Dear colleagues in the VREF “Next Generation Scholars” Community, We hope to see you at the first VREF “NextGen” Research Forum of 2025. This time around we will be focusing on walking as a mode of transport, specifically on:
The Intersection of Walking, Vulnerability, and Spatial Constraints
SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER!
DATE: Wednesday 26 March 2025
TIME: 12:00 – 14:00 GMT
REGISTER HERE!
Urban environments shape walking experiences and highlight strategies to improve mobility for vulnerable populations. Walking is a vital mode of mobility for many marginalized groups such as caregivers in informal settlements, pregnant women with disabilities, and migrants. However, their movement is often hindered by structural inequalities, spatial conflicts, and inadequate access to safe, inclusive walking environments. Tackling these challenges is essential for creating equitable cities that prioritize pedestrian needs and accessibility. Through policy interventions, community-driven solutions, and inclusive design, we can create safer and more accessible spaces for all.
This Research Forum aims to explore how mobility is shaped by structural inequalities, spatial conflicts, and the everyday realities of marginalized populations.
QUESTIONS WILL INCLUDE:
- How do spatial conflicts impact walking for different marginalized groups?
- What interventions can improve walking conditions for vulnerable populations?
- How can inclusive planning and policy address mobility inequalities?
Program
Welcome and introduction: Henrik Nolmark, VREF
Moderators: Nisha Nair and Maria Nieto, VREF Walking as mode of transport NextGen facilitators
Logistical host: Karin Henriksson, VREF
The All-VREF NextGen initiative – short orientation and news: Robert Ambunda, Paschalin Basil
Presentations
Title: Careful Walk: Mobility of Care in Peripheral and Self-Built Popular Neighborhoods in Lima, Peru
Presenter: Celeste Medina, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
Discussant: Maryam Jafari, Monash University, Australia
Title: Effect of Mobility on Pregnant Women with Disabilities in Eastern Nigeria
Presenter: Nnenna Jennifer Nze, Federal University of Technology Owerri
Discussant: Dr. Yuting Zhang, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney, Australia
Title: Understanding Travel Behavior and Attitudes Towards Sustainable Mobility Amongst Migrant Commuters in Malta
Presenter: Amina Semaoui, University of Malta
Discussant: Rafael Rosales, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre
Plenary Discussion
Closing – news from VREF; short survey
BACKGROUND
In 2021 VREF’s “Mobility and Access in African Cities” program (MAC) launched a series of virtual seminars or “webinars” – known as Research Forum – on issues related to sustainable urban mobility and equitable access in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities. This series was later expanded to a separate series of “MAC NextGen Research Forums” focusing on current work by young scholars in SSA, specifically advanced master students, Ph.D. candidates and early career scholars.
Starting in 2024, VREF is initiating its “VREF NextGen Research Forums” to enable exchange of knowledge and perspectives among NextGen scholars within all its programs.
The purpose of the Next Gen Research Forum is:
- to stimulate scientific discussion among the NextGen community on specific issues and themes in the area of sustainable urban mobility and equitable access;
- to provide an opportunity for young scholars to present and discuss their on-going work with their peers within the community;
- to provide a meeting place for dialogue and exchange among young scholars and other stakeholders within the community
The Research Forum on 26 March 2025 is the third in the special series “VREF NextGen Research Forums” – designed specifically for young scholars and other stakeholders within the community.
Do you have questions, thoughts or ideas related to the VREF NextGen program?
Do not hesitate to contact us: secretariat@vref.se