Edinburgh Futures Institute

A new futures-focused space for learning, research, and innovation at the University of Edinburgh.

Free online SHort course: DATA Ethics, AI and Responsible Innovation

Taught by leading experts in data science, AI, information law, science and technology studies, and responsible research and innovation

We are for the pathfinders, the inquisitive, and those who want to make our complex world better.

KEV DHALIWAL
[Interim Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute]
a warm welcome to all

Kev Dhaliwal headshot

Welcome to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, an inspirational place that is now delivering one of the most exciting interdisciplinary programs spanning education, research and innovation cultures. The core values and mission of the Futures Institute is to be an open door and portal for new ideas and new ways of working and to challenge, create and develop new approaches to make the world a better place.

At the heart of this is our commitment to be people focused and collaborative. Our challenge led interdisciplinary, data driven, co-creative approach brings together all the schools of the University of Edinburgh.

In this magical new environment we’re in the resurrection of the beautiful old Royal Infirmary. An ecosystem is emerging that is an open door to the city and beyond, firmly placing the Futures Institute as a place for all. Interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial and truly welcoming underpin how we co-create, learn, teach and work together.

Inside the building, we are bringing together diverse stakeholders, including civic, social and commercial organisations, to build a vibrant, exciting and fun environment that energises, responds and creates new futures. So welcome the Futures Institute and please come and join us.

Study

Futures-focused undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education

Research

Support for interdisciplinary, data-driven research innovation

Engage & Innovate

Collaboration and innovation opportunities for people and organisations

Latest news and thinking

Featured News

Call for Participatory Artist for “Modelling the Future” 3D project

Community
Back of man looking at artwork

The Ripple Project and the Binks Hub are looking for a participatory artist who has experience working with communities to join their “Modelling the Future” 3D project.

Featured News

Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities (DARIAH-EU) Partnership

The Centre for Data, Culture & Society is delighted to announce a new Cooperating Partnership between the University of Edinburgh and the Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities (DARIAH-EU).  

Events

Watch the Power Trip season on demand

“This was such an inspiring meeting of minds and hearts, especially in these difficult and heartbreaking times, it felt like an oasis of calm, constructive and intersectional thinking.'”

Event attendee, Power Trip, Autumn 2023

Upcoming

We’re moving into our new home

Edinburgh Futures Institute is moving into its stunning new home at the Old Royal Infirmary in phases over 2023/24.

New tenancy opportunities for organisations and businesses coming 2024/25.

Our sectors in focus

A DJ standing over his decks, red tint over image.

Creative
industries

Financial Services
& FinTech

Public
Services

tourism, Travel
& festivals

“With a philosophy of delivering challenge-led, transdisciplinary, multi-sector collaborations that innovate responsibly, the Data for Children Collaborative, is a living and breathing example of what Edinburgh Futures Institute is all about – using novel approaches to build better futures.”

Alex Hutchison, Programme Director, Data for Children Collaborative

Discover more at Edinburgh Futures Institute

People experimenting with virtual reality headsets

Explore our ecosystem

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Learn about our approach

Headshot of Katherine Trebek

Meet our writer-at-large

A group of undergraduate students outside a building, green tint over image.

Support the future


Follow us @uoe_efi

“The Edinburgh Futures Institute is an integral part of the University of Edinburgh and our future. It is an integral part of our commitment to the local communities in which we operate and for our place in the world. Recognising that the biggest challenges facing society are complex and multi-layered, and that insight and innovation often comes from bringing together expertise across different disciplines, the Futures Institute is creating a new environment for learning, teaching, research and engagement. It is doing so side-by-side with communities, business and industry and governments.”

Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh

Join us to challenge, create, and make change happen.

#ChallengeCreateChange