Edinburgh Futures Institute

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

New
Futures Conversations podcast
EPISODE 2: Liz McFall: The Data Civics Observatory

Professor Liz McFall charts her journey from growing up in West Lothian, Scotland, to exploring vital questions about democracy and data in the Data Civics Observatory which she leads at the Futures Institute. 

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

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

Introducing a new creative space at Edinburgh Futures Institute 

A gallery room with blue walls features a long table displaying architectural models and design books. Poster boards with text and images are hung along the walls. Two ceiling lights with orange shades illuminate the space.

We are delighted to announce the development of the Anthea Bond Exhibition Room at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

Featured News

New partnership aims to develop insurance for AI risks

A person in a suit holds out their hand, above which are digital icons of a house, family, and umbrella, symbolizing protection and insurance. Various medical and security icons surround the main symbols.

A new £2m academic-industry partnership will develop novel methods to insure against risk associated with the commercial application of AI.

Join the conversation

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Listen now

Upcoming events

















We’ve moved into our new home

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

Brick clocktower and front entrance of EFI building.

Co-location opportunities

Find out more about co-location opportunities at The University of Edinburgh’s data-driven innovation hubs.

Co-location spaces at Edinburgh Futures Institute are focused on our four key sectors; creative industries, financial services and fintech, public services and tourism, travel and festivals.

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

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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