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Mr Robert Ziolkowski | Road Safety Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Bialystok University of Technology, Poland

Dr. Robert Ziółkowski is a prominent academic and researcher in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering, currently working at Bialystok University of Technology. With extensive experience in traffic safety, road design, and environmental protection, he holds a PhD in the influence of bitumen modifiers on asphalt properties. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to improving traffic management, speed control, and the application of intelligent transport systems (ITS). He has contributed significantly to traffic safety research, particularly focusing on driver behavior, traffic calming measures, and the efficiency of speed management systems. His work has earned him recognition in both Polish and international academic circles.

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Strengths for the Researcher Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background:
    • Doctorate and Postgraduate Studies: Robert Ziółkowski holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a thesis on bitumen modifiers’ impact on asphalt mixes. Additionally, he has completed postgraduate studies in traffic safety and environmental protection in road design, indicating a broad academic foundation across both materials engineering and traffic management.
    • Multiple Publications: He has an impressive portfolio of over 40 research papers and conference contributions, often published in reputable journals such as Energies, Transport Problems, and Applied Sciences. These works focus on critical aspects like driver behavior, speed management, ITS, and road safety.
  2. Contributions to Traffic Safety and ITS:
    • His research on traffic calming measures, the impact of radar speed cameras, and driver behavior near pedestrian crossings is invaluable for improving road safety, especially in urban and rural areas.
    • His work on the evaluation of traffic safety measures, such as the effects of road lighting and vertical deflections as calming tools, has important real-world applications for improving public safety and reducing accidents.
  3. International Experience and Collaboration:
    • Ziółkowski’s international collaborations, including his trainee placement at the Transport Research Institute in Edinburgh and his role as the Erasmus Coordinator at the Bialystok University of Technology, demonstrate a strong global network.
    • His contributions to international research and publications further strengthen his qualifications for this award.
  4. Leadership in Academia and Professional Organizations:
    • Ziółkowski has demonstrated leadership as the rector’s representative for studies in English, an adjunct professor, and through his role as the chairman of the Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians of Transportation. This experience highlights his influence within both the academic and professional communities.
  5. Innovative Solutions in Traffic Management:
    • His work on section speed control systems and smart traffic management systems shows a commitment to exploring innovative technologies that enhance traffic efficiency and safety. This aligns with contemporary efforts to improve sustainable urban mobility.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Wider Outreach and Public Engagement:
    • While his research is well-respected in academic circles, increasing efforts to communicate the results to a broader audience—such as policymakers, urban planners, and the general public—could help extend the impact of his work.
    • Engaging in more public-speaking events or public-facing collaborations could amplify the societal relevance of his research.
  2. Broader Collaborative Networks:
    • Although Ziółkowski has collaborated internationally, further expanding his network to include other multidisciplinary researchers, including those from the fields of environmental science and social sciences, could lead to more holistic solutions for transportation safety and urban planning.

Education 

Dr. Robert Ziółkowski’s educational journey began at Bialystok University of Technology, where he earned his Master of Science in 1998, specializing in the application of bitumens for soil stabilization. He pursued further studies, achieving a Doctor of Philosophy in 2006, where his research focused on the influence of bitumen modifiers on bitumen and asphalt mixes. His postgraduate studies between 2010-2011 at Bialystok University of Technology delved into traffic safety and environmental protection in road design, reflecting his growing interest in transportation engineering. With a passion for advancing the field of traffic management and road safety, he continues to apply his knowledge to both academic and practical aspects of civil engineering.

Experience 

Dr. Robert Ziółkowski has an extensive teaching and administrative career at Bialystok University of Technology since 1998. He serves as an adjunct professor and assistant professor at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. From 2014 to 2016, he acted as the Rector’s representative for the Studies in English Program. His role as the Erasmus Coordinator has allowed him to foster international collaboration in the field of civil engineering. He has also gained practical experience through his training at the Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University in 2013. Additionally, Dr. Ziółkowski served as a lecturer at the Higher Vocational School in Suwałki from 2009 to 2011. His administrative contributions include chairing the Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians of Transportation and representing Białystok Municipality in the EU’s SMART NETS Signal Management program from 2001 to 2004.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Robert Ziółkowski has been honored for his significant contributions to civil and environmental engineering. He has received recognition for his research on traffic safety, speed management, and road design. His work in traffic calming measures and the efficiency of speed control systems has earned him invitations to speak at prestigious international conferences. Additionally, his commitment to fostering educational collaborations has been acknowledged through his work as the Erasmus Coordinator and as the Rector’s representative for English-language studies. His leadership in the Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians of Transportation further underscores his dedication to advancing the profession. His research continues to influence policies and practices in traffic management, sustainable urban transport systems, and road safety measures, contributing to the improvement of public transportation and environmental protection in urban settings.

Research Focus

Dr. Robert Ziółkowski’s research primarily focuses on traffic safety, traffic management, and speed control systems. His work explores how intelligent transport systems (ITS) can improve road safety and driver behavior. He investigates the effectiveness of traffic calming measures such as speed cameras, vertical deflections, and illuminated pedestrian crossings. His research also extends to the environmental impact of traffic management systems, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions through effective speed management. Dr. Ziółkowski has a strong interest in studying the influence of road design parameters, including the application of modified bitumens in asphalt and soil stabilization. He examines the dynamics of driver behavior in relation to urban and rural road infrastructure. His expertise also extends to public transport systems, with studies on their efficiency and sustainability, particularly under varying road and traffic conditions. Dr. Ziółkowski’s research contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable transportation systems.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Changes in Safety Performance on Single-Carriageway Roads After Installation of Additional Lighting at Pedestrian Crossing 🚦🔧
  2. Evaluation of the Radar Speed Cameras and Panels Indicating the Vehicles’ Speed as Traffic Calming Measures 🚗📊
  3. Investigations of the Dynamic Travel Time Information Impact on Drivers’ Route Choice in an Urban Area 🕒🌍
  4. Drivers’ Speed Behavior in the Vicinity of Additionally Illuminated Pedestrian Crossings 🚶‍♀️💡
  5. A Series of Vertical Deflections, a Promising Traffic Calming Measure: Analysis and Recommendations for Spacing ⚠️📏
  6. Investigations of Driver’s Speed at Unsignalised Pedestrian Crossings 🚶‍♂️🚗
  7. Prędkość chwilowa vs. prędkość odcinkowa na drogach zamiejskich 📏🌄
  8. Effectiveness of Automatic Section Speed Control System Operating on National Roads in Poland 🇵🇱📉
  9. Analysis of Red Light Violation – A Case Study in Białystok 🚦🔴
  10. Badania prędkości pojazdów na przejściach dla pieszych bez sygnalizacji świetlnej 🚶‍♀️❌
  11. Identyfikacja parametrów drogowych wpływających na prędkość odcinkową pojazdów samochodowych na drogach zamiejskich 🚗🏞️
  12. Nowoczesne techniki pomiarów parametrów ruchu drogowego 📊🚙
  13. Sectional Speed Control System as System to Evaluate Driver’s Behaviour on Rural Roads 🚙⏱
  14. Speed Management Efficacy on National Roads – Early Experiences of Sectional Speed System Functioning in Podlaskie Voivodeship 🇵🇱🚥
  15. Investigations of Section Speed on Rural Roads in Podlaskie Voivodeship 🛣️🌄
  16. Sprawność komunikacji miejskiej w warunkach funkcjonowania Systemu Zarządzania Ruchem w Białymstoku 🚍🏙️
  17. Traffic Management Efficacy – Early Experiences of the Sectional Speed System Operation in Poland 🚗🚨
  18. Badania prędkości pojazdów na wlotach skrzyżowań z ruchem okrężnym 🚗🔄
  19. Influence of Traffic Calming Measures on Drivers’ Behaviour 🚧👨‍🔧
  20. Ocena efektywności środków uspokojenia ruchu drogowego ⚙️📈

Conclusion

Robert Ziółkowski stands out as a highly qualified researcher, educator, and expert in traffic safety and transportation management. His extensive experience, numerous publications, and leadership roles in academia and professional organizations make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research not only advances knowledge in civil engineering and traffic management but also has practical applications that can significantly improve road safety and traffic efficiency. Further engagement with broader communities and expanding his collaborative efforts could enhance the broader impact of his work even more.

Overall, he is an excellent contender for the award based on his solid academic contributions, leadership in the field, and commitment to improving traffic safety and management systems.

Robert Ziolkowski | Road Safety Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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