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.

A warm welcome to all
Kev Dhaliwal, Interim Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute

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

Futures Institute wins global accolade in design 

Aerial view of a multi-level staircase with a person sitting in the center on the landing. Sunlight casts shadows on the steps. The stair railings create geometric patterns, enhancing the perspective.

Edinburgh Futures Institute has been honoured with the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ in the Prix Versailles’ 2024 World Titles.

Featured News

Edinburgh Futures Institute Winter Graduation 2024

A large group of graduates in black gowns and caps celebrate in front of a historic building. Some are holding diplomas, and others are raising their arms in joy. The building facade features brickwork and large windows.

Huge congratulations to all our Winter 2024 graduates!

Events

Upcoming

We’ve moved into our new home

Edinburgh Futures Institute has moved into its stunning new home at the Old Royal Infirmary.

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

Brick clocktower and front entrance of EFI building.

Our sectors in focus

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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

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Explore our ecosystem

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Learn about our approach

headshot of katherine trebek

Meet our writer-at-large

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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