CTLup

Luca Persia

Current roles

  • Professor of Sustainable Transport Planning and Sustainability Science at Sapienza University of Rome
  • President of CTLup
  • Director of CTL
  • President of FERSI
  • Scientific Director for the CTL/CTLup of international research Projects: AUGMENTED CCAM, PANACEA, SHOW, Drive2theFuture;
  • Scientific Director for Sapienza/CTLup of Mobility, Traffic and Road Safety Plans for Ministry, Regions and Municipalities

Main experiences

Luca Persia carries out his research activities mainly at international level (European Commission, World Bank, UNECA). He has taken part in more than 35 international research projects, in some cases as general Coordinator, in others as Scientific Director for Sapienza University of Rome. He has also participated in strategic national projects (Transport Plans, Traffic Plans, Road Safety Plans, Infomobility Plans), often as Coordinator. 

He is part of a number of important national and international research networks, representing Italy in some of them. Among others: 

  • FERSI (Forum of European Road Safety Research Institutes), of which he is President;
  • ECTRI (European Conference of Transport Research Institutes);
  • IRTAD (International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group, OECD – International Transport Forum).

Great part of his research activity is dedicated to projects for the development of low-income countries, with particular attention to African countries. Among the projects at present/recently coordinated, of particular importance are:

  • AfCFTA project – Study on the Implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area for Demand of Transport Infrastructure and Services in African Countries (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UNECA) for the evaluation of the effects of the introduction of the free trade treaty among African countries on national and international transport systems;
  • SaferAfrica project (European Commission DG RESEARCH) for the creation of a scientific/institutional Dialogue Platform, which makes it possible to improve the knowledge of road accident issues in Africa and establish policies and interventions to reduce the number of fatalities and injured;
  • BE-SAFE project (European Commission DG EAC) for the introduction of research on road safety into the university system of Belarus, the creation of Masters on road safety and the development of national policies for the accident reduction;
  • Conception et Mise en Place des Bases de Donnees des Accidents de la Circulation et d’un Systeme d’Information sur la Securite Routiere au Camerounproject (Republic of Cameroon – World Bank) for the development and introduction of an innovative information system for the collection and analysis of road accident data in the Republic of Cameroon;
  • SaferBraIn project (European Commission DG MOVE) for the improvement of road safety in Brazil and India, through the development of innovative methods and measures, using the findings of the European research.

At national level:

  • National Road Safety Plan 2030 (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport);
  • PRMTLPiano Regionale della Mobilità, dei Trasporti e della Logistica (Lazio Region);
  • CEREMSS – Planning, Facilities and Realisation of the Central Information System for Road Safety Monitoring of the Lazio Region (ASTRAL S.p.A.);
  • MOP Development of the “Mobility Operation PlatformInformation System for Public Transport (Almaviva, Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico);
  • Project for the creation of the Regional Road Safety Monitoring Centre of the Marche Region (Regione Marche, Ministero delle Infrastrutture e Trasporti);
  • Ports Plan of the Lazio Region (AREMOL, Lazio Region);
  • Monitoring and technical administrative assistance for the implementation of the National Road Safety Plan” (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e Trasporti).

He is a reviewer for international journals and chairman for national and international conferences.

Awards

In 2019 he was awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for his studies on road safety in African countries in the SaferAfrica project.

In 2020 he was awarded in the context of TRA VISIONS – EU Champions of Transport Research competition with the following reason: “Exporting the results of EU research to low and medium income countries”.

Born in Trabzon, Turkey, into a family of engineers–architects, Kagan loves travelling, especially in Europe. He defines himself as an optimist: in fact, he believes that everything can be managed and organised. He is keen on swimming and all water sports and favours science fiction novels and history. Last, but not least, he is passionate about his friends and his time shared with them.

Sevket Oguz Kagan Capkin

Roberto lives in Ciampino, where he was born. His rural origins often take him back to the countryside, where he tends to his plants and garden. It is there that he finds his natural habitat, restoring body and spirit. He is very keen on reading, technology, electronics and Hi-Fi and photography and in recent years has discovered a new hobby piloting a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone in open spaces and taking pictures from above. He also loves walking, especially in the woods and the mountains, searching for mushrooms, blackberries and wild fruits.

Roberto Carroccia

Colombian, Brayan is keen on travelling (over 30 countries visited), so much so that in the last 5 years he has lived in four different countries. This has allowed him to have an open mind, discover other cultures and learn other languages: he speaks English, Spanish and Italian. In 2018 he began running by pure chance, and today running is very much a fundamental part of his life. He loves tattoos and this is obvious as he has 15 of them. Lastly, he is a promoter of sustainable mobility, moving on foot, by bicycle and using public transport.

Brayan González-Hernández

Artsiom, for his friends Artem, was born in Brest, Belarus, a town situated literally on the border between Poland and Ukraine. At present, he lives in a place with fewer boundaries, but just as beautiful - Rome. Artem challenges the chaos of the city by cycling, loves reading, travelling and doing sports, especially football, swimming and running.

Artsiom Sauchuk

Davide loves walking even though, every now and again, he prefers wandering around aimlessly – and as he’s an engineer we don’t even ask why. With an Italian mother and Japanese father, Davide has always sought to bring the features of both cultures into his work and life. In his spare time, he loves reading, especially the so-called “ninth art”: cartoons.

Davide Shingo Usami

Francesca is a Leo with a Leo ascendant: a combination that emphasizes her strong and determined personality. She doesn’t back out in front of challenges and difficulties. She loves staying in touch with people: a social animal that, selflessly, is omnipresent for those who needs her. She has always adored cuisine but, above all, cooking: cheesecakes are her main courses. She often says that, in another life, she will be a veterinarian, because she madly loves animals.

Francesca Damiani

Mohammed Khadeeruddin, for his friends Khadeer, comes from the vibrant city of Hyderabad, located in the southern part of India and known for its rich history, diverse culture and delectable cuisine. He enjoys immersing himself in the dynamic atmosphere of his city, concentrated around the iconic Charminar and the enchanting Golconda Fort: when he comes back in his homeland, during his leisure time, you can find him exploring the bustling markets, indulging in street food or, simply, relishing the city's laid-back charm. With a passion for cricket, he has honed his skills as an all-rounder, excelling in multiple aspects of the game.

Mohammed Khadeeruddin

Tejas hails from Bangalore, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India”: his formative years have been greatly influenced by the city's thriving startup culture and technological advancements. He has nurtured a deep interest in percussion instrument and martial arts, culminating in the achievement of a black belt in Taekwondo. His fascination with drones has been a driving force in his life. In recent years, he has embarked on exhilarating motorcycle rides with a vibrant biking community, exploring the diverse landscapes, languages and cultures that India has to offer. Each achievement has added to the richness of his experience and personal growth. And, as he approaches the milestone of turning 30, he has compiled a list of aspirations he aims to fulfil.

Tejas Singri Krishnamurthy

Marco was born in Rome where he lives with his family. He has loved technology ever since he was a child playing video games with his dad and he made it his career by graduating in computer engineering. During his career he has been involved in research, design and development of applications of various types working with various programming languages, as well as teaching for professional training courses. He loves video games and sports like football, swimming and recently padel.

Marco Di Rocco

“Clear, healthy madness”: perhaps, these words should be enough to describe Manuel. Scorpio according to Western astrology, Wolf of Irpinia according to his identity card. He loves the adventure, risk and improvising, the same quality that allows him to enjoy the most exciting travels, excursions and nights. He made his curiosity into his profession and combined it with his visceral passion for writing. Inviting him to lunch or dinner could be a great idea, especially if the menu is based on traditional dishes. But someone goes around saying that he could invite you, given his growing interest in cooking, as well as in team sports (football and basketball above all).

Manuel Merolla

Born in Zagarolo, Leonardo studied Aerospace and Transport Systems Engineering, developing a strong interest in mobility, technology, and innovation. He enjoys going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and having fun on nights out. Curious and sociable by nature, he loves balancing his technical side with an active and lively lifestyle.

Leonardo Ascenzi

Born in Rome, Valerio spent much of his childhood in the Marche mountains, where he developed a love for nature and animals, especially dogs and cows, as his father was a dairy producer. Passionate about movement and exploration, he studied Environmental and Transport Systems Engineering and gained hands-on experience in cold logistics in urban environments while working in his family business delivering food products by truck. He enjoys trekking and photographing natural landscapes around the world.

Valerio Michiorri

Cansu is from Izmir, Turkey: a city where the sea is just part of the scenery, though it has a way of staying with you. She loves AI enough to call it a hobby rather than work, which colleagues would confirm, having survived more than one dinner conversation that took an unexpectedly technical turn. Weekends usually involve running through some corner of Rome she hasn't explored yet, or packing a bag and heading somewhere new for a hike. She is the kind of person who will insist the climb is worth it, and is usually right. And after a long week of research, she finds her way back to the water because some things you carry with you from home.

Cansu Tunc

Tevoh is an engineer with a passion for learning, enjoying the mix of theory and real-life impact. He is a practicing civil engineer and has participated in diverse projects and community led road safety initiatives involving youths in training, practice and advocacy. He is easy going, methodical, and curious. He is focused on making transport safer and more usable for everyone while building a career that mixes research, policy, and hands-on impact. He hopes for a future where Cameroon will win the World Cup.

Tevoh Ndingwan

Isaac is from Buea, a lively town that sits at the foot of Mount Cameroon, where the mountain’s calm strength reflects his own steady nature. Outside of work, he enjoys expressing creativity through graphic design, finding joy in turning simple ideas into striking visuals. When he’s not designing, Isaac loves cooking and experimenting with flavours, often creating spicy dishes. He’s also passionate about video games, especially those that challenge his strategy and imagination, and he practices martial arts to stay grounded and disciplined. Guided by strong principles, Isaac believes in staying true to himself and approaching life with integrity, curiosity, and purpose, values that shape everything he does.

Isaac Ndumbe Jackai II

Maria Vittoria was born in Ancona, in the beautiful Marche region, where she spent her early years before moving to the United States at the age of sixteen. There, in Oregon, she completed her high school and, after returning to Italy, continued her studies and began her professional journey. Sport has always played a central role in her life: she practiced fencing for over 13 years, a discipline that taught her focus, perseverance and resilience—values she still applies in both her personal and professional life. Today, she enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle, spending her free time at the gym or walking around Rome. Curious and driven, she is inspired by cross-cultural experiences and is constantly striving for excellence in everything she does.

Maria Vittoria Ballirano

Burcu is a civil and transport engineer with five years of experience in infrastructure, building design, and project execution. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Transport and Infrastructure Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, where she also completed her MSc in Environmental and Sustainable Building Engineering. Her work spans BIM modelling, structural analysis, and digitalization processes, with experience across design, construction, and research projects at both national and international levels.

Burcu Bayraktar Capkin

Golnoosh is a PhD student in Infrastructures and Transport Engineering with a strong passion for mobility and urban innovation. Outside her academic work, she is an active tennis player and deeply dedicated to fitness and outdoor sports. She loves art, history, and traveling, especially sport and nature-based trips. Exploring different cultures is one of her biggest dreams, which led her to move from Iran and experience life in both Eastern and Western Europe.

Golnoosh Ghiyaei

Dindze was born in a small town in West Africa called Kumbo and is a big lover of nature. She’s convinced she has a super power; which in reality is just the ability to grow drastically by intentionally learning new things. She loves visiting nature in its variety and lifts weights for leisure. In her spare time, she reads diversely and makes videos which are very often viewed just by her dad alone but she makes them anyway. She is a free-spirited and optimistic Christian lady.

Dindze Olive Dubila

Born and raised in Rome, Matteo enjoys hiking in the mountains and cooking — but above all, eating. He faces the chaos of the city with a good dose of patience and optimism. Always in contact with people from diverse backgrounds, he hopes to turn this into his profession.

Matteo Fuschiotto

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