Dr. Bryan Reimer, a Research Scientist at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL), has been awarded the 2025 A. R. Lauer Safety Award by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). The award honors outstanding contributions to human factors in the broad field of safety, recognizing individuals whose research and leadership have measurably improved public well-being.
For more than two decades, Reimer has conducted work at the intersection of human behavior, technology, and safety. His research focuses on advanced vehicle technology and has progressed understandings of driver attention, human–automation interaction, and designing adaptive systems that support safety in increasingly automated environments. Reimer’s research has resulted in over 150 academic papers and reports, and numerous industry collaborations. His work has informed global automotive safety practices and influenced how human factors principles are applied across transportation modes. His new book, How to Make AI Useful, co-authored with futurologist Magnus Lindkvist, moves past speculations around AI to focus on its practical benefits as a tool that amplifies human capability, just as electricity, the PC, and the smartphone did.
“Bryan has made exceptional and influential research contributions to the field of driving behavior and safety—and his scientific impact has been remarkable by any standard,” said Linda Angell, who chairs the HFES A. R. Lauer Safety Award Committee. “But improving safety takes more than research. It requires moving stakeholders toward a common understanding and catalyzing action on shared goals. Bryan stands out for his ability to engage leaders across automakers, suppliers, insurers, and policymakers to work together on safety.”
Reimer called the recognition “an incredible validation” of his two-decade career dedicated to researching and promoting safety. “While I have authored hundreds of papers and delivered countless talks, this award represents a deeper recognition of the collective impact of these efforts, and it is especially meaningful to have that work acknowledged by the HFES community,” he said. “Looking ahead, I see this honor not only as recognition of past work, but also as encouragement to continue advancing the principles of human factors in transportation, AI, and in the many ways they shape the future of business, society, and everyday life.”
“Dr. Reimer’s work, though grounded in automotive research and innovation, has steadily focused on what’s most important—safety and how humans will actually use these technologies,” said Yossi Sheffi, Director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics. “This award is a testament both to his impact and to the broader mission we pursue at MIT CTL: translating rigorous research into practical benefits.”
Photo credit: Steve Kemp