Katrina Macapagal, Author at Edinburgh Futures Institute

“Radical interdisciplinarity” and the necessity of marrying culture and science

A woman holding a book and a man in a lab coat holding a clipboard face each other by train tracks, with a city skyline and large gears in the background.

Professor Marion Thain on why understanding culture and the humanities is crucial for tackling today’s scientific, technological, and social challenges.

Industry Voice: Travel insurance in a volatile world

Illustrated background with a person looking at a cityscape. Overlay text reads "Joshua Ryan-Saha & Tobi Schneider, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Futures Institute.

In the first of a two-part examination on a new social contract for travel insurance, Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Travel, Tourism and Festivals, and Tobi Schneider, Sector Engagement Lead, Financial Services and Fintech, consider the huge changes happening in the travel and tourism sector, and the challenges it faces

Welcome Week 2025 at Edinburgh Futures Institute

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Each September, Edinburgh Futures Institute welcomes new minds—and new futures – setting the stage for a year of bold, interdisciplinary collaboration, both on campus and online.

Showcasing digital scaffolding for futures-led design sprints

Two people stand near a desk, looking at a large monitor with colorful charts and diagrams. One person in a pink shirt points at the screen while the other listens. A laptop showing similar content is on the desk.

The Futures and Design team presented a milestone publication at the 2025 European Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work.

Calmer waters downstream

A close-up view of a shallow stream flowing over rocks, with water glistening in sunlight and creating ripples and reflections among the smooth, mossy stones.

Writer-at-large Katherine Trebeck reflects on why we need upstream actions, not downstream responses, to the crises our world faces today.

Innovating Together: Edinburgh Futures Institute Students Partner with Nesta

A collage of three people smiling at the camera. The first person wears glasses and a white shirt, the second person has curly hair and a red jacket, and the third person has short hair and a black jacket.

Edinburgh Futures Institute postgraduate students share their experience working with Nesta, UK’s innovation agency for social good, as a Futures Projects Partner.

Art shows celebrate fresh dimensions of AI

Two people observe a digital art display with abstract, earthy visuals on a wide, horizontal screen in a modern, well-lit gallery space.

Lively artworks offering perspectives on the current use and future possibilities of artificial intelligence premiered in two new Edinburgh exhibitions.

Researching interdisciplinary learning and teaching in practice

An open toolbox contains tools and sticky notes labeled: "SYSTEMS THINKING," "COMMUNICATION," "PERSPECTIVE SHIFTING," "CRITICAL SYNTHESIS," and "RESILIENCE." A pencil lies in front of the toolbox.

In this post, Dr Jenny Scoles shares her experience of researching interdisciplinary learning and teaching.

Join us at the 2025 Edinburgh Festivals

People gather on a grassy lawn with picnic tables, surrounded by historic and modern buildings under a sunny blue sky. Some are sitting, others walking, and a large tent is set up in the background.

We are thrilled to support exciting events in three of the city’s major festivals: the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Edinburgh Art Festival.

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.

“Radical interdisciplinarity” and the necessity of marrying culture and science

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