Schlieffen AET Board Director Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund Germany	Growing up in the three country corner of Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany, I intend to connect people in Europe. AET is the perfect place for live knowledge exchange in transport and mobility, contributing to shaping more sustainable countries. Working Groups: Marketing & Membership, AET News, AET Vision
	Conall Mac Aongusa AET Board Director Mobimetrix – Ireland Independent Transport Planner Ireland	I have worked as a transport engineer and planner in Ireland, Europe and Middle East and in the last decade have been focused on technology and the links between vehicle manufacturers, ITS and infrastructure planners.  I have been attending ETC since 2007.  I have served on AET Council and was Chair of Council from 2012 to 2016. I was very happy to welcome ETC to my native city Dublin in 2018 and 2019. With AET Board I will assist the drive to develop AET and ETC to become the leading European event for transport policymakers, practitioners and researchers. I will promote the development of our new online webinar initiatives and resources so that AET has the potential to become the preferred platform for debate on transport in Europe. Working Groups: Transport and Mobility Forum
	Dr António Lobo AET Board Director University of Porto Research Fellow Portugal	I have been working with AET since 2019 and this experience could not have been more positive. I started as a member of an enthusiastic group of Ambassadors that promote AET and ETC across Europe and I had the opportunity to engage in diverse and impactful activities. Now, as a Board member, I fully stand for AET’s Vision, which, in my opinion, embodies the right balance between transport professionals and academia. I see ETC as a unique forum to promote a true integration at the European scale of different perspectives about the present and the future of transport systems, addressing the increasing challenges faced by this sector in a more effective way. Working Groups: Publications