Communications log: Modelling Active Mobility Seminar, Cambridge, June 2026
Anonymous record of key communications leading up to the event.
31 December 2025 — Initial invitation (from organiser)
The seminar organiser (an Associate Professor at a US research university, on sabbatical at Cambridge) wrote to invite Robin to the International Research Seminar on Modelling Active Mobility, to be held at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, 26–27 June 2026. The event was framed as a follow-up to a similar seminar held at MIT in autumn 2023, now co-organised with the Applied Urban Modelling (AUM) symposium team. The seminar is supported by the VREF Walking as a Mode of Transport programme. The broader AUM symposium follows 29 June – 1 July 2026. No registration fee for the pre-conference seminar. Abstract deadline for AUM was flagged as 5 January 2026.
5 January 2026 — Robin’s initial response
Robin expressed strong interest, noting relevant work on pedestrian modelling commissioned by Active Travel England. Asked for a brief extension on the abstract and flagged a need to check family availability. Also raised a question about benchmarking open-source pedestrian modelling tools (cityseer vs the organiser’s Python package).
14 February 2026 — Robin follows up (after meeting a colleague in London)
Robin followed up after meeting a Cambridge-based colleague at an event in London, apologising for a slow response to the initial invite. Confirmed that 26–27 June works with family commitments. Proposed attending the seminar on 25 June (travel) through 27 June (return). Expressed willingness to present work on modelling walking/cycling/motor traffic under the Active Travel England contract. Acknowledged the AUM abstract deadline had passed and did not submit one.
15 February 2026 — Organiser confirms attendance and presentation slot
Organiser confirmed Robin was welcome to join the seminar (Fri–Sat, 26–27 June) and offered a presentation slot to share work from Active Travel England. Noted that AUM participation remains open for registration. Expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming Mobile Tartu conference where the two would see each other.
9 March 2026 — Robin confirms travel plans and proposed abstract title
Robin confirmed travel details: arriving Cambridge from Leeds on the 06:05 service (arriving ~09:05) on Friday 26 June; departing 20:51 on Saturday 27 June. Proposed talk title:
Modelling multi-modal traffic, casualties and risk: a data-driven approach to improve government guidance on critical safety issues for walking and cycling
Noted willingness to do a more practical workshop if appetite exists. Confirmed attendance at the pre-conference seminar only (not AUM). Expressed regret at not being able to bring family.
9 March 2026 — Organiser responds re abstract and accommodation
Organiser confirmed the proposed plans, asked for a brief abstract to share with participants before the event. Offered rooms blocked at a Cambridge college during the seminar (25–28 June) and asked if Robin would like one.
13 March 2026 — Robin accepts accommodation offer
Robin confirmed interest in the college accommodation. Expressed appreciation.
13 March 2026 — Organiser sends formal invitation and logistical details
Organiser attached a formal PDF invitation and asked Robin to RSVP with logistical details via the event coordinator, including: preferred email, mobile number while travelling, country of origin, travel booking preferences, AUM attendance, and accommodation at Queens College.
19 March 2026 — Event coordinator confirms RSVP and requests further details
The event coordinator (based at the same US institution as the organiser) confirmed receipt of Robin’s RSVP. Noted Robin’s responses: attending seminar (yes), Queens College accommodation (yes), prefer to book own hotel (no). Requested remaining logistical information.
23 March 2026 — Event coordinator requests abstract
Coordinator followed up to request a short abstract for Robin’s planned presentation at the seminar.
~25 March 2026 — Robin acknowledges abstract request
Robin acknowledged the abstract request and indicated he would respond by the end of the week.
Summary of confirmed logistics (as of late March 2026)
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Attending seminar (26–27 June) | Confirmed |
| Attending AUM (29 June – 1 July) | Not attending |
| Accommodation at Queens College (25–28 June) | Requested / confirmed |
| Travel: Leeds → Cambridge (25 June) | Planned |
| Travel: Cambridge → Leeds (27 June, 20:51) | Booked |
| Abstract for seminar | Pending submission (due ~end of March 2026) |