The Transforming Urban Underground Infrastructure (TUUI) Collaborative has been established following the publication of a landmark report in September 2023 on the Transformation in Urban Underground Infrastructure.

The report was the result of a workshop funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). It was facilitated and delivered by UKCRIC in the UK and by George Mason University in the US.

TUUI is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), which unites experts across disciplines, technical specialties, and regions to advance knowledge and innovation in urban underground infrastructure systems.

What is TUUI's mission?

TUUI's mission is to foster collaboration and support transformative activities leveraging breakthroughs in computing, sensing, machine learning, automation, and materials science. The Collaborative serves as a dynamic forum for sharing resources, generating ideas, and forming new partnerships, both nationally and internationally, that drive scientific advancement and develop practical solutions for the future of urban underground infrastructure.

What’s in it for you?

Through funds from the NSF, the Collaborative offers seed funding/small travel grants to its members to support innovative and high-impact activities, including, for example, developing training materials, building grant collaborations, serving as the TUUI librarian, running the Collaborative’s Webinar/podcast series, participating or leading workshops, and forming strategic partnerships. Occasional off-cycle stipends may also be available for exceptional initiatives. (Note: stipends are available only to participants eligible to work in the U.S. via NSF rules.)

Whether you are a faculty member, student, or practitioner, the TUUI Collaborative provides unique opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research, access resources, present your work/agency needs/company’s new product, and expand your network with leading experts and institutions worldwide. Through activity groups, members can collaborate on cutting-edge projects, develop and disseminate research, participate in annual workshops and training, and help shape the future of urban infrastructure innovation.

UKCRIC Executive Manager, Dr Joanne Leach is a member of the Steering Committee and we invite you to join the TUUI Collaborative as a member, sign up to be on the listserv, and play an active role in shaping the future of urban underground infrastructure. The goal is to learn from one another, collaborate across disciplines, and drive meaningful innovations that advance the future of sustainable, resilient urban environments.

Become a member today through the TUUI website to get involved and start making an impact. 

First activity group proposals are due December 22, 2025. The first on-line meeting will take place 5:00 PM ET, Monday, December 1, 2025 via zoom (become a member to receive the link).