The BASt's mission is to improve the safety, environmental impact, economic efficiency and performance of road infrastructure.
The BASt provides the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) with science-based decision-making assistance on technical and transport policy issues. Its tasks range from the planning, coordination and execution of multi-year research projects to answering questions at short notice to support the BMDV's day-to-day work. It plays a leading role in the network of leading national and European research institutes in the field of road engineering and is involved in the development of regulations and standards in nearly 800 national and international committees.
BASt was founded in 1951. It has been the main centre for road traffic accident research in Germany since 1970.
In order to provide the Federal Ministry of Transport with scientifically sound decision-making aids for upcoming transport policy and technical issues in the field of road engineering, the BASt conducts its own research. This includes participation in and management of research projects funded by third parties (EU, BMBF, BMWK). BASt experts also coordinate and supervise external research projects.
The research goals are:
• Improving and increasing efficiency in the construction and maintenance, as well as improving the reliability of road infrastructure.
• Improving the efficiency of the roads as a transport system.
• Improving road safety.
• Improving the environmental compatibility of road construction and road traffic.
• Strengthening the resilience of roads as a transport system.
• Boosting technological progress in the road sector.
