Kato Selis
Kato is a mobility researcher at Ghent University focusing on cycling, travel behaviour, and sustainable mobility transitions. Within the Ghent University Imagines 2050 project, she explores how major campus relocations act as catalysts for behavioural change and sustainable urban transitions. By combining technical modeling with insights from lived experiences, Kato aims to support the development of infrastructure that is inclusive, intuitive, and future-proof for all users.
Session
The “UGent Verbeeldt 2050” (Ghent University Imagines 2050) spatial masterplan, a strategic initiative by Ghent University, envisions a climate-neutral university by mid-century. This campus relocation plan necessitates a radical restructuring of a broad range of academic activities into three strategic clusters which align with the existing urban zones of the city of Ghent. This spatial consolidation will have an impact on four major faculty relocations toward the southern periphery of the city. The scale of this transition is immense, affecting an estimated 20,000 students and staff, fundamentally redefining the daily commuting patterns for future university populations.
While this relocation offers a unique ‘momentum’ to break long-term mobility habits and promote sustainable travel, it simultaneously risks creating new accessibility barriers and increasing traffic pressure in the south of the city. This research prioritizes inclusive mobility by employing a mixed-methods approach. We combine quantitative data – including modal split prognoses and agent-based modelling (ABM) simulations – with qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews and focus groups where various transition scenarios are evaluated to probe potential mobility choices and behavioural shifts.
The primary objective is to identify the crucial success factors and barriers to ensure a successful, sustainable and inclusive mobility transition. By specifically exploring how to leverage the relocation momentum, the research seeks to maximize the shift toward sustainable transport while ensuring that the 2050 university landscape remains accessible to all.