Transport researcher appointed Co-Director of University Alliance national doctoral training programme

Dr Arun Ulahannan, transport accessibility researcher and co-host of the ‘How to PhD’ podcast, has been appointed Co-Director of the University Alliance's Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA) Future Societies programme.

The DTA Future Societies programme supports doctoral researchers to develop solutions for improving sustainability, equality and food and energy access.

In his new role, Arun will be expanding PhD training across the DTA’s network of universities, equipping future researchers with the skills to drive impact, build relationships with local authorities and extend the reach of their work.

Arun has extensive experience in doctoral supervision and work at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities and National Centre for Accessible Transport, where he has advanced research into accessible transport for disabled people, women and marginalised groups.

Over the years, Arun has become a leading voice for PhD guidance, launching the How-to PhD podcast in 2020, which he co-hosts with Dr Julia Gauly from the University of Birmingham. With over 250,000 listeners worldwide, the podcast has become a go-to resource for postgraduate researchers, offering guidance and inspiration to navigate the challenges of doctoral study.

As a PhD supervisor, Arun is currently guiding three PhD students through a scheme exclusively for people with lived experience of disability, while a fourth PhD project is contributing to advancing women's safety on public transport.

Find out more about the DTA programme.

Find out more about the Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities.