With guidance from the FIA Policy Commission, the mobility-focused papers will align with the FIA’s strategic priorities and address the diverse needs of FIA Member Clubs across different regulatory contexts. 

Academic Excellence and Global Reach  

The Series draws on the expertise of FIA University’s newly appointed Visiting Professors – a cohort of internationally respected scholars from leading institutions such as Imperial College London, VTI Sweden, and the University of Toronto. Their research covers themes including road safety, inclusive mobility, digital infrastructure, emerging vehicle technologies, and the environmental implications of motor sport. 

[Click here to see the full list of contributing scholars] 

The inaugural white paper, Transforming Transport: Evolution of Mobility Technologies and Services, authored by Professor Susan Shaheen and researcher Adam Cohen from the University of California, Berkeley, explores four key transport trends: 

• Electrification – Examines the policy and infrastructure implications of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  
• Automation – Outlines the five levels of autonomous driving and associated challenges around trust, regulation, and deployment.  
• Shared Mobility – Evaluates the environmental and behavioural impacts of ridehailing, car sharing, and micromobility services.  
• Digital Platforms – Assesses Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), integrated apps, and payment systems, with global case studies.  
• Governance and Access – Highlights the need for inclusive design and coherent policy frameworks, especially for underserved communities.  

The FIA University is the global leader in the accreditation, education and research of world motor sport and mobility. Its cutting-edge research informs public policy and strategy across sport and automotive industries, and serves as a vital resource for FIA Member Clubs, public authorities, regulators and professionals around the world. It is supported by the FIA Foundation, the independent charitable arm of the FIA.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The launch of the new FIA University White Paper Series supports our commitment to strengthening the FIA’s global advocacy across mobility and motor sport, through education and research collaboration. At the heart of our work is a dedication to supporting our Member Clubs and this new series will help our Federation build knowledge and expertise through evidence-based research.”

Prof. David Hassan, FIA University, said: “By embedding rigorous academic analysis into our core activities within the FIA University, we are striving to inform policy, help shape strategic priorities, and encourage innovation. This new series aims to translate academic research over to real-world contexts – outlining not only the challenges across the sectors we are looking at but also the opportunities and solutions.”

Professor Susan Shaheen, Visiting Professor at the FIA University, commented: “At a time when transportation systems are undergoing rapid transformation, it is essential to understand how emerging technologies and new service models interact – not only with each other but with the communities they serve. I look forward to collaborating with the FIA University as part of its comprehensive research programme.”  

Upcoming White Papers will include: 

• The Paradox of High Performance: Cars in the Age of Climate Crisis  – Dr Madeleine Orr  
• Working for Safety: How medical and technical research leads to safety improvements in motor sport  – Dr Sean Petherbridge  
• Road Safety: Data for prevention of loss of life and health in a crash – Dr Astrid Linder  

All FIA University White Papers will be published on the official FIA University website and made freely accessible to the public. The first paper, Transforming Transport: Evolution of Mobility Technologies and Services, is now available for download. [Access the paper here].

-ENDS-

Media enquiries

Sophia Martin-Pavlou, Director of Corporate Communications – smartin-pavlou@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.