Research Assistant: Analyzing Cycling and Alternative Transportation Behavior in Copenhagen through a Nordic Sustainable Model

Introduction to the topic:

Copenhagen is globally renowned for its sustainability, exemplified by its exceptional bikeability, robust circular economy policies, and accessible public spaces. This commitment extends to progressive green transportation initiatives, integrating shared bikes, cargo bikes, and e-scooters alongside conventional gas-powered vehicles.

Project details:

This project aims to explore sustainable transportation and urban planning within Copenhagen’s environmental sustainability transition. Through the application of mobilities and urban planning theories, alongside interview and ethnographic methods, the research aims to gain qualitative insights through an interpretative and reflexive approach. These nuances are crucial for developing sustainable cycling and transport policies, potentially setting a precedent for other cities aiming to enhance their environmental credentials.

In your role as a Research Assistant, you will analyze behaviors, practices, and the culture related to everyday cycling and alternative transportation methods in Copenhagen. Depending on when in the lifetime of the project you join, this will include research and the development of qualitative research methods, ethnographic fieldwork (observation, photography, video, and logbooks) and interviews with users of bikes and alternative transportation modes, and the gathering and analysis of data. You can expect to gain a comprehensive understating of qualitative research methodologies, research design, and academic analyses related to mobility and urban studies.

The findings of this research could influence policy decisions through Copenhagen’s Green Mobility Solutions. Substantial and robust data and research findings will be presented to planners and officials from the city’s Mobility Unit, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of sustainable transport initiatives. Additionally, the gained nuances may support the development of evidence-based policies, further enhancing Copenhagen’s sustainability reputation.

Selected relevant publications:

Abduljabbar, Rusul L., S. Liyanage, and H. Dia. 2021. “The role of micro-mobility in shaping
sustainable cities: A systematic literature review.” Transportation Research Part D: Transport and
Environment, 92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.102734
Freudendal-Pedersen, M. 2018. “Engaging with Sustainable Urban Mobilities in Western Europe: Urban Utopias Seen through Cycling in Copenhagen.” In Handbook of Anthropology and the City, edited by S. Low, 240–253. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315647098-17
Sheller, M., & Urry, J. (2006). “The New Mobilities Paradigm.”, Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 38(2), 207–226. DOI:10.1068/a37268
Copenhagen Municipality. 2012. Good, better, best. The city of Copenhagen’s bicycle strategy 2011-2025

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Go to syllabus

This is the most recent syllabus for this course

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Faculty

architecture-and-design-juan-carlos-finck-carrales[1]

Juan Carlos Fink Carrales

Faculty

PhD in Social Sciences, Program of Society, Space and Technology (Roskilde University, Denmark). M.Sc. Urban Development Projects (Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico). B.Sc. Policy and Social Management (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico). External Lecturer, Roskilde University (2017-present). Professional Consultant on Green Mobility, Urban Planning, and Social Communication, Finck Consulting (2020-present). Support Teacher, Olivia Danmark. General Secretary, Actúa DF – NGO (2014-2015). Research Manager, SEEMA Agency of Digital Marketing and Social Communication (2013-2015). Analysis Supervisor, Eficiencia Informativa S.A.P.I de C.V (2012-2013). Strategic Analyst, Eficiencia Informativa S.A.P.I de C.V (2011-2012). With DIS Since 2026.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Syllabus

Fall 2025

Additional research application required

Faculty

Juan Carlos Fink Carrales

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?