Edinburgh Futures Institute is thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast series — “Futures Conversations.”
Futures Conversations will bring listeners thought-provoking dialogue showcasing the intersections of disciplines, ideas, and possibilities taking place at the Futures Institute.
Episodes will feature inspiring stories from people working across different fields — arts, science, AI, policy, and more — who are coming together in unexpected ways to tackle the most complex challenges of our time.
First episode: The ethics of AI
Hosted by Professor Enda Delaney, Futures Institute Director of Research, the podcast kicks off with the first episode featuring Centre for Technomoral Futures Director, Professor Shannon Vallor.
In this fascinating episode, Professor Vallor explores how her background shaped her approach to research on the ethics of AI.
Professor Vallor argues that AI is a mirror to society, and that we need to look to humans — not machines — for ideas and solutions on how to adapt to this emergent technology.
Upcoming episodes: A spotlight on research
The first six episodes of Futures Conversations spotlight some of the exciting figures behind the interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research at the Futures Institute.
Following the launch episode featuring Professor Shannon Vallor, upcoming episodes will include:
- Episode 2: Liz McFall on the Data Civics Observatory (June 2025)
In a frank and revealing discussion, sociologist and Professor Liz McFall charts her journey from growing up in West Lothian, Scotland, to exploring vital questions about democracy and data in the Data Civics Observatory which she leads at the Futures Institute. She also discusses her film, Closes and Opens: a history of Edinburgh’s Futures and Milton Keynes of the Mind.
- Episode 3: Laura Cram on the Neuropolitics Lab (September 2025)
How does our brain explain the ways in which we make sense of the complex political worlds we inhabit? This question is explored in the Neuropolitics Lab, designed and developed by political scientist and Professor Laura Cram, where politics and neuroscience come together to answer some of the most pressing questions we face today about our politically-divided societies.
- Episode 4: Sean Smith on Future Infrastructure (September 2025)
How do we future proof our infrastructure? This question is the key concern for Professor Sean Smith, an engineer who has worked in industry and academia. He outlines the unique expertise that pioneering research can bring to the design and construction of buildings that enable us to reduce our environment footprint.
- Episode 5: John Vines on Design Informatics (October 2025)
Designing technology that humans can easily use — this is Professor John Vines’ mission. He takes us through a varied career in design and explains how the field of human-computer interaction explores the ways in which people experience technology in their everyday lives. Along the way we learn about the value John places on the participation of users in design.
- Episode 6: Kate Wright on Mass Media (October 2025)
Working as a BBC journalist, Kate Wright spent time in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Moving into academia allowed her to investigate how journalism is responding to the twin challenges of the new digital landscape and the changing political and cultural contexts in which news is now produced. Kate speaks openly about the uncertain future facing the media.
Looking to the future
Professor Enda Delaney said:
Hosting the Futures Conversations podcast has been an absolute pleasure! Over the course of our first six episodes, we’ve aimed to offer a glimpse into the forward-thinking, thought-provoking research happening at the Futures Institute — and to introduce you to the brilliant minds behind it. This is just the beginning for Futures Conversations. We hope you’ll continue to tune in as we explore the interdisciplinary, data-driven projects shaping the future at the Futures Institute.
Futures Institute Director, Professor Marion Thain, said:
Listen to Episode 1 of Futures Conversations now!“We’re excited to launch the Futures Conversations podcast as a new platform to engage the world with the groundbreaking, interdisciplinary thinking emerging from Edinburgh Futures Institute. At a time when we face urgent global challenges — from the rapid rise of AI to climate change, media disinformation and increasing health and social inequalities — the conversations in this series invite listeners to rethink the present and imagine a future that is more connected, ethical, and informed.”
