Futures Thinking mini-series

A four-part workshop mini-series for research staff and research leaders across the University of Edinburgh to explore futures thinking as a creative and strategic tool for shaping their research, career direction, and academic practice.

Workshop series information

This four part mini-series introduces a different entry point into futures methods in each workshop, using a research-oriented framework designed to support insight, creativity, agency and strategic thinking.

Each workshop are open to research and academic staff at any career stage. You can attend individual sessions or more than one. No prior experience with futures thinking needed. Further information and booking links are included below.

Workshop titleDescriptionDate/Time/LocationFurther info and booking
Vision Creation for Research Project LeadsA compelling vision helps when pitching new proposals to funders and collaborators and provides shared motivation for research teams. This workshop incorporates practical, grounded approaches to creating a tangible and compelling vision for a new research proposal or for leading new research teams.

Tue 7 Oct 2025, 9:30-12:30 

On campus, central

https://edin.ac/4pr1hQC 
Proactive Research Strategy: Anticipating and Making Sense of ChangeIn a fast-changing research and funding environment, it’s not always easy to see what’s coming — let alone how to prepare for it. This session is for researchers who want to stay ahead of the curve, make sense of big-picture trends, and think more proactively about their field, discipline, or policy context. 

Mon 27 Oct 2025, 09:30-12:30 

On campus, central

https://edin.ac/4n97Ju2 
Reclaiming Energy and Purpose in ResearchThis session offers space to slow down, reflect, and explore what brings meaning, curiosity, or creative spark in research, especially in times of fatigue or uncertainty. We’ll work with personal narratives, metaphors, and prompts, using futures methods for personal and career reflection.

Mon 10 Nov 2025, 09:30-12:30 

On campus, central

https://edin.ac/4podbKT 
Futures Thinking for Change-MakersImagining otherwise is a powerful starting point for new ways of thinking. This workshop is for research staff and research leaders who want to question assumptions in their field, challenge dominant narratives, and open up alternative futures for their research.

Wed 26 Nov 2025, 09:30-12:30 

On campus, central

https://edin.ac/4mhJoAQ 

 

Disclaimer

These sessions form part of research on conditions for futures thinking in research cultures as part of the CoGIF project (Creating the Generative Conditions for Futures Thinking in Research Cultures), funded through the InFrame Research Culture Catalyst Fund. Taking part in these workshops is voluntary.

By signing up, you are agreeing to take part in a session that is both a developmental workshop and a research activity. The workshops will be observed for research purposes, and we will ask to record a short group discussion about the workshop at the end. We will ask you to complete a short survey before, after, and a few weeks following the workshop, with an optional follow on interview. Please refer to the participant information sheet for more information. 

More info: CoGIF project overview | InFrame Catalyst Fund

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