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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

Futures Institute Research Centre part of £80m drive to diagnose dementia faster

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre is one of nine projects awarded up to £80m UKRI funding to make dementia diagnosis faster and more consistent across the UK.

News

Fission-Fusion Evolution: Visiting Fellow, artist and students co-create artwork for international event

Six people sit in a circle on the floor, collaboratively drawing colourful geometric patterns with markers on a large white sheet. The design radiates from the centre, and everyone is focused on their artwork.

A collaborative art workshop led by Dr Miranda Anderson, Visiting Fellow at Edinburgh Futures Institute (September 2024-February 2025) with Dr Goro Murayama (University of Tokyo) invited students to explore creativity in the age of AI, with their artwork and reflections later featured in a report.

News

Centre for Infrastructure Director appointed as chair of new Mission Board

A man with grey hair in a blue blazer and beige trousers sits on a light grey sofa with two magenta cushions, in front of a wall with vertical panels in shades of blue and grey.

Professor Sean Smith has been appointed as chair of a new Mission Board convened to help drive circular change across Scotland’s built environment.

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.

Headshot of Anna Votsi

Anna Votsi

Research Proposals Manager
Enda Delaney headshot

Enda Delaney

Director of Research
Headshot of Heather McCartney

Heather McCartney

Research Administrator
Headshot of Valentina Guerrieri

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.

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Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) building, The University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3  9EF
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Email: efi@ed.ac.uk

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