Towards Sustainable and Equitable Mobility
The Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) operates as an independent philantrophy. We initiate and support research and educational activities to drive new solutions for sustainable and equitable mobility and access in cities worldwide.
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About us
Our overriding goal is to strengthen accessibility for all groups while at the same time radically reduce negative local and global environmental impacts of transportation.
Through the ”Future Urban Transport (FUT) – How to Deal With Complexity” program we fund research and education within thematic programs shown below.
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Our Research Programs
VREF publications
Explore VREF’s collection of research reports, studies, and policy papers on sustainable and equitable mobility. Here you’ll find publications from across our global programs, offering insights, evidence, and practical guidance for researchers and practitioners.
Click through to access full reports, thematic analyses, and resources that translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
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News
Event
Beyond Connectivity: Rethinking Inclusive and Equitable Mobility in South Asia
News
Meet the 2026 Lee Schipper Memorial Scholarship Awardees!
Event
Join VREF Research Forum : Informal and Shared Mobility in Southeast Europe and Central Asia
News
Global Call for Contributions: Join the Walking Cities Lab & Walk21 Regional Walking Dialogues
Opportunities
Opportunities for NextGen Scholars: Apply for a VREF Study Visit Grant
Event
Shape the Future of Informal and Shared Mobility: Join VREF at GloCon 2026 in Bangkok!
Ongoing Research in Focus
Walking Cities Lab: Making Walking for Transport a Global Priority
Equitable Transport Access and Mobility in African Cities (ETAMAC)
Popular-to-Popular Transport Integration in Sub Saharan Africa: Case of Rwanda and Ghana (POINT)
Governing Urban Mobility: Making and Implementing Decisions in Transport in Sub-Saharan Africa (MID-UTA)
Partnership for Research on Informal and Shared Mobility (PRISM)
Upcoming Events
2026/09/16 11:00 am
Join VREF Research Forum : Informal and Shared Mobility in Southeast Europe and Central Asia
2026/09/23 12:00 pm
Beyond Connectivity: Rethinking Inclusive and Equitable Mobility in South Asia
2026/10/26 12:00 am
Shape the Future of Informal and Shared Mobility: Join VREF at GloCon 2026 in Bangkok!
2027/03/02 12:00 am
2nd African Transport Research Conference
