Denise Beil

Denise Beil is a PhD candidate at the University of Antwerp and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. Her research focuses on the predictive policy impact assessment of modal shift measures in freight transport, with a particular focus on the TEN-T Rhine–Danube Corridor. She combines behavioral and spatial modeling to assess how policy measures can accelerate a modal shift from road to rail and inland waterways in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. 

Denise Beil’s PhD project investigates how regulatory, infrastructural, and incentive-based policies influence freight mode choice decisions in Europe. Motivated by the objectives of the European Green Deal, her research aims to understand the behavioral mechanisms that drive a shift from road to more sustainable modes such as rail and inland waterways. Her work applies a stated preference discrete choice experiment (SP-DCE) to quantify how logistics actors [shippers and logistics service providers] respond to policy-induced changes in transport cost, transit time, reliability, and service frequency. These behavioral parameters are then integrated into a corridor-based freight flow simulation model, enabling a predictive assessment of how policy measures affect freight flows and modal split. The PhD-project is conducted in collaboration between the University of Antwerp and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, involving partnerships with European logistics institutions and policy stakeholders. Its ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, supporting the transition toward a more efficient and climate-neutral European freight transport system.