Transportation Research Board (TRB)
As part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) mobilizes expertise, experience, and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation-related challenges. The Board’s varied activities annually engage more than 5,500 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest. The program is supported by state departments of transportation, federal agencies including component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.
In progress
News and Updates
Emerging Hazards in Commercial Aviation—Report 3: The Human Contribution to Safety
Update
Pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, dispatchers, inspectors, certifiers, and others in the workforce are an integral, measurable part of the aviation safety system. These human contributions can be a more visible, measurable, and actionable part of aviation system management.
TRB Conference on Smart Transportation: Data, Automation, and Intelligence
Update
Submit an abstract on original research, innovative methods, implementation experience with transferable lessons, unresolved challenges or future research needs, or describe practical experience that other agencies and organizations can apply by November 20. Presentations will focus on the broad topics of infrastructure intelligence and readiness; automation, AI, and connected operations; and systems integration, data, and implementation.
- Erol Tutumluer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the 2026 recipient of the Roy W. Crum Distinguished Transportation Research Achievement Award Oct 13, 2026 Update
- Ram M. Pendyala is the 2026 recipient of the W.N. Carey, Jr., TRB Distinguished Service Award Oct 6, 2026 Update
- Amy Stearns is the recipient of the 2026 Robert E. Skinner, Jr. Distinguished Transportation Research Management Award Sep 29, 2026 Update
About
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is one of four centers within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Through research, convening, and information exchange, TRB helps transportation professionals, policymakers, and researchers anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities across all modes of transportation. With more than a century of experience, TRB continues to connect research, practice, and policy to create a safer, more efficient, and affordable transportation future.
Program Units
Program Units
Awards
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) confers and collaborates on awards recognizing exceptional achievement, distinguished service, and humanitarian efforts. In addition, the TRB Executive Committee has authorized annual presentation of a limited number of awards for outstanding papers published by TRB and sponsored by designated groups within its Technical Activities Council.
Staff
Ann Brach
Lead
Major units and sub-units
Transportation Research Board Executive Office
Consensus and Advisory Studies Division
Technical Activities Division
National Cooperative Freight Research Program
Airport Cooperative Research Program
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Transportation Research Board Other Cooperative Research Program Divisions
Cooperative Research Programs
Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program
Transit Cooperative Research Program