Research

We catalyse collaborative, data-driven and interdisciplinary research innovation across the University of Edinburgh and across six key themes: Creative Industries & Digital Humanities, Ethics of Data & AI, Financial Services & Fintech, Future Infrastructure, Public Sector, Tourism & Festivals.

Visit the Research Support Hub

“Edinburgh Futures Institute’s wide-ranging support of critical scholarship, exploring contemporary issues and challenges connected to a datafied society, is absolutely crucial to imagining better futures and defining pathways to impact.”
Alex Taylor (Reader in Design Informatics/Critical Data Studies Cluster Co-Lead, School of Informatics)

Research centres and Hubs

We support research centres that are focused on challenge-led, interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation across our themes.

Research clusters

We support research clusters which engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering interactions amongst academics, students and professional services staff from different fields of expertise.

Research development

We support strategic research grant applications by providing expert advice on how to design, structure and resource a project and coordinate the submission process.

Data-led methods and research technology

We build capacity for innovative digital research methods.

Internal Seed Funding

A range of funds to support students and staff.

Our research community

Join our vibrant and inclusive community of researchers through our internal affiliation programme, events and mixers, and external visiting fellowship programme.

Latest research news

News

Art shows celebrate fresh dimensions of AI

Two people observe a digital art display with abstract, earthy visuals on a wide, horizontal screen in a modern, well-lit gallery space.

Lively artworks offering perspectives on the current use and future possibilities of artificial intelligence premiered in two new Edinburgh exhibitions.

19 August 2025

Thinking

Researching interdisciplinary learning and teaching in practice

In this post, Dr Jenny Scoles shares her experience of researching interdisciplinary learning and teaching.

18 August 2025

News

Futures Conversations: Edinburgh Futures Institute’s new podcast series

A pair of headphones designed with alarm clocks as ear cups and an orange roller coaster as the headband, featuring miniature roller coaster riders on the top.

Edinburgh Futures Institute is thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast series — “Futures Conversations.”

5 June 2025

Our sectors in focus

A DJ standing over his decks, red tint over image.

Creative
industries

Financial Services
& FinTech

Public
Services

tourism, Travel
& festivals

Meet the research team

We’re a team of experts, navigators, makers and doers, facilitators and collaborators with diverse skills and capabilities who want to help you explore new ways of thinking and working.

Anna Votsi

Research Proposals Manager

Enda Delaney

Director of Research

Heather McCartney

Research Administrator

Valentina Guerrieri

Head of Research Support

Get in touch to discuss research support

If you’d like to discuss how we can support you with your research please complete the form below and one of of team will get back to you.

Create. Change.