Prof. James Richard Sayer,
Director – The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), Research Scientist, Human Factors, US

Research Interests:

Dr. Jim Sayer is the Director of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. In addition, he conducts both basic and translational research in the areas of advanced vehicle safety systems, human interaction with highly automated vehicles, connected vehicles, and infrastructure technology, naturalistic driving behavior, driver distraction, and pedestrian safety. He is an internationally recognized leader in the conduct and evaluation of field operational tests of vehicle safety systems, connected vehicle technology, and the study of naturalistic driving behavior. He also has an appointment as an Adjunct Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Service:

Dr. Sayer is Chair of the University’s Institutional Autonomous System Committee and is overseeing the development of a university-wide mobility education initiative. Previously he has served a variety of roles on the University’s Health and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board, including Chair, Co-Chair, and Full Board member.

Awards & Honors:

• 2015 White House Transportation Champion of Change, Award recognizing exemplary leadership in advancing transportation and championing innovation that will benefit our nation’s transportation system.
• Intelligent Transportation Society of America, 2014 President’s Award, Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Model Deployment Program
• Society of Automotive Engineers Excellence in Oral Presentation Award, SAE 2012 Government/Industry Meeting
• Intelligent Transportation Society of America, 2008 Best of ITS, Best Innovative Product or Service, Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System Program.