Suggested Citation:
Sperling, Daniel (2026)

Lessons learned by an expanding university transportation center: Insights from the Institute of Transportation Studies at University of California, Davis

The Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis (ITS-Davis) has thrived since its founding in 1991. This review and assessment elicits insights into building a durable, successful institution, including navigating constraints and strategically grasping opportunities. Five pillars girding the growth of the Institute are documented, along with overarching themes, strategies, and tenets guiding the organization. ITS-Davis evolved into an impactful entity through aligned leadership, strategic opportunism, a commitment to bring science to policy, and a disciplined focus on sustainability research and education. The Institute continues to evolve, increasingly focused on building international collaborations, inspired by the belief that as geopolitics fragment the world, building an international research community and foundation is more compelling than ever.