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Edinburgh Futures Institute
  • About
    • Our approach
    • Ecosystem
    • People
    • Our new home
    • Culture & community
    • Writer-at-large
    • Our progress
    • Support
      the future
  • Study
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
      • Circular Economy
      • Creative Industries
      • Cultural Heritage Futures
      • Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics
      • Data, Inequality and Society
      • Education Futures
      • Future Governance
      • Future Infrastructure, Climate Change & Sustainability
      • Narrative Futures: Art, Data and Society
      • Planetary Health
      • Service Management and Design
      • Sustainable Lands and Cities
    • Executive Education
    • Future/s of Education
    • Student Community
    • Student Stories
  • Research
    • Research centres and hubs
    • Research clusters
    • Research development
    • Data-led methods and research technology
    • Internal seed funding
    • Our research community
  • Engage & Innovate
    • Creative
      Industries
    • Financial Services
      & FinTech
    • Public
      Services
    • Tourism, Travel
      & Festivals
  • News
    • Futures Conversations Podcast
  • Events
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    • Love Machine:
      Spring 2023
    • First Breath:
      Autumn 2022
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Home > Events

Events

We offer open and participatory events that showcase interdisciplinary work and impact and spark ideas, inspiration and debate. 

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264 events found.

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  • October 2022

  • Mon 10
    Image text reads: 'The Future of Climate Justice - The Future of Climate Justice, Reparation and Equality. With logo of Edinburgh Futures Institute, part of the Edinburgh Futures Conversations series. Includes headshots of panelists.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    10th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    The Future of Climate Justice – Reparation and Equality

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    It is not enough to recognise that climate change is accelerating. Climate change is one of the greatest drivers of injustice the world has ever seen. Those who have contributed the least are facing the greatest burden from an increasingly volatile climate system. While everyone is witnessing the impacts of climate change, in many regions ... Read more

    Free
  • Fri 14
    Headshot of  Khairani Barokka. Image text reads: 'The Future of Climate Justice - Amuk: A Performance by Khairani Barokka.' With logo of Edinburgh Futures Institute, part of the Edinburgh Futures Conversations series
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    14th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations – AMUK

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    While everyone is witnessing the impacts of climate change, in many regions of the world people are losing their homes, livelihoods, culture and lives. It is not enough to recognise that climate change is accelerating. Climate change is one of the greatest drivers of injustice the world has ever seen. In AMUK, Indonesian writer and ... Read more

    Free
  • Wed 19
    Text reads: Data + Design Lab. With curved arrows pointing to 'co-creative' and 'participatory'.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    19th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations – A Watch Party

    Room LG.11 - 40 George Square, The University of Edinburgh 40 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This is an opportunity for the EFI and its extended community to come together and join a live viewing of the online panel in a casual and relaxed atmosphere and to extend into Digesting the Futures Conversations – a Long table discussion.

  • Wed 19
    Image text reads: 'The Future of Climate Justice - The Future of Climate Justice: Actions that change systems'. With logo of Edinburgh Futures Institute, part of the Edinburgh Futures Conversations series. Includes headshots of panelists.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    19th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    The Future of Climate Justice – Actions that change systems

    While everyone is witnessing the impacts of climate change, in many regions of the world people are losing their homes, livelihoods, culture and lives. It is not enough to recognise that climate change is accelerating. Climate change is one of the greatest drivers of injustice the world has ever seen. The final event in The ... Read more

    Free
  • Thu 20
    Text reads: Data + Design Lab. With curved arrows pointing to 'co-creative' and 'participatory'.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    20th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Digesting the Futures Conversations

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Our objective is to reflect on the Edinburgh Futures Conversations and create an open platform to share knowledge through conversation. Conceived by Lois Weaver, a Long Table is a dinner table setting where, instead of food, conversation is on the menu. Hosted in a physical space, it is a non-hierarchical process of participation where people ... Read more

  • Fri 21
    Scottish BPOC Writers Network Logo
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    21st October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Scottish BPOC Writers Network: First Breath – Artist reflections

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join an evening of celebration as the Scottish Black and PoC (BPOC) Writers Network invites you to admire three brilliant Black artists and writers to read and present some of their work and practice. Expect poetry as well as more visual art forms, exuberant talent, and a candid discussion amongst panellists. The creatives have been ... Read more

    Free
  • Mon 24
    Headshots of Toluse Olorunnipa, Robert Samuels and Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    24th October 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    His Name is George Floyd

    You know how he died. This is how he lived. A conversation with the authors of this intimate, scrupulous biography which places Floyd's life in the context of white supremacy. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with friends and family members, His Name Is George Floyd reveals the myriad ways that structural racism shaped Floyd's life ... Read more

    Free
  • Fri 28
    Image text reads: 'The New Real'
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    28th October 2022 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST

    The New Real Salon: Exploring the future of AI and the arts

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of EFI’s inaugural event season, The New Real Gala will present international projects and practitioners, alongside highlights of our most recent research partnerships with artists and festivals. Leading contemporary AI artists, designers and scientists will explore the most transformative technologies out there and announce a major new programme on Next Generation Intelligent Experiences. The ... Read more

    Free
  • November 2022

  • Fri 4
    Headshots of Stephanie Lamprea and Jessica Gaitán Johannesson 
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    4th November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Soroche: On Heights and Climates

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Soroche is the word used in Colombia to describe altitude sickness. In this multidisciplinary piece, combining text, music and imagery, writer Jessica Gaitan Johannesson and musician Stephanie Lamprea explore personal and collective history in relation to the country they share a connection with – Colombia. They are joined by musician Alistair MacDonald as they, through ... Read more

    Free
  • Mon 7
    Book cover reads: 'Half-Earth Socialism'
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    7th November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Half-Earth Socialism: Ambitious speculation on possible futures

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join a lively discussion with authors of the thrilling and provocative book, Half-Earth Socialism, as well as the designers who created a video game based on the book. The event will feature discussions and Q&A with the authors and designers, as well as a chance to explore the game! Half-Earth Socialism makes clear that while ... Read more

    Free
  • Fri 11
    People writing and looking at laptop during a workshop
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    11th November 2022 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Utopia Lab

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Utopia is a ‘no-space’ for contemplation, innovation and collaboration. The term utopia was coined from Greek by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book Utopia, describing a fictional island society in the Atlantic Ocean. The word comes from Greek: οὐ ("not") and τόπος ("place") and means "no-place", and strictly describes any non-existent society 'described in ... Read more

    Free
  • Mon 14
    Black and white image of ocean and skies. Image text reads: Student Photography Competition: Exhibition and Celebration. Theme: Climate Justice. Includes logo of the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    14th November 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM GMT

    EFI Student Photography Competition: The Future of Climate Justice

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us for a drink and delicious, celebratory treat as we reveal the winners of the Edinburgh Futures Institute's Student Photography Competition and view a selection of the submitted photographs. Professor Liz Grant, Assistant Principal (Global Health) and Director of the Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh, will announce the winners and speak ... Read more

    Free
  • Wed 16
    Image of Farah Saleh in performance
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    16th November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    What My Body Can/t Remember

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Since 2014, Palestinian dancer and choreographer Farah Saleh has been creating an Archive of Gestures through the re-enactment, transformation, and analyses of bodily gestures and movements. In What My Body Can/t Remember, Saleh explores what her body can and can’t remember of her life in Ramallah in 2002 when, living under curfew, she returned to ... Read more

    Free
  • Fri 18
    Headshot of Gaia Vince
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    18th November 2022 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM GMT

    Nomad Century: Gaia Vince in conversation with Elizabeth Cripps

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Author Gaia Vince draws attention to mass migration and climate change at a time when huge swathes of the world are becoming uninhabitable. ‘Gaia Vince's new book should be read not just by every politician, but by every person on the planet, because it lays out, much more clearly than any existing scientific assessment, the ... Read more

    Free
  • Mon 21
    Abstract image of data points on green background
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    21st November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Technomoral Conversations: Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    What is the impact of AI on the planet? There are reasons to hope that data-driven efficiencies and insights can help produce innovative solutions to the climate emergency, touching areas such as energy, biodiversity monitoring and conservation, transportation, water conservation, and agriculture, among others. On the other hand, there are also real concerns about the ... Read more

    Free
  • Wed 23
    Headshot of writer Anthony Anaxagorou
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    23rd November 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Writing the Air: A writing masterclass with Anthony Anaxagorou

    In this participatory workshop, poet Anthony Anaxagorou will be asking what happens if we expand the idea of ‘air’ or first breath to mean a new beginning. Can the idea of air invoke fresh possibilities or social reform? Can air and breath can be reshaped to move beyond the conventional understanding of these terms? How ... Read more

    Free
  • Tue 29
    Text reads: Data + Design Lab. With curved arrows pointing to 'co-creative' and 'participatory'.
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    29th November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    The Fight for Climate after Covid-19 – A Watch Party

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This is an opportunity for the EFI and its extended community to come together and join a live viewing of the online event, 'The Fight for Climate after Covid-19: A conversation with Alice C. Hill' in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

    Free
  • Tue 29
    Book cover text reads: 'The Fight for Climate after Covid-19'
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    29th November 2022 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    The Fight for Climate after Covid-19: A conversation with Alice C. Hill

    The catastrophic risks of pandemics and climate change carry deep uncertainty as to when they will occur, how they will unfold, and how much damage they will do. The most important question is how we can face these risks to minimize them most. Alice C. Hill’s book, The Fight for Climate after COVID-19, draws on ... Read more

    Free
  • December 2022

  • Fri 2
    Abstract image of islands
    • First Breath: Autumn 2022
    2nd December 2022 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    An Island of Sound: J. R. Carpenter with Jules Rawlinson

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    From the classical period through the early modern, tales abounded of distant islands inhabited by demons, devils, evil spirits, and all manner of winged creatures. The Sirens lured sailors to shipwreck with singing voices. The sprite Ariel conjures up a storm. The stories we tell ourselves to make sense of wind. An Island of Sound ... Read more

    Free
  • January 2023

  • Mon 30
    Robot holding heart in hand
    Featured 30th January 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Love Machine: Spring 2023 EFI Event Season Launch

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    This event marks the opening of the Edinburgh Futures Institute’s Spring 2023 season and is by invitation only. After this event, bookings will officially open to everyone for our Spring 2023 programme of events, created in collaboration with partners across the Edinburgh Futures Institute, will run from March to May 2023!

    Free
  • March 2023

  • Mon 6
    A promotional banner for an event titled "The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Shaping our AI Futures" organized by the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Futures Institute. The banner features headshots of five speakers against a dark background.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    6th March 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations – Shaping our AI Futures

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    This panel opens the fourth in the University’s Futures Conversations series on Artificial Intelligence. In this event, we bring together leading experts from the worlds of science, politics, and civil society to debate what our AI futures may bring, and to develop ideas for what is needed to advance our collective ability to put AI to the best possible use.

    Free
  • Wed 8
    Promotional image for an event at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh. The text reads "The Future of Artificial Intelligence - Between Two Waters: A Performance." A grayscale image of a person in an artistic pose is on the right side.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    8th March 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations – Between Two Waters: A Performance

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    This show is part of our Futures Conversations series – Shaping our AI Futures – and explores the delicate and intricately evolving relationship between humans and machines, through a dynamic dance between a dancer and a soft robot as the focal point.

    Free
  • Fri 10
    A comic-style illustration features a hand holding a smartphone with a large, vibrant pink heart displayed on the screen. The background has a dynamic blue dotted pattern with various small stars scattered around, creating an energetic and lively atmosphere.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    10th March 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    In this panel, speakers will briefly showcase their work on the intersections of technology and sexuality. When we are repeatedly told who and what to desire by apps, platforms and websites the relationship between technology and sexuality feels impossible to escape. We might not know what we really, really want.

    Free
  • Mon 13
    Three people are sitting on chairs, with the middle person replaced by a sketch of a robot. The man on the left is using a laptop, the woman on the right is reading an orange folder, and the middle robot sketch appears to be in a seated position.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    13th March 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Living with Robots

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    A panel discussion among experts on what it means to ‘live well’ with robots.

    Free
  • Fri 24
    A surreal scene features colorful, multi-faceted geometric shapes floating in the air and resting on white steps in front of a large, textured blue wall. The shapes vary in color, including reds, yellows, oranges, blues, and greens.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    24th March 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM GMT

    Reimagining Universities: Speculative Scenarios for Higher Education

    Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Room G.03 47 Potterrow, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Professors from the Centre for Research in Digital Education at the University of Edinburgh will share their speculative scenarios for Higher Education Futures in an event which will be a mix of research-sharing, storytelling and collaboration.

    Free
  • Fri 24
    Book cover for "Limbic" by Peter Scalpello. The cover features a close-up photo of a person gently biting another person's shoulder. The title "LIMBIC" is prominently displayed in pink capital letters across the image, with colorful vertical lines on the sides.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    24th March 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    LIMBIC: Ego, Elegy, Ecstasy

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    This audio-visual performance by composer Philly Holmes responds to Limbic, a poetry collection by Peter Scalpello. Through words, sound and imagery, the performance traces a personal narrative exploring intimacy and queer discovery, enacting the confusions and graces of a queer life through hybridity of storytelling forms.

    Free
  • Mon 27
    A person with short, platinum and purple hair smiles, facing to the right. They are wearing a black top, and they are set against a plain white background. The lighting highlights their profile, capturing a side view.
    • Creative Industries
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    27th March 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM BST

    Robotic Poems: A Writing Workshop with Lillian-Yvonne Bertram

    Virtual Event

    In this workshop, participants will learn basic coding elements to create a simple poem generator. The emphasis is on play and experimentation, with some background information on literary techniques. Participants will experience how computational poetics and computational thinking can jumpstart or become part of a creative writing process.  

    Free
  • Tue 28
    A person in a beige shirt holds their face with both hands, making contact with what appears to be water splashing. The background is black, with white text at the top reading "Scottish Dance Theatre." The image conveys a sense of motion and intensity.
    • Creative Industries
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    28th March 2023 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    The Inquisitive Bodymind: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dr Marisa De Andrade

    Traverse Bar, Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The multidisciplinary event will feature short performances by Scottish Dance Theatre’s dancers, including an excerpt from ‘Thin h/as h/air’ by choreographer Pauline Torzuoli. Inspired by the natural phenomena of Itla Okla and Hair Ice, this playful and poetic solo work follows the journey of a man: from scientist to the spirit of a tree.

    Free
  • Wed 29
    A white mannequin head wears a virtual reality headset. Various yellow fashion accessories, including a hat, glasses, high heel shoe, sneaker, handbag, watch, and hanger, float around the head against a bright yellow background.
    • Creative Industries
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    29th March 2023 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM BST

    For the Love of Fashion

    Virtual Event

    Our love of fashion is driving an unsustainable system of manufacturing, distributing and disposing of our clothing that is impacting our planet. How can we change our behaviour and the system for the love of the planet? How can we harness new technology such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics and informatics, and creative tools such as Augmented and Virtual Reality?

    Free
  • April 2023

  • Mon 3
    A man with short brown hair, wearing a dark collared shirt, is looking directly at the camera. The background is a plain, light-colored wall.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    • Public Services
    3rd April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Rule of the Robots: A Conversation with Martin Ford

    Virtual Event

    A discussion with Rule of the Robots author Martin Ford, who argues that the true AI revolution is yet to come.

    Free
  • Wed 5
    An abstract cloud of letters.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    5th April 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM BST

    Post-Internet Pleasure as an Act of Poetics

    Virtual Event

    This writing workshop will look at a range of writers and theories, exploring interdisciplinary strands of New Media hybrid writing. You will be provided with the tools and ideas to craft your own digital poetics, and means by which to use the virtual on the page, creating and fostering a relationship between the machine and the author.  

    Free
  • Tue 11
    A close-up image of a person holding the hand of a black, high-tech robotic prosthetic arm. The person’s other hand is gently gripping the prosthetic hand, which appears to have a textured, carbon-fiber-like surface. The background is blurred.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    11th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Hybrid Humans: Harry Parker and Bertolt Meyer

    Virtual Event

    How can the latest developments in technology, robotics and implants lead to powerful and liberating possibilities for what bodies can be? In this event, speakers share their eye-opening accounts of disability, identity, and how robotics and AI are altering what it means to be human. 

    Free
  • Thu 13
    A digital illustration showing five raised fists made of interconnected lines and particles, glowing and emitting light, over a dark background. The central fist is larger and more prominent, symbolizing strength and solidarity.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    13th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Hate in the Digital Era: Lilia Giugni and Matthew Williams

    Virtual Event

    How has technology exacerbated systems of oppression in the 21st century, and what can we do to resist? This event features a conversation with authors Matthew Williams and Lilia Giugni whose works examine different yet intersecting issues of human behaviour in the digital era. 

    Free
  • Fri 14
    A brightly lit conference space with people interacting. Some are standing and talking on tiered seating, while others are mingling. A display monitor and colorful yoga mats can be seen. Large windows allow natural light to fill the room, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    14th April 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM BST

    Utopia Lab: Futures Dreaming

    Project Room (1.06), 50 George Square 50 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Our Utopia Labs are ‘no-spaces’, places where everyone is welcome to join us in dreaming futures that inspire our experience of the present. In this session invited speakers will present visions of their Utopia, which we will (individually or in groups) respond to by creating our own artistic and creative mini-Utopias.

    Free
  • Tue 18
    A bright pink event ticket with the words "Festival Futures Now" printed on it in a bold, stylized font. The ticket has notches on both sides and a black border around the text. The background is a light beige color.
    • Creative Industries
    • Tourism & Festivals
    18th April 2023 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM BST

    CI Labs 23: FESTIVAL FUTURES

    Join us as we explore the themes, ideas and methods our researchers used to produce FestForward magazine – a fictional, speculative cultural magazine, set in 2030.

  • Wed 19
    A woman in a red shirt is sitting at a desk, smiling and gesturing animatedly while speaking into a microphone. She is in front of a laptop with a circular light ring, and there are papers and cables on the desk. The background is blurred with photos and Post-it notes on the wall.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    19th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    It’s All About the Feelings…

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A creative research project led by Beverley Hood, an artist and Reader in Technological Embodiment & Creative Practice at the University of Edinburgh, featuring actor, Pauline Goldsmith. How does sentiment recognition technology actually work and how accurate is it? This performance will reveal how emotional AI databases actually work, behind the smoke and mirrors.

    Free
  • Thu 20
    A golden piggy bank rests on a dark financial chart with colorful lines and data points. The chart features fluctuating lines indicating financial trends, while two yellow light spots create a warm glow effect on part of the scene.
    • Financial Services & FinTech
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    20th April 2023 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM BST

    AI in Banking: The Case for Customers

    Auditorium, Business School, The University of Edinburgh 29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    A panel discussion with experts in banking and fintech who will examine the benefits and risks of using AI in financial services.

    Free
  • Fri 21
    Aerial view of people walking on a large, light-colored open space with thin black lines connecting them in a web-like pattern. Individuals and small groups are scattered throughout, creating a visual network effect.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    • Public Services
    • Tourism & Festivals
    21st April 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Galvanised: Big Mind – Collective Behaviour and Collective Intelligence

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Virtual Event

    This Galvanised seminar addresses the opportunities that collective behaviour and collective intelligence may offer for addressing a wide range of social and political issues. In keeping with the dual science/arts theme of Galvanised, the seminar will be presented by a biological scientist and a social and political scientist. 

    Free
  • Mon 24
    A robot hand and a human hand come together to form the shape of a heart, symbolizing the connection between humans and technology. The background is a gradient of warm pink and red hues, radiating towards the center of the image.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    24th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Technomoral Conversations: Technologically Mediated Intimacy

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    Technomoral Conversations is a “fireside chat” series organised by The Centre for Technomoral Futures. This event will focus on our relationships with machines, from robot pets and therapeutic companions to apps for dating and romance, to technologies embedded in our bodies.

    Free
  • Wed 26
    A black and white abstract image featuring a distorted human figure with arms raised above the head. Yellow text at the bottom reads, "the voice is considered to be the most genuine and unique part of the individual because it makes its way from the inside out.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    26th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Speculative Forensics: Machine Learning and the Rise of Vocal Portraiture

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    As part of Adversarial Acoustics Unit Test (Martin Disley and Murad Khan) will screen their new short film, investigating the relationship between vocal forensics and machine learning through a mix of critical and speculative aesthetic practice. 

    Free
  • Fri 28
    A textured gray bust of a classical statue is digitally distorted with vibrant streaks of red, blue, and orange. The background transitions softly from blue on the left to pink on the right, adding a modern, glitch art effect to the traditional sculpture.
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    28th April 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Catharsis In the Age of the Metaverse

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The rise of Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality (AR/XR) with their applications urge us to investigate whether “catharsis” is still conceivable, in hybrid or entirely artificial environments; and how a reconfigured concept of “catharsis” can be envisioned as part of the co-evolution of human, natural, and artificial life forms.

    Free
  • May 2023

  • Tue 2
    A person with short hair smiles while looking up at bright yellow flowers. The individual is outdoors, surrounded by lush green foliage, and holding a branch of the flowers above their head. The scene conveys a joyful and serene moment in nature.
    • Creative Industries
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    2nd May 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST

    Creating Playful Comics Together with AI: A Workshop with Yana Knight

    Virtual Event

    In this workshop, artist Yana Knight will share a few ideas and techniques of working with AI as a creative medium and the potential that lurks within this collaboration to extend, support and enrich creativity.

    Free
  • Wed 3
    Image of performance by laptop trio 'Raw Green Rust'
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    3rd May 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Antagonistic Sextet: A Performance by Raw Green Rust

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    Raw Green Rust are an improvising laptop trio that make abstract glitch-dub that draws on wide ranging musical interests and interconnectedness. For this event, the trio will perform as an ‘Antagonistic Sextet’ with and against their own performance history.

    Free
  • Fri 5
    Image of The New Real event speakers captured on a camera
    • Creative Industries
    • Love Machine: Spring 2023
    • Tourism & Festivals
    5th May 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST

    The New Real Salon: Exploring the Future of AI and the Arts

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    The New Real’s research team and newly commissioned artist will present insights into what is happening in this area and new work currently in development using The New Real Observatory Platform, an unboxed AI tool created with and for artists.

    Free
  • June 2023

  • Mon 5
    Sand timer.
    5th June 2023 - 9th June 2023

    Text & Data Analysis SUMMER SCHOOL 2023

    The Summer School is an intensive, 5-day, in-person event, with a heavy practical focus. It consists of two simultaneously run streams: A Gentle Introduction to Coding for Data Analysis, and Text and Data Analysis in the Wild. Find out more about each stream and which best suits your needs below.

  • Wed 21
    Wide shot of Salisbury Crags overlooking the city.
    • Financial Services & FinTech
    21st June 2023 8:00 AM - 23rd June 2023 5:00 PM BST

    Economics of Financial Technology Conference

    The Economics of Financial Technology conference, organised by the Edinburgh Futures Institute and the University of Edinburgh Business School, brings together academics, policymakers, and finance professionals to share new insights and discuss the critical issues related to the application of technology to the practice of finance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

  • September 2023

  • Fri 22
    Event branding on blue background
    • Creative Industries
    • Training
    22nd September 2023 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM BST

    Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

    Online Edinburgh

    A free online training event exploring the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the publishing industry.

  • Sun 24
    South College Street building
    24th September 2023 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST

    Doors Open Day at South College Street

    South College Street 13-15 South College Street, Edinburgh

    Take a tour of the South College Street building during Doors Open Day.

  • Wed 27
    Woman with hand outstretched
    • Public Services
    • Talk/Discussion
    27th September 2023 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM BST

    The Violence Prevention Forum: A Dialogical Approach to Multi-Sectoral Engagement to Prevent Violence in South Africa

    Room G.07, Informatics Forum, The University of Edinburgh 10 Crichton Street, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Talk and discussion with Dr Chandré Gould about collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to violence prevention.

  • Thu 28
    Blue background with event text on top.
    • Creative Industries
    • Exhibition
    28th September 2023 8:30 AM - 29th September 2023 5:00 PM BST

    Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase 2023

    Central Hall 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh

    The Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase is an exciting two-day hybrid event and exhibition to explore how data-driven innovation is changing the world around us.

  • October 2023

  • Mon 9
    Red data graph
    • Financial Services & FinTech
    • Talk/Discussion
    9th October 2023 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM BST

    Human-Centric Finance

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Fintech companies are constantly innovating and developing new products and services. However, while many of the technological solutions are user-centred, they are not necessarily human-centred. They typically focus on process, user experience and scalability, but often neglect the deeper needs, emotions, instincts, and social factors that impact people's financial wellbeing. This event challenges fintech leaders ... Read more

  • Wed 11
    Figures of people with lines of connection
    • Talk/Discussion
    11th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Citizens Data Agency Event Series – What mobilises people against Big-Tech?

    Online Edinburgh

    In this event, Dr. Elinor Carmi will share her latest research report titled “What mobilises people against Big-Tech?”.

  • Thu 12
    Panelists for the future of leadership, leadership in times of crisis
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    12th October 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM BST

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations: The Future of Leadership

    McEwan Hall Teviot Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This flagship panel event opens the fifth in the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Conversations series.

    Free
  • Fri 13
    Black background with two black and white photos: a smiling individual with glasses on the left and another person lying with closed eyes on the right. White text: "The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Futures Institute The Future of Leadership A Performance.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    13th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Edinburgh Futures Conversations: A Performance

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This performance is part of our Futures Conversations series on the Future of Leadership.  

  • Tue 17
    Iceberg From Above
    • Talk/Discussion
    17th October 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM BST

    Sounding the Ice Factory

    West Court, Edinburgh College of Art 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Michael Begg presents work undertaken with People Ocean Planet, Marine Alliance of Science and Technology in this seminar presentation.

  • Tue 17
    Multi-coloured squares
    • Talk/Discussion
    17th October 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM BST

    The sounds of feeling well, feeling cared for

    Online Edinburgh

    Learning about the mental health needs of care-experienced young people.

  • Tue 17
    Person plucking guitar
    • Talk/Discussion
    17th October 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    Music-making beyond the classroom

    Online Edinburgh

    How music in alternative spaces is making a difference to young people and their communities.

  • Fri 20
    A silhouetted illustration of a key whose bittings are formed of tower blocks with lights on in the windows.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    20th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Handing Over Control with David Runciman

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join Professor David Runciman in conversation with Professor Shannon Vallor about his latest book, The Handover.

  • Wed 25
    Person wearing VR Headset
    • Creative Industries
    • Talk/Discussion
    25th October 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM BST

    FutureGaze: The Future of Creative Inclusion

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for FutureGaze, a series of conversations providing time out to reflect and gaze into the future of the creative industries.

  • Wed 25
    An illustration of a computer screen which has been shattered.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    25th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Seizing the Means of Computation with Cory Doctorow 

    Online Edinburgh

    Cory Doctorow will be in conversation about his book The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation.

  • Wed 25
    White background with black event text
    • Performance
    25th October 2023 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM BST

    The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas

    The Stand Comedy Club 5 York Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Hosted by comedian Susan Morrison, and now in its eleventh year, CODI is ninety minutes of rapid-fire research from some of the finest minds in the country.

  • Fri 27
    The Warmth of Other Suns by Bisa Butler
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    27th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Black History Month: Leaning into the Meta-Physics of Liberation 

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This Black History Month event will take on a long-discussed topic in the Black and Afrocentric movements across the world: the challenged idea and risks of leadership.

  • Fri 27
    Stock Chart On Laptop
    • Financial Services & FinTech
    • Lecture
    27th October 2023 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM BST

    Edinburgh Reforms: regulatory frameworks for driving growth and competitiveness

    Auditorium, Business School, The University of Edinburgh 29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This lecture will cover the regulatory issues emanating from the implementation of the UK government’s vision for an internationally competitive and innovative financial services sector in the UK.

  • Mon 30
    'Defiant Lives' in white letters on a red background.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    30th October 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Defiant Lives: The History of the Disability Rights Movement 

    Online Edinburgh

    A prerecorded conversation about the Disability Rights Movement with the makers of the film Defiant Lives.

  • November 2023

  • Fri 3
    A group of people standing in a circle with their hands on each other's shoulders.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    3rd November 2023 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Utopia Lab: Futures Dreaming 

    Project Room (1.06), 50 George Square 50 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    In this session invited speakers will present visions of their Utopia, which we will respond to by creating our own artistic, thoughtful and creative mini-Utopias.

  • Mon 6
    Large group of people from above forming an ear symbol on white background.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    6th November 2023 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM GMT

    Making Space: Creating a Culture of Listening in Healthcare

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Hybrid Event

    A panel event about the importance of creating spaces for listening in healthcare.

  • Tue 7
    Digital Justice & Policing event image
    • Talk/Discussion
    7th November 2023 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM GMT

    Digital Justice & Policing 2023

    University of Strathclyde, Technology & Innovation Centre 99 George Street, Glasgow

    Digital Justice & Policing is the largest gathering for digital justice practitioners in Scotland

  • Thu 9
    A photograph of an old stone building, taken looking out of a metal barred window with green stained glass panels at the top.
    • Lecture
    9th November 2023 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Dr Runa Mackay Legacy Lecture | Compassion And Justice: Conversations For Wellbeing Economy

    Martin Hall, New College, The University of Edinburgh Mound Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Dr Runa Mackay Legacy Lecture with Edinburgh Futures Institute's writer-at-large, Dr Katherine Trebeck.

    Free
  • Fri 10
    A video camera with a panel discussion visible in the viewfinder screen is silhouetted against the New Real logo.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    10th November 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    New Real Salon: “We Speak For…”

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    In this event, The New Real's Creative Agent, Caroline Sinders, convenes a group of practitioners who work on and with AI. Together they will explore future landscapes for creative AI and what co-creation between AI and artists will look like in the future.

  • Mon 13
    Event branding
    • Talk/Discussion
    13th November 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Speculative Futures Central Scotland #1— Finn Strivens and Eva Oosterlaken

    Online Edinburgh

    Speculative Futures Central Scotland hosts a conversation on participatory futures with Futurall, a research and design studio building hope, agency and action towards more equitable futures.

  • Mon 13
    A green triangle on a black background.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    13th November 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Building a Global Movement for Self-Managed Abortion

    Online Edinburgh
    Virtual Event

    Join us to discuss the women building a robust transnational feminist network, the tactics developed in the global south which are now being shared with feminists in Europe and North America, and building a new model for international feminist solidarity.

  • Thu 16
    Building facade shows a windows and rooms pattern at night. The exterior features illuminated and dark living spaces with people living like neighbours in a shared communal space.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    16th November 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Emotions at Work with Gabriella Braun

    Online Edinburgh
    Virtual Event

    Join us to discuss the human dynamics of the workplace, how to better understand our own inner theatre, and how this knowledge can create better managers and leaders.

  • Mon 20
    A map of the world made up of circuit board elements.
    • Power Trip: Autumn 2023
    20th November 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Technomoral Conversations: The Geopolitics of AI

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    As AI's influence grows, navigating its geopolitics becomes increasingly crucial for shaping the future of nations and their global relationships. 

  • Tue 21
    Image of a filled conference hall
    • Talk/Discussion
    21st November 2023 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Digital Scotland 2023

    Edinburgh International Conference Centre 150 Morrison St, Edinburgh

    DigitalScotland is the largest annual gathering of public sector technology professionals.

  • Fri 24
    Old Buildings in Edinburgh
    • Workshop
    24th November 2023 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM GMT

    Conservation and heritage buildings archetype & low-carbon heating approach

    Edinburgh Climate Change Institute High School Yards, Edinburgh

    This workshop will address the complexities, challenges and future scenarios facing the retrofitting and energy efficiency of existing buildings.

  • Wed 29
    A digital poster for the UK FinTech Symposium 2023. Event details include "Growing FinTech Innovation Across the UK" and date and location "29 November, Ox Edinburgh, Natwest Gogarburn." The background features a stylized map of the UK with lighted points indicating locations.
    • Talk/Discussion
    29th November 2023 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM GMT

    UK FinTech Symposium 2023

    OX Edinburgh Natwest Gogarburn, 175 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh

    The UK FinTech Symposium is the annual conference for the FinTech National Network and is the gathering place for FinTech leaders to collaborate, cooperate and develop new market opportunities.

  • December 2023

  • Thu 7
    Headshot of Michael Veale with conference branding
    • Lecture
    7th December 2023 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM GMT

    Governing the AI Business Model: Platforms All the Way Down?

    West Court, Edinburgh College of Art 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Join the Centre for Technomoral Futures for their Flagship Lecture, where delegates will hear from Dr Michael Veale on Governing the AI Business Model: Platforms All the Way Down?

  • Wed 13
    Tree branches painted on multi colour background
    • Lecture
    13th December 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM GMT

    CDCS Annual Lecture 2023

    West Court, Edinburgh College of Art 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    The fourth CDCS Annual Lecture How to See What’s Missing presented by Mary Flanagan.

  • Fri 15
    Block of wood with tools
    • Talk/Discussion
    15th December 2023 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM GMT

    Recycling a Hospital with Edinburgh Future’s Institute

    National Library of Scotland Edinburgh

    CreativeMornings Edinburgh invites you to join a conversation with the team behind the Recycling A Hospital project at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

  • January 2024

  • Wed 24
    Finger hovering over smartphone screen
    • Talk/Discussion
    24th January 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM GMT

    Project Deep Dive: Justin Chun-ting Ho

    Online Edinburgh

    Join the Centre for Data, Culture and Society for their first Project Deep Dive of the semester ‘Image and Text Analysis using Multi-modal Embeddings’ presented by Justin Chun-ting Ho.

  • Fri 26
    Black and white image of lamppost with posters on it.
    • Lecture
    26th January 2024 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Quantification of Labour: from the factory to the gig economy

    Newhaven Lecture Theatre 13-15 College Street, Edinburgh

    The use of science and technology to optimise the output of workers for the profit of business is not a new phenomenon. For this session we welcome two sociologists who work on the quantification of the body and worker, Dr Mark Patterson, and Dr Karen Gregory. Dr Patterson will explore the history of measurement of the ... Read more

  • February 2024

  • Fri 2
    Black and white image of lamppost with posters on it.
    • Lecture
    2nd February 2024 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Climate Extremes and Decision-making: it’s all about the models

    Newhaven Lecture Theatre 13-15 College Street, Edinburgh

    Prediction of the impacts of climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity, crucial tools that will support policy, business and civil society in planning mitigations - everything from the pricing of insurance to building community resilience and the speed of decarbonisation. Just as in the work done to demonstrate human impacts ... Read more

  • Tue 6
    An out-of-focus photo of a person with a white sheet over their head, wearing white, round sunglasses.
    • Talk/Discussion
    6th February 2024 4:30 AM - 6:30 PM GMT

    Music, Copyright & Generative AI: Social, Ontological & Legal Perspectives

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join MusAI and The New Real to delve into the intriguing intersection of artificial intelligence and music copyright.

    Free
  • Fri 9
    Black and white image of lamppost with posters on it.
    • Lecture
    9th February 2024 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    AI Safety and AI Ethics: bridging cultures of existential and social risk

    Newhaven Lecture Theatre 13-15 College Street, Edinburgh

    2023 was undoubtedly the year of 'AI' - when we were all amazed by the capabilities of ChatGTP and image generators, and stories of existential risks filled the media. This narrative seemed to be pushed by the very people who had invested most in developing Large Language Models, and were interlinked with the ideology of ... Read more

  • Fri 16
    Black and white image of lamppost with posters on it.
    • Lecture
    16th February 2024 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Protecting the State, Protecting our Homes: governing and designing cybersecurity

    Newhaven Lecture Theatre 13-15 College Street, Edinburgh

    As our society has become increasingly dependent on information infrastructures that reach into our pockets, homes and workplaces, we have become increasing vulnerable to attacks on and through these systems. How can we improve legal, technical and human dimensions of design and use to ensure future protection and resilience?

  • Mon 19
    A person casting a vote in a box. Graphic mashup using Canva, original image by element5digital.
    • Talk/Discussion
    19th February 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Project Deep Dive: Anja Neundorf

    Online Edinburgh

    Join the Centre for Data, Culture & Society and the Social Data Science Hub for a Project Deep Dive presented by Anja Neundorf, professor of Politics and Research Methods at the University of Glasgow.

    Free
  • Tue 20
    Multi-coloured background with black writing on top
    • Performance
    20th February 2024 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM GMT

    A New Sound

    Project Room (1.06), 50 George Square 50 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us for a day of creative discussion with other makers of multi-disciplinary and music driven performance to identify how we overcome barriers and envision a future together.

  • March 2024

  • Fri 1
    Black and white image of lamppost with posters on it.
    • Lecture
    1st March 2024 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Governance for a secure digital world

    Newhaven Lecture Theatre 13-15 College Street, Edinburgh

    Ensuring the safety of our information infrastructures is a huge challenge that involves human, legal, and technical cooperation at a global scale. The rise of new technology, especially AI, poses great challenges for the development of effective law and regulation. In this session we have a perspective from law and social science from the University ... Read more

  • Wed 13
    Person holding pencil to sheet of paper with laptop beside.
    • Talk/Discussion
    13th March 2024 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM GMT

    Project Deep Dive: Sruthi Herbert

    Digital Scholarship Centre Main Library, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

    The CDCS Project Deep Dive series continues with ‘Digitization for Social Welfare: Examining the Building and Other Construction Workers' (BOCW) Welfare Funds in India’ presented by Dr Sruthi Herbert.

  • Wed 13
    People walking along Southbank with the River Thames and London Skyscrapers in the background.
    • Talk/Discussion
    13th March 2024 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Compassion & Transforming the Economy: Merging the ‘Why’ and the ‘How’

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for a live-stream of this conversation hosted by Professor Liz Grant and Dr Katherine Trebeck, University of Edinburgh.

  • Mon 18
    A wide sandy beach stretches along a calm blue sea under a partly cloudy sky. In the distance, a large rocky island is visible on the horizon. Grass-covered dunes line the left side of the beach, providing a natural border.
    • Workshop
    18th March 2024 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Using poetry to communicate about research

    Medical School (Old Medical School), The University of Edinburgh (MST_Teaching Room 12 (01M.469) - Doorway 3) Teviot Place, Edinburgh

    This workshop organised by The Binks Hub will help you use poetry to communicate your research.

  • Fri 22
    A laptopogram displaying a dataset as cloud-like clusters of black blobs on a neutral background. There are three larger collections, almost resembling a map, with some data points leaking out into the negative space.
    • Talk/Discussion
    22nd March 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM GMT

    Datafied Publics: Inaugural Event for EFI Critical Data Studies Cluster

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This event asks how people politically mobilise when subject to data systems that algorithmically govern them but remain opaque.

  • Tue 26
    Dark blue filtered image of man tapping contactless card on card machine. Event branding overlayed.
    • Talk/Discussion
    26th March 2024 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Tech Tuesdays: The Future of Technology in Hospitality, Finance & Payments

    Dovecot Studios 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh

    This event marks the launch of Tech Tuesdays, a new series dedicated to making sense of technology within the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries.

  • Wed 27
    Multi-coloured lines flowing across the image in a wavy pattern
    • Talk/Discussion
    27th March 2024 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM GMT

    Project Deep Dive: Sal Hagen 

    Online Edinburgh

    Join the Centre for Data, Culture & Society for a Project Deep Dive presented by Sal Hagen, University of Amsterdam.

  • Wed 27
    Building blocks are overlayed with digital squares that highlight people living their day-to-day lives through windows. Some of the squares are accompanied by cursors.
    • Talk/Discussion
    27th March 2024 6:00 PM - 7:20 PM GMT

    Technomoral Conversations: Who is Responsible for Responsible AI?

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The Technomoral Conversations series brings together leading experts in a “fireside chat” format to discuss futures that are worth wanting.

  • April 2024

  • Wed 10
    Mainly white image with black text overlayed advertising the event.
    • Talk/Discussion
    10th April 2024 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST

    Book Launch: Environmental Ethics & Medical Reproduction by Cristina Richie

    Project Room (1.06), 50 George Square 50 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    In her book Richie evaluates medical reproduction from an environmental perspective & confronts the carbon impact of the healthcare industry.

  • Wed 24
    Fred Domer makes an adjustment to the position of a unit before it is tested in an anechoic chamber in the Payload Checkout Facility at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).
    • Talk/Discussion
    24th April 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Book Launch – Tor: From the Dark Web to the Future of Privacy

    High School Yards Teaching Centre, Classroom 2 57 High School Yards, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    In the seminar, Ben Collier will introduce the new book, Tor: From the Dark Web to the Future of Privacy (MIT Press, 2024).

  • May 2024

  • Wed 1
    Grey mechanical robot arm on blue background with event text overlayed
    • Talk/Discussion
    1st May 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    Project Deep Dive: David Williamson Shaffer

    Digital Scholarship Centre Main Library, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

    ChatGPT and the other new advances in artificial intelligence have the potential to change work, education, and even what it means to “think” in the first place. In this talk, Professor David Williamson Shaffer looks at what AI is (and isn’t), its impact on what and how we learn, and how AI can change what ... Read more

  • Fri 10
    Still from Figure Infinity performance
    • Performance
    • Talk/Discussion
    10th May 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM BST

    Creative Feedback: The Feats and Failures of Technology

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    To what extent can human creators exercise control on the technological tools they are using? And how does the control that technology exerts on them influence the creative process?

  • Tue 14
    A promotional graphic for an event titled "Robotics in Hospitality and Tourism." The event is on Tuesday 14 May, from 12:00 to 15:00 at the National Robotarium, Edinburgh. The graphic features a humanoid robot and logos of associated organizations.
    14th May 2024 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM BST

    Robotics in Hospitality & Tourism: Practical Solutions for Your Business

    The National Robotarium Third Gait, Edinburgh

    This event is specifically designed for professionals within the hospitality and tourism sector who are eager to explore what value robotics can bring to their businesses.

  • Tue 14
    Image of skyscrapers
    • Talk/Discussion
    14th May 2024 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM BST

    Liquidity and execution: The resiliency effect on institutional trading costs

    Room 1.60, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom   +1 more

    Dr Petko Kalev discusses why resiliency is an important dimension of market liquidity. For University staff and students only.

  • Wed 29
    Piano keys with musical notes on them.
    • Talk/Discussion
    29th May 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    Imagining AI: computing stories in a museum context

    Research Suite – 6th Floor, University of Edinburgh Main Library 30 George Square, Edinburgh

    Hear a project deep dive from Ursula Martin on Imagining AI: computing stories in a museum context.

  • June 2024

  • Sat 1
    A split image: Left side shows the exterior of the gothic-style Edinburgh Futures Institute building with a clock tower under a blue sky. Right side displays the modern interior with large windows, wooden stairs, and a multi-level open design.
    1st June 2024 8:00 AM - 2nd June 2024 5:00 PM BST

    Edinburgh Futures Institute Guided Tours – Meadows Festival Weekend

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Enjoy a guided tour to mark the opening of the Edinburgh Futures Institute building.

  • Wed 5
    A digital collage featuring an abandoned, graffiti-covered building set against an orange background. The building is surrounded by large, cylindrical red and black sensors. Binary code is scattered across the image.
    • Talk/Discussion
    5th June 2024 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM BST

    Where are AI’s publics?

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    What role should the public have in shaping Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Should the public have a voice in how AI is being developed and used, and how it’s governed and regulated? And how might a diverse cross section of the public be involved in the decisions made by big tech, regulatory bodies, and local and national government?

  • Fri 7
    Text reads: Artificial Intelligence as The Broken Machine
    • Symposium
    7th June 2024 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM BST

    AI as the Broken Machine

    Playfair Library Hall Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join this one-day symposium on 'Artificial Intelligence as the Broken Machine' with invited keynote speaker Prof. Louise Amoore.

  • Mon 10
    View over Edinburgh Skyline from Calton Hill, with green and red filters over image
    10th June 2024 9:00 AM - 14th June 2024 5:00 PM BST

    CDCS Summer School 2024

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join the Centre for Data, Culture & Society for their 5-day Summer School.

  • Thu 13
    Banner promoting the Creative AI Forum on Thursday, June 13, 2024, organized by Scottish AI Alliance and Creative Informatics. Event details include networking and presentations from 14:00-16:45 and a demonstrator exploration showcase from 17:30-19:00, at The Boardwalk, Glasgow, G1 1TF.
    • Forum
    13th June 2024 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    The Creative AI Forum

    The Boardwalk 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom

    This event will showcase the potential for AI in the creative industries.

  • Fri 14
    An abstract image featuring a tilted rectangular plane with a shimmering gradient of blue and purple. The background is an orange hue, accented with subtle white sparkles and lines, creating a sense of depth and motion.
    • Conference
    14th June 2024 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM BST

    TikTok: Work, Time, and Play in a Platform Economy

    Lister Learning and Teaching Centre 5 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh

    TikTok: Work, Time, and Play in a Platform Economy brings together papers that analyse emerging digital visual culture(s) and aesthetics through critical platform analyses.

  • Wed 19
    A view over the rooftops of an historic city, showcasing a clock tower and a skyline punctuated by spires and older buildings. Sunlight pierces through dark, cloudy skies, casting a dramatic light over the scene. The overall atmosphere is both mysterious and majestic.
    • Conference
    19th June 2024 8:30 AM - 21st June 2024 6:00 PM BST

    Economics of Financial Technology Conference

    Auditorium, Business School, The University of Edinburgh 29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This conference will share new insights and discuss the economic issues related to the application of technology within finance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

  • Thu 20
    A book cover and a photo of a person side-by-side. The book, titled "The AI Mirror" by Shannon Vallor, has a reflective surface. The person is wearing glasses and a light-colored blazer, smiling while seated with crossed arms in an office setting.
    • Talk/Discussion
    20th June 2024 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM BST

    How to Reclaim Our Humanity in the Age of AI

    Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh 2 Blenheim Place, Edinburgh

    Join us to celebrate publication of Shannon Vallor's latest work The AI Mirror, one of the most important books we can read right now to find our way through the AI-hype headlines and harness its power to reinvigorate our sense of human agency and possibility.

  • Fri 21
    Textile, yarn, leaves and computer chip on a table implying data and textile.
    • Symposium
    21st June 2024 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM BST

    Designing Data and Innovation Futures to Wear

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Join us to explore the future of sustainable technology through design, engineering, and finance.

  • Wed 26
    George Square during Edinburgh Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    26th June 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST

    Digital Cultural Heritage at Edinburgh Futures Institute: Research Exchange

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Hear about some of the latest research and engagement projects led by the Digital Cultural Heritage Cluster members, make new connections and get inspired.

  • Fri 28
    Creative Tech Scotland Gathering written in white and green on a blue and green background.
    • Creative Industries
    28th June 2024 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM BST

    Creative Tech Scotland Gathering 2024

    Informatics Forum, The University of Edinburgh 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh

    An exciting day of cutting-edge creative tech keynotes, demos, and panels, with workshops and a closing reception with an interactive performance!

    Free
  • July 2024

  • Tue 23
    A person with light-colored hair is enthusiastically running or dancing against a brightly lit, blue and purple checkered background with illuminated square patterns. The scene appears vibrant and dynamic.
    • Talk/Discussion
    23rd July 2024 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST

    Ethical responsibilities in displaying provocative AI artistic experiences

    Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Room G.03 47 Potterrow, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Our panel of artists, curators, and researchers explores how data-driven art raises new ethical provocations for curation and exhibition.

  • Thu 25
    The image features the text "Citizens Data Agency" in dark blue, bold letters. Behind the text, there is an abstract, peach-colored shape that adds a visual element to the graphic. The background is white.
    • Exhibition
    25th July 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Citizens Data Agency Exhibition Opening Event

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us to explore the Citizens Data Agency, a fictional service provider proposing five speculative data support services.

  • August 2024

  • Mon 5
    White background with Fringe and Claude logos overlayed
    • Workshop
    5th August 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    AI as a creative companion for academia

    St Leonard's Hall 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh

    Anthropic’s workshops aim to show the Fringe community how AI assistants can help with burdensome tasks, and to hear your feedback as we all shape the future of this technology together.

  • Sat 10
    Headshot of Margaret Atwood
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    10th August 2024 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM BST

    Margaret Atwood: Practical Utopias – An Exploration of the Possible

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this Future Tense event features Margaret Atwood, Canadian novelist, poet, and literary critic.

  • Sun 11
    Headshot of Jennifer Williams
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    11th August 2024 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM BST

    Practical Utopias: Workshop

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this workshop will get you thinking about how the future can inspire and influence our present.

  • Mon 12
    Headshots of Madhumita Murgia & Georgina Voss
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    12th August 2024 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM BST

    Madhumita Murgia & Georgina Voss: The Systems Which Govern Us

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, two fascinating technology writers reveal the disorientating extent to which we are already governed by AI and complex systems.

  • Mon 19
    A cloud-like shape with a gradient of blue to green appears against a warm gradient background of orange to yellow.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Performance
    19th August 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Page Against the Machine: Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this event invites writers and readers to ask: who truly benefits from the current AI explosion?

  • Tue 20
    Blue cloud on orange and purple background
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    20th August 2024 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Recycling a Hospital Writing Workshop: Poetry, Memory and Future Dreaming

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this writing workshop explores how poetry can be a portal for our memories of the old Royal Infirmary.

  • Thu 22
    A man with short hair and a slight beard stands outdoors in front of a graffiti-covered wall. He wears a dark jacket over a white shirt, looking directly at the camera.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    22nd August 2024 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST

    James Crawford: Traces of the Past

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, join Shetland-born author James Crawford as he talks about his latest work, Wild History: Journeys into Lost Scotland.

  • Fri 23
    Headshot of Jennifer Williams
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    • Workshop
    23rd August 2024 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM BST

    Words from the Wards: Jennifer Williams

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, hear stories capturing the memories and experiences of the Edinburgh Futures Institute building in its previous life as a hospital.

  • September 2024

  • Wed 18
    Black background with event text and historic photograph of the members of the Edinburgh Conversations from the 1980s
    • Talk/Discussion
    18th September 2024 5:45 PM - 7:15 PM BST

    A Conversation about the Edinburgh Conversations

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    From their personal knowledge, our conversationalists will discuss the success of the original Edinburgh Conversations in the 1980s, and how in the context of the current global situation, the approach might be replicated.

  • Thu 19
    Promotional banner for "The Digital Museum Conference" featuring a yellow and black color scheme. Dates: 19-20th September 2024, Edinburgh. Keynote by Haidy Geismar, UCL. Venue to be confirmed. Sponsored by UKRI and University of Edinburgh.
    • Conference
    19th September 2024 9:00 AM - 20th September 2024 5:00 PM BST

    The Digital Museum Conference

    What is the relationship between the digital and the museum? This question is at the heart of this 2-day conference.

  • Tue 24
    A promotional image for an event featuring a photo of Marion Lean, a selection of board games including "IMPACT," and event details for a meet-up on Tuesday, 24 September at South Block, Glasgow. Background features colorful gradient shapes.
    • Talk/Discussion
    • Workshop
    24th September 2024 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM BST

    Speculative Futures Meet-Up #3: Futures Boardgames

    South Block 60-64 Osborne Street, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Speculative Futures Central Scotland is delighted to invite you to an in-person evening event about Futures Boardgames.

  • Wed 25
    Logo for the Fintech Scotland Festival featuring three gradient arrows pointing upward in red, blue, and green next to the text "Fintech Scotland Festival" in bold, dark lettering.
    • Conference
    • Financial Services & FinTech
    • Talk/Discussion
    • Workshop
    25th September 2024 8:00 AM - 4th October 2024 5:00 PM BST

    FinTech Scotland Festival 

    Fintech Scotland Festival will take place between 25 September 2024 and 04 October 2024 across Scotland.

  • Thu 26
    Event poster for "Annual Data Conference 2024: Data, Deepfakes and Democracy" on 26th September, 9:30am-4:30pm at Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Organized by The Scotsman, The University of Edinburgh, and Data-Driven Innovation. Register at scotsmandataconference.co.uk.
    • Conference
    26th September 2024 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM BST

    Annual Data Conference 2024: Data, Deepfakes and Democracy

    Hear from experts on these and a range of other issues around the complex interplay between artificial intelligence, data and democracy.

  • Thu 26
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    26th September 2024 9:30 AM - 29th September 2024 10:30 AM BST

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Sat 28
    Edinburgh Futures Institute building with signage
    28th September 2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Doors Open Days at Edinburgh Futures Institute

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Explore the Edinburgh Futures Institute building on Doors Open Days 2024! See exhibitions, meet staff and students and take part in a range of exciting hands-on drop-in activities suitable for all ages.

  • Sun 29
    Edinburgh Futures Institute building with signage
    29th September 2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Doors Open Days at Edinburgh Futures Institute

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Explore the Edinburgh Futures Institute building on Doors Open Days 2024! See exhibitions, meet staff and students and take part in a range of exciting hands-on drop-in activities suitable for all ages.

  • October 2024

  • Wed 2
    Blue background showing alarm clock, with event text overlayed
    • Talk/Discussion
    • Tourism & Festivals
    2nd October 2024 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM BST

    Tech Tuesdays #3: Automation – Your New Business Partner

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Explore how automation and artificial intelligence could run the back office of your tourism or hospitality business.

  • Wed 2
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    2nd October 2024 9:30 AM - 5th October 2024 10:30 AM BST

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Wed 2
    Archive black and white photo with women sitting working at desks, event branding overlayed.
    • Talk/Discussion
    2nd October 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    Open Methods for Digital Conservation of Historic Musical Instruments

    Room 2.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This talk discusses work carried out at the NEMUS project on the topic of digital conservation of historic stringed instruments.

    Free
  • Thu 3
    A grid of 24 colorful clay wall hangings, each with unique designs such as trees, landscapes, abstract patterns, and text. The pieces vary in color and style, featuring elements like stars, birds, and flowers on a white background.
    • Exhibition
    3rd October 2024 10:00 AM - 5th October 2024 5:00 PM BST

    Alternative Futures – Who Decides?

    Dovecot Studios 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh

    The Binks Hub and the Ripple Project warmly invite you to an exhibition of co-created art that challenges the status quo and offers an alternative view of what communities need to flourish.

  • Mon 7
    Side by side headshots of Jeanette Winterson and humaoid robot Ameca.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    7th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Jeanette Winterson in Conversation with Ameca

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A panel event featuring author Jeanette Winterson, robotics expert Ingo Keller, and advanced humanoid robot Ameca.

    Free
  • Tue 8
    A vintage-style poster titled "Beyond Notability: Re-evaluating Women’s Work in Archaeology, History, and Heritage in Britain, 1870-1950." It features images of women in historical attire and the text "James Baker Project Deep Dive.
    • Talk/Discussion
    8th October 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    Wikidata, biographical lives, and linked infrastructures of women’s work 1870-1950

    Room 0.10, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A project deep dive by James Baker, Director of Digital Humanities at the University of Southampton.

    Free
  • Tue 8
    Bernardine Evaristo
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    8th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Literature is not a Luxury with Bernardine Evaristo

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A conversation with award-winning novelist Bernardine Evaristo about arts provision in the education system, the importance of creativity in young people, and how creativity positively impacts society as a whole.

    Free
  • Tue 15
    A photograph of an audience watching an event which is out of shot.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    15th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Rooting Decolonial Education: Routes for Repair and Liberation

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    As part of Black History Month, this event will engage with Black presence and Black Studies in relation to education.

    Free
  • Thu 17
    Abstract image of lights on black background
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Performance
    17th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    AISOMA: Wayne McGregor x Edinburgh Futures Institute

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A new performance from Studio Wayne McGregor and composer Chris Lyons.

    Free
  • Fri 18
    Promotional banner for a lecture entitled "Value Capture and Algorithmic Policies: Outsourcing our Values to Technology" by Professor C. Thi Nguyen. Event details: 18th October, 6:00-7:30pm BST, at Edinburgh Futures Institute, with a reception following.
    • Lecture
    18th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    CTMF Flagship Lecture with Professor C. Thi Nguyen

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join this Centre for Technomoral Futures Flagship Lecture event with award-winning author and philosopher, Professor C. Thi Nguyen, on technology’s role in shaping human values.

  • Mon 21
    Image showing a promotional banner for "The Future of Education: Crisis" by the Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh. Features black-and-white portraits of seven individuals on a dark background.
    • Edinburgh Futures Conversations
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    21st October 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM BST

    The Future of Education: Crisis

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The intersecting, planetary-scale crises we face bring new urgency to the debate about the purpose of education. Climate catastrophe, widening inequalities, conflict, pathogen spillovers, new diseases, failures of governance and technology acceleration all challenge us to ask again what education might be, and what we need it to do.

    Free
  • Wed 23
    Dark blue background with text branding and photo of Shannon Vallor
    • Lecture
    23rd October 2024 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM BST

    Inaugural Lecture of Professor Shannon Vallor

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us for the inaugural lecture of Professor Shannon Vallor.

    Free
  • Thu 24
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    24th October 2024 9:30 AM - 27th October 2024 10:30 AM BST

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Fri 25
    Fritzchens Fritz / Better Images of AI / GPU shot etched 1 / CC-BY 4.0 (from https://betterimagesofai.org/images?artist=FritzchensFritz&title=GPUshotetched1)
    • Coffee Morning
    25th October 2024 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM BST

    Critical Data Studies Cluster Coffee Morning

    Room 1.82, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The Critical Data Studies Cluster at the Futures Institute invites you to join a morning coffee and natter about datafication and data-driven systems.

  • Tue 29
    Black and white speaker portraits side by side on a dark background with conference branding in blue
    • Edinburgh Futures Conversations
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    29th October 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    The Future of Education: Utopia

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh Futures Conversations series.

    Free
  • Wed 30
    Multi coloured panels of circles each different bright colours, event branding overlayed.
    • Talk/Discussion
    30th October 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    The Politics of Numbers: Queer Data and the Counting of LGBTQ Communities

    Room 2.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Dr Kevin Guyan shares his work on queer approaches to the collection, analysis and presentation of data.

    Free
  • Wed 30
    Promotional flyer for an event titled "A Digital Economy in Crisis," featuring a discussion with Gaza Sky Geeks. Includes date, time, location, registration link, and an image of a group of people with the Gaza Sky Geeks logo.
    • Talk/Discussion
    30th October 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    A digital economy in crisis: Palestine’s tech sector and the road to economic recovery

    MacLaren Stuart Room (G.159) University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh

    This event brings Gaza Sky Geeks in conversation with researchers at the University of Edinburgh to discuss how Palestine's digital economy can remain resilient in the current crisis.

  • Thu 31
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    31st October 2024 9:30 AM - 3rd November 2024 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Thu 31
    A large crowd is gathered at sunset, holding various handwritten signs. Feathers float through the air, illuminated by the sun's rays, creating a warm, hopeful atmosphere.
    • Workshop
    31st October 2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Poetry for Change and Action

    This workshop is for people who want to learn about how poetry might be used to support processes of change and activism.

  • November 2024

  • Fri 1
    White Xbox controller sitting on reflective table top
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    1st November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Video Games: Play and Pedagogy

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This event will discuss topics such as the role of video games in shaping our world and human development, and the gamification of education.

    Free
  • Mon 4
    Arturo Arriagada headshot
    • Talk/Discussion
    4th November 2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM GMT

    Beyond Precarity: Imaginaries, Constraints, and the Meaning of Platform Work

    This talk with Arturo Arriagada will analyse the daily routines and economic pressures faced by today's digital workers.

    Free
  • Tue 5
    A group of people wearing colorful rain ponchos gather in a grassy area, some playing musical instruments like a guitar and drum. Others stand nearby, watching the performance. In the background, trees and historic architecture are visible.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Workshop
    5th November 2024 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM GMT

    Entangled Singing with Rhubaba Choir

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This workshop will generate material which will be collectively sung by the workshop participants at the event Entanglements: Studies in flowing, following, falling.

    Free
  • Wed 6
    A collage featuring a yellowish, textured squid-like sculpture amidst a mesh of silvery fibers. In the background, there are colorful, overlapping images of hands performing various tasks, creating a layered visual effect.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Workshop
    6th November 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM GMT

    Entangled Performing with Karen Christopher

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This 3-hour workshop will generate material which will be performed by the workshop participants at the event Entanglements: Studies in falling, flowing, following.

    Free
  • Thu 7
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    7th November 2024 9:30 AM - 10th November 2024 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Thu 7
    A large crowd is gathered at sunset, holding various handwritten signs. Feathers float through the air, illuminated by the sun's rays, creating a warm, hopeful atmosphere.
    • Workshop
    7th November 2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Poetry for Change and Action

    This workshop is for people who want to learn about how poetry might be used to support processes of change and activism.

  • Thu 7
    Two salmon swimming in dark, clear water. The fish are speckled and appear to be moving upstream, surrounded by subtle water ripples and reflections.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Performance
    7th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Entanglements: Studies in falling, flowing, following

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This event will entangle human and aquatic worlds, moving between freshwater and the deep ocean, learning through performance, video, music, poetry and song.

    Free
  • Tue 12
    An illustration of many hands placed on top of each other in a gesture of unity.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    12th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Contesting Computing: Imagining Feminist Technofutures

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    This discussion considers the role education has played in developing our technological landscape and how it can help work towards a fairer future.

    Free
  • Thu 14
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    14th November 2024 9:30 AM - 17th November 2024 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Thu 14
    A large crowd is gathered at sunset, holding various handwritten signs. Feathers float through the air, illuminated by the sun's rays, creating a warm, hopeful atmosphere.
    • Workshop
    14th November 2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM GMT

    Poetry for Change and Action

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This workshop is for people who want to learn about how poetry might be used to support processes of change and activism.

  • Thu 14
    A person with short brown hair is smiling. They are wearing a black top with a blue cardigan against a neutral background.
    • Lecture
    14th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    A Neuropolitical Understanding of Government and Opposition

    Informatics Forum, The University of Edinburgh 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh

    Laura Cram, Professor of Neuropolitics and Director of the Neuropolitics Research Lab at the University of Edinburgh will be giving this year’s Schapiro Lecture for Government and Opposition.

  • Fri 15
    People standing in a circle in a room with large windows behind
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Workshop
    15th November 2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT

    Utopia Lab: Seats at the Table

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Digital Maker Space and MS Teaching Studio 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Our Utopia Labs are ‘no-spaces’, places where everyone is welcome to join us in dreaming futures that inspire our experience of the present.

    Free
  • Fri 15
    People standing in a circle in a room with large windows behind
    • Exhibition
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    15th November 2024 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM GMT

    Utopia Lab: Seats at the Table exhibition

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Our Utopia Labs are ‘no-spaces’, places where everyone is welcome to join us in dreaming futures that inspire our experience of the present.

    Free
  • Mon 18
    danah boyd hedshot
    • Talk/Discussion
    18th November 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Here Be Dragons: The Challenges of Pursuing Responsible AI

    Reid Concert Hall Bristo Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A talk by danah boyd.

    Free
  • Tue 19
    An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI) using black noughts and crosses.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    19th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Technomoral Conversations: What the Majority World Can Teach Us about AI

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    In this Technomoral Conversations panel, we will hear from leading voices from the Majority World on what they have learned from and about AI, and the issues and visions they would like to see taken up.

    Free
  • Thu 21
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    21st November 2024 9:30 AM - 24th November 2024 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Fri 22
    Norwegian forest taken from an aerial view, with snow dusting the trees
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    22nd November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Future Library and Futures Literacy: Making Futures from Where We Are

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A panel event marking the 10-year anniversary of Katie Paterson’s 100-year artwork, Future Library.

    Free
  • Tue 26
    Black and white speaker portraits side by side on a dark background with conference branding in blue
    • Edinburgh Futures Conversations
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    26th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    The Future of Education: AI

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Part of the University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh Futures Conversations series.

    Free
  • Fri 29
    A split image of two individuals: the first person is smiling and wearing a headpiece made of seashells, and the second person has curly hair and glasses with a neutral expression, standing outdoors with a blurred background.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Performance
    29th November 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Unco: LGBT+ Scots Glossar

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Unco is a project to create a new Scots lexicon of LGBT+ words. These words are a proposal for how LGBT+ people can talk about themselves in Scots.

    Free
  • December 2024

  • Tue 3
    A robot teacher leads a class of eight children sitting in elementary school desks, illustrating the concept of AI-powered education. Illustration uses a unified palette of neutral and turquoise colors, comprised of vector shapes over a dark gray background on a 16x9 artboard, and presented in isometric view.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Talk/Discussion
    3rd December 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    The Future of AI at School

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This event will bring together key figures from the Scottish education landscape to talk about AI in schools and our education futures.

    Free
  • Wed 4
    Pink water
    • Exhibition
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    4th December 2024 9:30 AM - 6th December 2024 5:00 PM GMT

    Niranthea: A Portrait of Multiplicity in Five Episodes

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Niranthea is a hybrid short film combining documentary, audiovisual synaesthesia and AI hearing algorithms to tackle the notions of Deafhood, prosthesis and cyborg.

    Free
  • Wed 4
    Two people work together on assembling or repairing electronic equipment. They handle colorful wires surrounded by tools, including a screwdriver and pliers, at a cluttered workspace.
    • Community Event
    4th December 2024 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM GMT

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Repair Cafes are free community events where you can bring your item and volunteer fixers will guide you through your repair.  

  • Thu 5
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    5th December 2024 9:30 AM - 8th December 2024 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Fri 6
    A person with intricate dark body paint is seated on a wooden box in a snowy forest. The scene is surrounded by bare trees, and cables are wrapped around their body. The snow-covered ground adds contrast to the image.
    • Learning Curves: Autumn 2024
    • Performance
    6th December 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Ex Silens: from the series ‘I Am Your Body’

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Ex Silens is an experience into a radically alternative sensorium through the entanglement of multiple bodies, multiple agencies.

    Free
  • Thu 12
    Flowers floating on water in a dark filtered photographic image
    • Exhibition
    • Talk/Discussion
    12th December 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    How to Find the Soul of a Sailor: Artist Talk and Opening Event

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Interdisciplinary artist Kasia Molga invites you to explore her first iteration of 'How to Find the Soul of a Sailor,' the result of The New Real 2023-2024 commission 'Uncanny Machines' supported by the Scottish AI Alliance. 

  • Fri 13
    Drawing of three angels reading a book, with Christmas baubles overlayed on the image and event text in the foreground
    • Lecture
    13th December 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM GMT

    Centre for Data, Culture and Society (CDCS) Annual Lecture 2024 – Professor Alex Gil

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Join Professor Alex Gil, Senior Lecturer and Associate Research Faculty of Digital Humanities in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Yale University, in the Centre for Data, Culture and Society (CDCS) Annual Lecture 2024.

    Free
  • January 2025

  • Tue 21
    Three people wearing matching shirts that say "Challenge. Create. Change." stand on a balcony, facing away, with their arms forming heart shapes. They overlook a scenic view with historic buildings and a blue sky with clouds.
    • Information session
    21st January 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM GMT

    Prospective student information session

    Join us for an informative online session to explore postgraduate taught study at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI).

  • February 2025

  • Thu 6
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    6th February 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Thu 6
    Event poster titled "How Platforms Fail Democracy" featuring a speaker, Daniel Kreiss. It includes event details: February 6, 5pm–6:30pm at Adam House, Basement Theatre. The University of Edinburgh logos and a QR code for more info and booking are visible.
    • Talk/Discussion
    6th February 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM GMT

    How Platforms Fail Democracy

    Lecture Theatre A 40 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join Professor Daniel Kreiss for an in-depth talk and discussion, hosted by the School of Political Science, on how platforms fail democracy. It will examine their role in political polarisation and disinformation, while advocating for democracy-worthy policies to safeguard elections and institutions.

  • Thu 20
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    20th February 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Thu 20
    A suspension bridge spans across a calm river under a clear sky, with large white DNA helix structures superimposed over the scene. Another bridge is visible in the background, enhancing the architectural perspective.
    20th February 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM GMT

    Opens and Closes: the future of Edinburgh’s histories Premiere

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A film by Sapphire Goss, produced, written and narrated by Liz McFall. The screening will be followed by a discussion with special guests.

    Free
  • Wed 26
    A map of Europe and the Mediterranean with various city markers. A green overlay features a classical statue. A logo with "DTS" is in the top right corner. Text reads "Andrew McLean Project Deep Dive.
    • Talk/Discussion
    26th February 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM GMT

    Reconstructing the Roman Transport Network: New Methods and Approaches to Modelling Mobility from the R3UrbN Project

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Join the Edinburgh Centre for Data, Culture and Society for their latest project deep dive featuring Andrew McLean.

    Free
  • Thu 27
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    27th February 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • March 2025

  • Thu 6
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    6th March 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Fri 7
    Event poster titled "Creative Digital Dynamics II: AI & Digital Innovations for Voice and Vocal Music". Features a keynote speaker photo, Professor Ricardo Climent from the University of Manchester, and a QR code for event info and registration.
    • Conference
    7th March 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT

    AI and Digital Innovations for Voice and Vocal Music

    An interdisciplinary symposium on AI and vocal music, with an immersive opera concert and social evening.

  • Thu 13
    A stack of old hardcover books lies on a wooden surface. The books are worn, with frayed edges and some damaged spines. A magazine is partially visible beneath them, showing a blurry cover image.
    • Reading Group
    13th March 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM GMT

    The Binks Hub – Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Join this weekly reading group hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh.

  • Fri 14
    A person in a dimly lit, blue-tinted room holds a large, abstract white sculpture. The background features a window with fringed white curtains, creating a dramatic contrast of shadows and light. The person's pose is dynamic and expressive.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Performance
    14th March 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    ‘In the Shadow of Tomorrow’ A preview and an invitation

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A preview dance performance featuring University of Edinburgh dance students and cutting edge robotic technology.

    Free
  • Tue 18
    On the left, a woman with long hair in a patterned shirt sits at a table, hands clasped. On the right, another woman with long hair, dressed in dark clothing, draws on a surface with a screen showing her work behind her.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Performance
    18th March 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Kathleen Jamie & Painting Music

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A live performance featuring new poetry from Kathleen Jamie and music created by AI from live drawings by Kate Steenhauer.

    Free
  • Thu 20
    Event flyer with a colorful gradient background for a talk titled "Voices for Transgender Equality: Trans Rights Activism Under Trump." Speaker: Thomas J Billard. Date: Mar 20, 4:30 pm, Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute. QR code and link included.
    • Talk/Discussion
    20th March 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM GMT

    Voices for Transgender Equality: Trans Rights Activism Under Trump

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    TJ Billard offers an insider’s view into transgender activism during the first two years of the first Trump administration.

  • Fri 21
    The image shows two separate portraits. On the left, a woman in a red dress stands against a dark background. On the right, a person in a colorful shirt stands outside, looking upward, with a cloudy sky in the background.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    21st March 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM GMT

    Fern Brady in conversation with Michael Pedersen

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Comedian Fern Brady joins Michael Pedersen to talk creativity, comedy and books.

    Free
  • Tue 25
    Abstract textile art with vibrant pink, turquoise, orange, and white patterns. The design features intricate, organic shapes reminiscent of natural or biological forms, displayed against a light gray background.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    25th March 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Creating to Celebrate: the Edinburgh Seven Tapestry

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A panel event celebrating the creation of the Edinburgh Seven Tapestry.

    Free
  • Wed 26
    A woman in a black dress sits atop a large, mechanical snail-like creature with spiral designs. She holds reins connected to the creature's head. The background is a misty, surreal landscape with a gradient sky.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Workshop
    26th March 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM GMT Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A workshop series on the skills needed by creatives in the current technological landscape, in partnership with Adobe.
    For Freelancers

    Free
  • Mon 31
    Person using a smartphone with virtual icons related to banking, such as ATM, bank, and credit card, overlaid on the image. The background is blurred, highlighting the focus on digital finance technology.
    31st March 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM BST

    Centre for Investing Innovation Guest Lecture: Sahra Ghalebikesabi

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Join the Centre for Investing Innovation for a guest lecture featuring Sahra Ghalebikesabi, Google DeepMind.

    Free
  • April 2025

  • Tue 1
    Graffiti-style text in bright pink on a white background reads "CULTURE IS BAD.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    1st April 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Culture is Bad for You

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A panel event on the mechanisms of exclusion in cultural work and how they are mirrored in other national and policy contexts

    Free
  • Wed 2
    dmstfct, Waluigi’s Purgatory (2024) A surreal scene features a person in historical dress standing by a striped fortress structure under a starry night sky. Silhouetted figures are on the roof. Two barren trees and a checkered ground complete the enigmatic setting.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Workshop
    2nd April 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM BST Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A workshop series on the skills needed by creatives in the current technological landscape, in partnership with Adobe.
    For students and early career practitioners

    Free
  • Wed 2
    The word "DECADE" is written in bold, uppercase letters with a blue horizontal line cutting through the lower third of the letters. The text is white on a black background.
    • Talk/Discussion
    2nd April 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Emerging Futures for Tokenised Licensing in the Creative Industries

    This webinar is designed for individuals and organisations across the creative industries who are navigating the evolving landscape of digital content management and licensing.

  • Wed 2
    Network diagram showing interconnected nodes with labels such as 'Digital Methods,' 'Tracking COVID-19,' 'TikTok,' and 'Vaccine.' Nodes are colored differently, depicting various categories and their relationships.
    • Talk/Discussion
    2nd April 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    Repurposing media for collective inquiry: notes from the Public Data Lab

    Room 2.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    In this talk, the co-founders of the Public Data Lab will share their experience of developing new collaborative methods through digital tools.

    Free
  • Wed 2
    A promotional banner for a lecture by Professor Oliver Escobar titled "Democracy as if the future mattered: Can democratic innovation change the world?" at the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.
    • Lecture
    2nd April 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Inaugural lecture: Professor Oliver Escobar

    G.03 - 50 George Square 50 George Square, Edinburgh

    Join us to celebrate Oliver Escobar's professorship at his inaugural lecture.

    Free
  • Fri 4
    A sketch of a serene courtyard surrounded by buildings. The scene features a large tree in the center, lush greenery, and windows with a vintage look on the buildings. The colors are soft with hints of green, brown, and orange.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Performance
    4th April 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM BST

    In Pursuit of Justice: Lockerbie

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A conversation with playwright David Harrower about creativity and the role of drama in the pursuit of justice. In collaboration with IASH.

    Free
  • Fri 4
    Illustration of a person wearing a virtual reality headset surrounded by a cosmic background. Text reads: "EFI Core Master's Course, 4th April, 2PM - 4PM, Edinburgh Futures Institute, Room 1.50.
    • Exhibition
    4th April 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST

    Building Near Futures: Human AI Ensembles – EFI Master’s Student Showcase

    Room 1.50, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    The Edinburgh Futures Institute’s Building Near Futures course proudly invites you to join our students for the 2025 course showcase.

  • Wed 9
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Workshop
    9th April 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM BST Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A workshop series on the skills needed by creatives in the current technological landscape, in partnership with Adobe.
    For in-house professionals (including those working in creative agencies, studios, and teams)

    Free
  • Thu 10
    Illustration of hands holding strings against a background of circuit-like patterns and abstract designs in neutral tones. The juxtaposition suggests a blend of traditional and modern technological themes.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    10th April 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Technomoral Conversations: AI & Creative Labour

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    A conversation about the role of AI in creative practice and culture.

    Free
  • Wed 16
    Black and white photo negative strips showing multiple images of people in domestic settings, including kitchen scenes. The negatives are from a Kodak Safety Film roll.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Workshop
    16th April 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM BST Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Future-Proofing Creative Skills for Responsible AI Adoption

    Edinburgh Futures Institue, Level 4 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    A workshop series on the skills needed by creatives in the current technological landscape, in partnership with Adobe.
    For creative managers and leaders

    Free
  • Thu 17
    Four people lean forward in a dark space illuminated by a blue light. The light creates silhouettes and highlights their profiles, casting dramatic shadows.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Performance
    17th April 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    A&I (Beta): Orange Grove Dance’s Embodied Performance with AI

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    An international premiere dance performance using smart home technology on a theatrical scale.

    Free
  • Thu 24
    Cover of "Transmedia Geographies" by Kevin Glynn and Julie Cupples. It features a person with traditional facial tattoos speaking to reporters holding microphones. The subtitle reads, "Decoloniality, Democratization, Cultural Citizenship, and Media Convergence.
    24th April 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM BST

    Book launch: Transmedia Geographies

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Hosted by Edinburgh Futures Institute, attend the launch of Transmedia Geographies.

    Free
  • Fri 25
    A diverse group of people stand in a circle in a spacious, well-lit room with large windows. They appear to be engaged in a group activity or discussion. Some chairs are positioned along the walls.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Workshop
    25th April 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Utopia Lab: The Understorey 

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    The latest in the Utopia Lab workshop series, which invites participants to share visions of utopias.

    Free
  • Fri 25
    Man in a yellow sweater and glasses stands outdoors with arms crossed, framed by ferns. Next to him is the book cover of "Nature's Genius" by David Farrier, featuring a bonsai tree growing on a rocky cliff.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    25th April 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    David Farrier: Nature’s Genius

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us as Professor David Farrier discusses his new book 'Nature's Genius: Evolution's Lessons for a Changing World'.

    Free
  • Tue 29
    Illustration of a person in a robe touching a mosaic sphere made of pixels and binary code. The individual has red hair and is positioned on the right, while the code streams towards the left in a digital, abstract design.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    29th April 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM BST

    The New Real Salon: Doing AI Differently 

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The third iteration of the New Real Salon, introducing their new initiative, Doing AI Differently.

    Free
  • May 2025

  • Thu 1
    • Book launch
    • Talk/Discussion
    1st May 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Book Launch: Experimental Times: Startup Capitalism and Feminist Futures in India

    Violet Laidlaw Room (6.02) Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, Edinburgh

    Join us for a discussion of Experimental Times by Hemangini Gupta, Lecturer in Gender and Global Politics.

    Free
  • Fri 2
    A person with a bald head, wearing a red shirt, stands in front of a chalkboard covered in mathematical equations. To the right is a book cover titled "Blue Prints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity" by Marcus du Sautoy, featuring geometric designs.
    • Making Waves: Spring 2025
    • Talk/Discussion
    2nd May 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Marcus du Sautoy: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Marcus du Sautoy joins us to discuss his book 'Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity'.

    Free
  • Mon 5
    A person speaking into a microphone is on the right side of a green and blue background. Text reads “Startup Summer Accelerator.” Logos for The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Innovations, and Edinburgh Futures Institute are at the bottom.
    • Training
    5th May 12:00 PM BST

    Startup Summer Accelerator

    Take your business idea to the next level with expert support and up to £3,000 in funding.

  • Tue 13
    Six grid patterns with colored dots and lines: Top row: 1 blue, 2 pink; 1 pink center, 2 blue; 1 blue, 2 pink, yellow. Bottom row: 3 blue, 2 pink; 3 pink, 3 blue; 3 blue, 3 pink, 3 yellow. Lines connect dots.
    • Mixer
    13th May 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM BST

    Creative Industries Mixer Event

    Room 3.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, Scotland

    The Creative Industries Mixer Event is an opportunity for both academics and industry professionals in the fields of AI, creativity, and technology interaction to connect, collaborate, and discuss shared challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions.

    Free
  • Wed 21
    Group of students in a fusion learning environment at Edinburgh Futures Institute
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM BST

    Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days – Fusion teaching with Edinburgh Futures Institute

    Come learn about Edinburgh Futures Institute's innovative approach to online learning and teaching.

  • Wed 21
    group of students talking standing next to bicycles
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM BST

    MSc Sustainable Lands and Cities: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Sustainable Lands and Cities.

  • Wed 21
    2 students in class, one is wearing a virtual reality headset
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    MSc Data, Inequality and Society: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Data, Inequality and Society

  • Wed 21
    students talking in outside area with trees in teh background
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM BST

    MSc Planetary Health: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Planetary Health.

  • Wed 21
    students walking through building
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM BST

    MSc Service Management and Design: Information session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Service Management and Design.

  • Wed 21
    2 students studying together
    • Postgraduate online open day
    21st May 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM BST

    MSc Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Data and AI Ethics.

  • Thu 22
    2 students standing outside historic edinburgh futures institute building
    • Postgraduate online open day
    22nd May 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM BST

    MSc Cultural Heritage Futures: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Cultural Heritage.

  • Thu 22
    A group of people sit around a table in a modern meeting room, collaborating with three colleagues on video call shown on large screens. Some participants are smiling and clapping, suggesting a positive atmosphere.
    • Postgraduate online open day
    22nd May 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM BST

    MSc Future Governance: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Future Governance.

  • Thu 22
    A silhouette of a hand launching a paper airplane into a colorful sunset sky, with a crescent moon and a few clouds visible in the background.
    • Workshop
    22nd May 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    The Power of Purpose: workshop series

    Online Edinburgh

    Led by Take Note, these workshops will support Scottish charities and grassroots social change organisations in creating effective impact.

    Free
  • Thu 22
    students in a classroom with a laptop and virtual reality headset
    • Postgraduate online open day
    22nd May 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM BST

    MSc Narrative Futures: Art, Data, Society: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Narrative Futures: Art, Data and Society

  • Thu 22
    Student looking engaged listening in a classroom
    • Postgraduate online open day
    22nd May 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM BST

    MSc Education Futures: Information Session

    Join this online information session to find out more about the MSc in Education Futures.

  • Thu 22
    Promotional graphic for the Traveltech Meet Up on May 22, 5:30–7:30pm at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, with a QR code for registration and an image of a historic clocktower building.
    • Mixer
    • Tourism & Festivals
    22nd May 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Traveltech Meet up

    Ward 3.40 - Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Join us for an informal evening of networking, reconnecting, and building the future of Travel Tech.

    Free
  • Thu 22
    A person’s face is partially visible in low light, surrounded by swirling, glowing blue light trails against a dark background, creating a dreamy and surreal atmosphere.
    • Performance
    22nd May 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM BST

    Speaking Towards One Another Opening Performance

    Inspace 1 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join the premiere of the first full performance of Speaking Towards One Another in Inspace this May.

    Free
  • June 2025

  • Thu 5
    A silhouette of a hand launching a paper airplane into a colorful sunset sky, with a crescent moon and a few clouds visible in the background.
    • Workshop
    5th June 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    The Power of Purpose: workshop series

    Online Edinburgh

    Led by Take Note, these workshops will support Scottish charities and grassroots social change organisations in creating effective impact.

    Free
  • Sat 7
    Two young children stand at a table building with LEGO bricks. One child wears a grey hoodie, the other a pink floral dress. Colorful LEGO pieces and green baseplates are spread out in front of them.
    • Community Event
    7th June 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Meadows Festival: University of Edinburgh family activities

    The Meadows Melville Drive, Edinburgh

    Join staff from the University of Edinburgh and take part in some exciting activities for families, like our Future Explorers game!

    Free
  • Sun 8
    Two young children stand at a table, concentrating as they build and arrange colorful LEGO pieces on a green baseplate. A container of LEGO bricks is nearby, and the background includes chairs and tables.
    • Community Event
    8th June 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Meadows Festival: University of Edinburgh family activities

    The Meadows Melville Drive, Edinburgh

    Join staff from the University of Edinburgh and take part in some exciting activities for families, like our Future Explorers game!

    Free
  • Thu 12
    A large, historic stone building with a central clock tower and pointed turrets, surrounded by glass railings, under a blue sky. The area in front is a spacious, light-colored paved courtyard.
    • Symposium
    12th June 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM BST

    How Revolutionary is AI? International Digital Futures Network Summer Symposium

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us for an exciting day of discussion about the AI revolution, bringing together three leading keynote speakers with expert respondents.

    Free
  • Tue 17
    A silhouette of a hand launching a paper airplane into a colorful sunset sky, with a crescent moon and a few clouds visible in the background.
    • Workshop
    17th June 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    The Power of Purpose: workshop series

    Online Edinburgh

    Led by Take Note, these workshops will support Scottish charities and grassroots social change organisations in creating effective impact.

    Free
  • Fri 20
    Event graphic with the text “CREATIVE_TECH SCOTLAND GATHERING” on a blue and teal background. The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Futures Institute logo appears at the bottom.
    • Conference
    • Forum
    • Performance
    • Talk/Discussion
    20th June 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM BST

    CreativeTech Scotland Gathering 2025

    Join us on the 20th of June for CreativeTech Scotland Gathering for an exciting day of cutting edge creative tech keynotes, demos and panels with workshops and a closing reception with live improvised electronic music from Boardgame.

    Free
  • Mon 23
    A woman with long, braided hair gestures while speaking, wearing a black jacket, against a plain black background. Large white text at the bottom reads: "Professor Ruha Benjamin.
    • Lecture
    23rd June 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM BST

    Who Owns the Future? Reimagining Education from AI to Abundant Imagination

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    A public lecture delivered by Professor Ruha Benjamin of Princeton University.

    Free
  • Wed 25
    A promotional poster for Binks Hub Writing Retreat Sessions shows event details and an open notebook on a rock by the sea. Sessions run 25 June, 17 September, and 19 November, 9am–1pm, with a QR code for registration.
    • Writing retreat
    25th June 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM BST

    Writing retreat sessions – The Binks Hub

    These will be relaxed sessions with writing prompts, a chance to share and discuss writing goals and regular creative activities to break up the session.

  • July 2025

  • Thu 24
    Event promo image for "Traveltech Meet up #3" on July 24th, 5:30-7:30pm at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Ward 3.40. The background shows a historic building with a clock tower.
    • Tourism & Festivals
    24th July 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Traveltech Meet up #3

    Ward 3.40 - Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    An informal evening of networking, reconnecting, and building the future of Travel Tech.

    Free
  • August 2025

  • Sat 9
    A collage of a doctor with a stethoscope, a historic building, and a lemon slice, with colorful shapes in the background. Bold text below reads: "Words from the Wards.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Exhibition
    9th August 10:00 AM - 17th August 9:00 PM BST

    Words from the Wards: The Exhibition

    Anthea Bond Exhibition Room, Level 1, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Join us to view the stories and illustrations of the old Royal Infirmary side by side in our new festival gallery.

    Free
  • Wed 13
    Blue cloud on orange and purple background
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    13th August 8:15 PM - 9:30 PM BST

    Future Library

    Room 1.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Supported by Edinburgh Futures Institute.

    £15.50
  • Fri 15
    Three people are shown in separate vertical panels: a woman with short curly hair in a maroon top, a woman with long brown hair in a green sweater, and a bearded man with glasses in a light-colored shirt.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    15th August 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    Utopia Lab

    Room 1.52, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Exploring how we can repair objects with creative writing and sculpture, to imagine positive futures, affecting present change.

    £35
  • Sat 16
    A simple, stylized blue cloud with a gradient effect sits against a green gradient background.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    16th August 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Repair Cafe Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Digital Maker Space and MS Teaching Studio 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Got something that’s broken? Repair Cafes are free community events where you can bring your item for repair.

    Free
  • Sun 17
    Woman with curly dark hair, wearing a gray cardigan over a black and white striped top, stands smiling in front of a colorful abstract background.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    17th August 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM BST

    Halle O’Neal: The Buddhist Approach to Healing

    Spiegeltent, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Supported by Edinburgh Futures Institute.

    £15.50
  • Tue 19
    Blue cloud on orange and purple background
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Exhibition
    19th August 10:00 AM - 24th August 9:00 PM BST

    Spark Exhibition

    Anthea Bond Exhibition Room, Level 1, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    Young people from the Alternative School at Spartans Community Foundation are back at the festival, with a new exhibition.

    Free
  • Tue 19
    A digital illustration with a gradient background transitioning from green at the top to yellow at the bottom, and a large blue semi-circle shape at the center bottom, resembling a stylized sunrise or sunset.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    19th August 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST

    Repair Skills Workshop with EFI Makerspace

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Digital Maker Space and MS Teaching Studio 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Sharpen your technical repair skills under the guidance of EFI's Makerspace team.

    Free
  • Sat 23
    A simple cloud icon with a light blue gradient is centered on a pink and purple gradient background.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Workshop
    23rd August 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM BST

    Repair Cafe Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Digital Maker Space and MS Teaching Studio 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Got something that’s broken? Repair Cafes are free community events where you can bring your item for repair.

    Free
  • Sun 24
    A middle-aged man with gray hair is smiling broadly, showing his teeth. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and is photographed outdoors with a blurred background.
    • Edinburgh International Book Festival
    • Talk/Discussion
    24th August 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM BST

    Richard Susskind: Navigating the AI Revolution

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Supported by Edinburgh Futures Institute.

    £15.50
  • September 2025

  • Tue 9
    A person with long hair wearing a VR headset looks upward. Text reads: "Creative Edinburgh Events. FutureGaze. In partnership with The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Futures Institute." Creative Scotland and Alba logos are visible.
    • Creative Industries
    • Talk/Discussion
    9th September 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM BST

    The Future of Digital Place

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for a series of conversations that explore the future of our creative industries and practices.

    Free
  • Wed 17
    An open notebook with blank pages lies on a large rock by the seaside, with gentle ocean waves visible in the background.
    • Workshop
    17th September 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM BST

    Writing retreat sessions – The Binks Hub

    Online Edinburgh

    These will be relaxed sessions with writing prompts, a chance to share and discuss writing goals and regular creative activities to break up the session.

    Free
  • Sat 27
    A poster for the University of Edinburgh Doors Open Day stands in a bright entrance hall, with people walking and talking in the background near large open wooden doors.
    • Community Event
    27th September 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST

    Doors Open Day 2025 at Edinburgh Futures Institute

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    This September, explore the fascinating history and exciting future of this special Edinburgh landmark.

    Free
  • October 2025

  • Wed 1
    A hand gently holds a heart-shaped green leaf among dense foliage of similar leaves.
    • Talk/Discussion
    1st October 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM BST

    Planetary Health is Public Health: Reimagining the Future Together

    Room 4.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh

    How can we weave planetary health into public health research, policy and practice?

    Free
  • Tue 7
    A man and woman holding hands hike toward a tablet screen showing a vibrant landscape with map location pins; the scene blends digital and natural worlds, with trees, mountains, and paths merging between the real and virtual.
    • Talk/Discussion
    • Tourism & Festivals
    7th October 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    EICC Live: Artificial Intelligence – Can Tourism Stay Human?

    Edinburgh International Conference Centre 150 Morrison St, Edinburgh

    Join Joshua Ryan-Saha from Edinburgh Futures Institute for an interactive exploration of AI's impact on tourism.

    Free
  • Wed 15
    Promotional banner for a lecture titled "Wisdom for an Artificial Age" by Professor John P. Sullins III. Includes his photo, event details, Edinburgh Futures Institute and Centre for Technomoral Futures logos, and date: 15 October.
    • Lecture
    15th October 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM BST

    CTMF Flagship Lecture: Wisdom for an Artificial Age

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Hear from Professor John P. Sullins on the surprising role human wisdom is playing in navigating the challenges of AI technologies.

    Free
  • Mon 20
    A collage-style image with a classical statue, geometric shapes, silhouettes of people in a building, the DIS logo, and bold text reading "Brad Rittenhouse Project Deep Dive" on a dark blue background.
    • Talk/Discussion
    20th October 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM BST

    Giving Humanists a Helping Hand in HPC

    Online Edinburgh

    A discussion led by Brad Rittenhouse.

    Free
  • Tue 21
    Event banner with photos of Kyle Morrison and Pushpi Bagchi from Edinburgh Futures Institute. Text reads: "Facilitating Futures-led Design Sprints," and includes event details for an online meetup on Tuesday 21 October, 12:30–13:30 BST.
    • Talk/Discussion
    21st October 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM BST

    Facilitating Futures-led Design Sprints

    Explore how the strategic use of futures methods and digital tools can help teams create innovative solutions under pressure.

    Free
  • Wed 22
    A woman experiences virtual travel: she walks with a backpack, works on a laptop in a plane seat, video calls from bed, reads books, and pilots a plane, all with travel scenes and airplanes in the background.
    • Talk/Discussion
    22nd October 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM BST

    Traveltech/E-corner Meetup

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Join us for the next TravelTech Meetup, hosted by the Edinburgh Futures Institute!

    Free
  • Wed 22
    Event poster for “The Future of Free (and Who Will Pay for It)” with Lane Becker, President of Wikimedia LLC, on Wednesday, October 22, 16:00–17:30 BST at Informatics Forum, G.07. Includes photo of Lane Becker in ornate attire.
    • Talk/Discussion
    22nd October 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM BST

    The Future of Free (and Who Will Pay for It)

    Room G.07, Informatics Forum, The University of Edinburgh 10 Crichton Street, Newington, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Who bears the cost of free in our AI-accelerated world?

    Free
  • Thu 30
    Event poster for a lecture titled "Patrick Geddes and the Anarchist Strain of Town Planning: Mike Small," with speaker photo, date, time, location, and logos for the University of Edinburgh and Data Civics.
    • Talk/Discussion
    30th October 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM GMT

    Patrick Geddes and the Anarchist Strain of Town Planning

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    This talk features Mike Small, Scottish writer, activist, and Bella Caledonia editor.

    Free
  • Thu 30
    Event poster for "AI in the City Public Forum" at Edinburgh Futures Institute on Thursday, 30th October, with event details over a cityscape background and logos of supporting organizations.
    • Forum
    • Talk/Discussion
    30th October 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    AI in the City

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    How will AI affect how our cities are designed and managed? Join us at this free public event to be part of the discussion.

    Free
  • November 2025

  • Tue 4
    A promotional banner for an event titled "How Will AI Change Science?" featuring headshots of four speakers: Emily Sullivan, Eran Tal, Arfon Smith, and Anna Scaife, along with their affiliations and event details.
    • Talk/Discussion
    4th November 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM GMT

    Technomoral Conversations: How Will AI Change Science?

    Edinburgh Futures Institute, Level 0 Event Space 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Hear from experts on the impact of data driven machine learning and AI on science and knowledge production.

    Free
  • Tue 11
    A young person with short blue hair uses a smartphone, with abstract pink shapes in the background. Logos for the British Council and the University of Edinburgh Futures Institute are visible at the top.
    • Training
    11th November 9:30 AM - 12th November 5:30 PM GMT

    Media Literacy in the age of AI

    Edinburgh Futures Institute Edinburgh

    Note: Applications close 31 October. Join this two-day training programme exploring media literacy in the age of AI.

    Free
  • Wed 19
    transpartent mannequin with volcano and weather elements inside set against green gradient
    • Information session
    • Postgraduate online open day
    19th November 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM GMT

    Postgraduate Open Day: Sustainable Futures

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for our next virtual Postgraduate Study Open Day.

  • Thu 20
    A close-up of a stack of old books and magazines on a wooden surface, with worn covers and frayed edges, suggesting they have been well-used and read many times.
    • Reading Group
    20th November 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM GMT Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Online Edinburgh

    Our popular reading group, hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh, is back for the new academic year.

    Free
  • Thu 20
    tattooed mannequin set against red gradient
    • Information session
    • Postgraduate online open day
    20th November 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM GMT

    Postgraduate Open Day: Creative Futures

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for our next virtual Postgraduate Study Open Day.

  • Thu 20
    Leaf mannequin against orange radial gradient background
    • Information session
    • Postgraduate online open day
    20th November 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM GMT

    Postgraduate Open Day: Just Futures

    Online Edinburgh

    Join us for our next virtual Postgraduate Study Open Day.

  • Thu 20
    A grand, historic stone building with a central clock tower, pointed spires, and ornate windows. Several people walk up steps toward the entrance under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
    • Launch event
    20th November 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Launch event: Venture Café Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Join us for the launch of Venture Café Edinburgh at inaugural Thursday Gathering at Edinburgh Futures Institute, in partnership with ARIA (Advanced Research + Invention Agency).

  • Tue 25
    Promotional banner for a talk on "AI Ethics and the Future of Management Theory" by Dr. Ramsha Naeem, with her portrait, event details, and logos of the University of Edinburgh and Centre for Technomoral Futures.
    • Lecture
    25th November 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM GMT

    AI Ethics and the Future of Management Theory with Dr Ramsha Naeem

    Room 2.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF

    Hear from EFI Visiting Fellow, Dr Ramsha Naeem on the need for interdisciplinary dialogue between AI ethics and management theory.

    Free
  • Thu 27
    A close-up of a stack of old books and magazines on a wooden surface, with worn covers and frayed edges, suggesting they have been well-used and read many times.
    • Reading Group
    27th November 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM GMT Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Creative Research Methods Reading Group

    Online Edinburgh

    Our popular reading group, hosted by The Binks Hub and led by Dr Autumn Roesch-Marsh, is back for the new academic year.

    Free
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Watch recordings

A group of bees swarming around a white bathtub on an orange background. Text reads, "The University of Edinburgh - Edinburgh Futures Institute - Making Waves Event Season - March-May 2025." A QR code is in the top right corner.

Making Waves

Making Waves is an exciting programme of events that explores creativity in different forms, crossing areas such as the arts, technology, science, and the environment..

Watch recordings
Learning curves event season flyer

Learning Curves

Our Autumn 2024 programme of events explored the future of education through panel discussions, poetry readings, live music and performance, and deep intellectual debate and discussion.

Watch recordings
Power trip event season event flyer

POWER TRIP

Our Autumn 2023 programme of events explored leadership in all its forms – from the seats of power to the front lines of activist movements and even in our own workplaces.

Watch recordings
Love Machine event season digital flyer

Love machine

Our Spring 2023 programme of events explored the interconnections of AI and data with humanity through conversations, performances, and workshops.

Watch recordings
First Breath Autumn Event Season brand leader. Image of dandelion and umbrellas on orange background. Text reads: 'First Breath: Autumn Event Season'. Includes Edinburgh Futures Institute logo.

First Breath

Our Autumn 2022 programme featured more than 20 events exploring crisis, migration, displacement and equality coalescing around the theme of Climate Justice.

Watch recordings

"The production and intellectual content of your recent events has been fantastic! Thank you for the opportunity to attend and learn. This is probably the best event I have been to all year."

Event attendee, Love Machine Spring 2023

"Really, really impressed with Futures Institute events. Properly impressive speakers, and seamless technical management. Thank you for keeping them hybrid/online – it's a really nice way to keep in touch!"

Event attendee, Love Machine Spring 2023

"Amazing! I hope that Utopia Lab can ring in every event season, the dream space that you curate and allow to flourish is an important and novel lens that Edinburgh Futures Institute offers partners, students, staff, researchers and anyone with an interest in collaborative thinking and doing."

Event attendee, Love Machine Spring 2023

Our public events seasons are co-created with people from across the University of Edinburgh. If you'd like to contribute ideas for the programme please contact the events team.

Call for proposals

Meet the events team

Headshot of Alice Carr

Alice Carr

Events Co-ordinator

Fraser Pringle

Project & Events Administrator
Headshot of Ioannis Kalkounos

Ioannis Kalkounos

Programme Manager
Lewis Williams

Lewis Williams

Events Technician

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Email: efi@ed.ac.uk

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