Dates: 22 - 23 September 2026
Location: University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30
Active travel – such as walking and cycling – is a healthy and sustainable choice offering substantial benefits for the individuals` physical and mental health as well for the whole society in terms of environmental protection, and social well-being. Yet, despite strong evidence, prevalence of active travel is low in many parts of the world. One key but still underexplored factor shaping mobility patterns is the role of commercial determinants – including industry influence, market structures, and narratives that often reinforce car-dependent systems.
This interactive, interdisciplinary workshop brings together researchers from across global and public health, medicine, transport studies, environmental and planetary health, political economy, social sciences, and urban planning, and related fields to explore this emerging area of research. Together, participants will map commercial influence pathways, identify critical evidence gaps, and co-develop a global research agenda on the commercial determinants of active travel.
The workshop pursues three core objectives:
- to better understand and map how commercial actors influence active travel across diverse global contexts,
- to identify and prioritise key research questions in this field,
- and to collaboratively develop an open-access framework to guide future research and policy.
Through a highly interactive format – including expert keynotes, systems mapping exercises, small-group work, and a Delphi-inspired priority-setting process – participants will engage in collaborative knowledge generation at the interface of health, sustainability, and policy.
We warmly welcome and encourage participation from both early-career and senior researchers, and we particularly value exchange across disciplines, perspectives, and global contexts. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape a rapidly evolving research field with high relevance for global and planetary health.
Information about the workshop and registration
The workshop is limited to 30 participants. Interested individuals are therefore kindly asked to register by July 5 2026.
The registration includes contact information as well as a motivation statement of 250 words.
Participation in the workshop, including catering during the event, is free of charge. However, participants are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and any additional expenses.
As initial reading, participants are encouraged to consult the following publications:
- Jochem C, Abu-Omar K, Baltruks D, Bauman A, Ding D, Kahlmeier S, Paulsen L, Reismann L, Wallmann-Sperlich B, Bucksch J (2025). Commercial determinants of active travel: a crucial but overlooked barrier to health and sustainability. Lancet Planet Health, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanplh.2025.101340.
- Baltruks D, Jochem C, Watt C et al. (2026). From tobacco to Big Tech – How commercial interests are shaping planetary health. T-01-2026. cphp-berlin.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CPHP_Impulspapier_01‑2026.pdf [16.04.2026]