Outstanding Transport and Planning MSc students recognised for academic achievement

Two outstanding Transport and Planning (MSc) students have been recognised for their exceptional academic performance.

Ivar Morganti achieved the highest average mark in the taught component of the master’s programme for 2025–26, with Louis Gilbert achieving the second highest score.

In recognition of his achievement, Ivar will receive a copy of Forecasting Urban Travel: Past, Present and Future, co-authored by Emeritus Professor Huw Williams and Professor David Boyce, of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The book won the 2016 William Alonso Memorial Prize for Innovative Work in Regional Science and remains a definitive text in the field.

Emeritus Professor Williams has donated a copy of the book to the top-performing Transport and Planning (MSc) student for the past nine years.

Louis will receive a copy of Handbook of Travel Behaviour, edited by Professor Dimitris Potoglou and Professor Justin Spinney. The book brings together global perspectives on travel behaviour research, exploring analytical methods, environmental concerns and social dimensions of mobility.

Ivar said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful to have received the highest average mark in the MSc Transport and Planning programme. The course has been a genuinely rewarding experience so far, and I have really valued the opportunity to develop my knowledge and challenge myself academically.

“To be recognised and receive a copy of Professor Huw Williams’ Forecasting Urban Travel: Past, Present and Future makes the award feel even more special. It is closely connected to many of the themes explored throughout the programme, and I am looking forward to reading it. I am very grateful to the team within the School of Geography and Planning, who have supported me so much!”

Emeritus Professor Huw Williams added: “Congratulations to the whole class of 2025–26 for all your efforts on the programme. I am particularly pleased that my book with David Boyce, Forecasting Urban Travel, will be presented once again. Well done!”

Professor Dimitris Potoglou said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ivar and Louis for their outstanding achievements. Their results reflect the dedication and curiosity they’ve shown throughout the programme, and I’m confident they’ll go on to make meaningful contributions in the field of transport and planning.

“I’d also like to sincerely thank Professor Huw Williams for once again donating a copy of his seminal book. His continued generosity has made this a valued tradition for our students.

“I’m also delighted to present Louis with a copy of the Handbook of Travel Behaviour, which brings together international research on one of the most important areas in contemporary transport studies.”