My research examines how transport systems can either include or exclude, and how better design can shift that balance. I focus on the everyday realities faced by disabled and marginalised travellers, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover where streets, services and information fall short. Much of my work connects lived experience with policy and design, helping decision-makers see accessibility not as a niche concern but as a foundation for fair and sustainable mobility. Increasingly, I am interested in how co-design and emerging technologies, such as AI, can support more inclusive journey planning and urban environments that work for everyone.

Dr Arun Ulahannan is an Assistant Professor and transport researcher specialising in inclusive and accessible mobility. His work examines how the design of streets, transport systems and information can either enable or restrict participation in society, with a particular focus on disabled and marginalised travellers. He combines lived-experience research with quantitative modelling to identify practical priorities for policy and design, and works closely with communities and decision-makers to translate evidence into action. Alongside his research, he is Co-Director of the University Alliance Doctoral Training Alliance (Future Societies), where he supports the development of early-career researchers. His broader interests include co-design, inclusive innovation and the role of emerging technologies in creating fairer transport systems.

He also co-hosts the How to PhD podcast, ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally and available wherever you find your podcasts (www.howtophd.show)