We offer open and participatory events that showcase interdisciplinary work and impact and spark ideas, inspiration and debate.
Get event updates from Edinburgh Futures Institute.
In this talk, the co-founders of the Public Data Lab will share their experience of developing new collaborative methods through digital tools.
Join us to celebrate Oliver Escobar's professorship at his inaugural lecture.
A conversation with playwright David Harrower about creativity and the role of drama in the pursuit of justice. In collaboration with IASH.
The Edinburgh Futures Institute’s Building Near Futures course proudly invites you to join our students for the 2025 course showcase.
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)
A conversation about the role of AI in creative practice and culture.
A workshop series on the skills needed by creatives in the current technological landscape, in partnership with Adobe.
For creative managers and leaders
An international premiere dance performance using smart home technology on a theatrical scale.
Hosted by Edinburgh Futures Institute, attend the launch of Transmedia Geographies.
The latest in the Utopia Lab workshop series, which invites participants to share visions of utopias.
Join us as Professor David Farrier discusses his new book 'Nature's Genius: Evolution's Lessons for a Changing World'.
The third iteration of the New Real Salon, introducing their new initiative, Doing AI Differently.
Join us for a discussion of Experimental Times by Hemangini Gupta, Lecturer in Gender and Global Politics.
Marcus du Sautoy joins us to discuss his book 'Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity'.
Take your business idea to the next level with expert support and up to £3,000 in funding.
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.
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
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
Our Spring 2023 programme of events explored the interconnections of AI and data with humanity through conversations, performances, and workshops.
Watch recordings
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
Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) building, The University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
*Deliveries via West Entrance on Nightingale Way.
Email: efi@ed.ac.uk
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a “Recognised body” which has been granted degree awarding powers.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all material is copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2021.
