The Traffic Resarch Unit of the University of Helsinki was founded in 1971.

With a 40-plus-years’ track record on experimental work in challenging naturalistic settings, its mission is to understand the human mind, brain and behavior "on the move". We study human behaviour across the entire life span, and at all levels of skill and learning, from novice to expert.

Research methods combine controlled laboratory and simulator experiments, naturalistic field experiments, cognitive modelling, as well as survey methodologies and qualitative methods. The group is especially strong on rigorous computational analysis and modelling methods, and publishes in high-quality international peer reviewed journals. TRU has a strict Open Source Code, Open Data & Open Access policy.

The research has applications in basic and advanced driver education, vehicle engineering, the design of autonomous vehicles, driver assessment and licensing, road and traffic design and safety efforts.