The new Futures Conversations podcast brings listeners thought-provoking dialogue showcasing the intersections of disciplines, ideas, and possibilities taking place at the Futures Institute.
Episode 2
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 films Closes and Opens: a history of Edinburgh’s Futures and Milton Keynes of the Mind.
Upcoming Episodes
- Episode 3: Laura Cram on the Neuropolitics Lab (September 2025)
- Episode 4: Sean Smith on Future Infrastructure (September 2025)
- Episode 5: John Vines on Design Informatics (October 2025)
- Episode 6: Kate Wright on Mass Media (October 2025)
Previous Episodes
“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.”
– Professor Enda Delaney, Director of Research, Edinburgh Futures Institute
“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.”
Professor Marion Thain, Director, Edinburgh Futures Institute
