Research director Elizabeth Box has announced she will be departing from the RAC Foundation at the end of March, after two decades working with the organisation.
Dr Box joined the RAC Foundation in 2006 and has been responsible for a wealth of research, much of which shapes current thinking and policy in certain aspects of road safety.
In recent years, much of Dr Box’s focus has been on pre/young driver education, spearheading the move away from shock tactics and fear appeal.
The work has led to the creation of the DriveFit road safety intervention, designed to equip Year 12 students with the essential skills for safe driving.
Recent research has also underlined the crucial role parental influence plays in shaping young drivers’ behaviours.
Posting on LinkedIn, Dr Box said she has had “the privilege of working on important transport and road safety issues alongside brilliant colleagues and collaborators, both inside and outside the organisation”.
Dr Box added: “The Foundation occupies a unique place in the transport world, bridging research and data on one side with policy and practice on the other. I’ve often seen my role within that as a translator, helping ensure evidence informs the choices that shape policy and practice.
“That applied focus has always mattered to me. Research should guide action. It shouldn’t just sit on a shelf.”
Looking forward, Dr Box will be focusing full-time on ECM Research Solutions, the consultancy she founded in 2023.
She also plans to continue working in road safety research, supporting organisations to design and evaluate interventions and policies “grounded in behavioural science and robust evidence”.
Dr Box added: “Thank you to everyone I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years. I hope our paths will continue to cross.
“I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming months about what’s next for ECM Research Solutions. The work continues.”
The RAC Foundation has begun advertising for Dr Box’s replacement. The role combines undertaking original research with commissioning and managing projects delivered by leading universities and consultancies. It is open for applications until 31 March.
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