UTSG 2026 Annual Conference

Overview

The UTSG Annual Conference is now in its sixth decade, having an international scope with events held annually across the UK and Ireland. We welcome contributions from academics, practitioners, and students worldwide. PhD researchers are especially encouraged to submit, and dedicated training and mentoring sessions will support early-career transport researchers. These sessions are open to all participants.

The local organising committee is working to make UTSG 2026 a rewarding and engaging event. With Surrey’s strong legacy in tourism research, travel and tourism will feature among this year’s conference themes.

A full course Gala Dinner will be held at the picturesque Gorse Hill.

This Conference is being held in Guildford, which is less than 40 minutes from London and offers a historic town centre and the Surrey Hills, providing an attractive setting for conference activities.

Abstract submission guidelines

Abstracts from across the full breadth of transport research are welcome, and we especially encourage contributions that speak—directly or indirectly—to UTSG’s evolving priorities around:

• International perspectives on transport
• Interdisciplinary working within transport
• Enhancing impact of transport research
• Supporting a diverse community through transport equity and justice.

Authors must submit a 300-word abstract and six keywords clearly identifying the:

1. Objectives
2. Background
3. Methods
4. Main findings
5. Conclusions.

Smeed Prize entries should be indicated in the ‘topic’ field of the submission form.

Deadlines

The deadline to submit is 10 February 2026.

Abstracts will be reviewed, and authors will be notified of decisions by 25 March 2026.

Submit your abstract

Paper submission guidelines

Authors of accepted abstracts must use the official UTSG templates (available on the conference website) to submit their full paper or extended abstract, after receiving an abstract accept notification.

Smeed Prize entrants must submit a full paper.

Authors may choose to submit:

1. Full paper (max 12 pages) – recommended for authors wishing their work to be considered for the Special Issues
2. Extended abstract (max 1,500 words) – for authors who do not wish to be considered for the Special Issues.

Deadline

The deadline to submit is 5 May 2026.

Smeed prize submissions

The Smeed prize is open to authors affiliated with UTSG member institutions in the UK and Ireland.

• Winner: £500
• Runner-up: £250.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

• Have carried out work while registered as a postgraduate student at a UTSG member institution
• Still be a student or have had your viva since the previous UTSG conference.

A confirmation email from the candidate’s supervisor must be sent to utsg2026@surrey.ac.uk.

Conference location and accommodation

The Conference will be hosted in the Lecture Theatres Block on the Stag Hill campus at the University of Surrey.

Stag Hill is located within 15 minutes walking distance from Guildford rail station, to support sustainable transport. Guildford is located close to London and several international airports. There is a coach from Heathrow and a direct train from Gatwick.

Accommodation options include hotels and subsidised University accommodation at the Manor Park campus.

Registered attendees can find out the full details, including hotel options, upon registration.

Delegate fees

These fees include a full course gala dinner on 14 July.

All UTSG 2026 administrative queries can be sent to: utsg2026@surrey.ac.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you to Surrey next summer.

Explore the Conference website