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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
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    • 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:
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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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86 events found.

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Today
  • February 2025

  • 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
  • December 2025

  • Tue 2
    Event flyer for "Futures Board Game Night" with colorful text and images of various board games. Details include date, time, location, free welcome drink, and activities like playing rare games and a game design session.
    • Gaming
    • Talk/Discussion
    2nd December 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

    Futures Board Games Night

    V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Join Speculative Futures Central Scotland at V&A Dundee for a night of futures board games — play, hack & create new ways to explore futures together.

    Free
  • Wed 3
    A bronze statue of Lady Justice holding balanced scales in one hand and a sword in the other, wearing a blindfold. The background is blurred and neutral in color.
    • Workshop
    3rd December 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM GMT

    Reframing Criminal Justice Professional Development Seminar

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

    A half-day event exploring and championing change within the Scottish criminal justice system.

    Free
  • Thu 4
    A bright blue background with hanging fragments of porcelain. Text reads: "The Binks Hub," "The Poetry and Art," "EFI Utopia Lab: creating space to dream a future (present)," and "The University of Edinburgh Futures Institute" with its logo.
    • Workshop
    4th December 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT

    The Poetry and Art of Impractical Repairs

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

    A full-day workshop exploring repair and creative methods, presented by the Utopia Lab and the Binks Hub.

    Free
  • Wed 10
    A festive graphic with colorful ornaments, yellow snowflakes, and a black-and-white background. Text reads “Dorothy Berry CDCS Annual Lecture 2025” and includes a pink and blue CDCS logo in the top right corner.
    • Lecture
    10th December 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM GMT

    How Users Imagine Archival Research

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

    This talk will focus on the development of JPCA Explore and how it reflects wider issues around creating human-scale digital projects.

    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

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

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Email: efi@ed.ac.uk

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