The Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) is excited to announce the opening of applications for its prestigious Visiting Fellowship Programme for the 2025/2026 academic year. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural programme, EFI continues to foster innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research that challenges norms and sparks impactful change.
This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for researchers to engage with EFI’s dynamic academic community, contributing to its vision of addressing complex global challenges by uniting diverse disciplines.
Programme Overview
The Visiting Fellowship Programme invites applications from researchers with open-ended positions within academic institutions to collaborate at the Futures Institute for 3-6 months. Fellows will receive:
A monthly bursary of £1,500.
Reimbursement for travel and visa expenses (if applicable).
Access to EFI’s rich academic resources, training courses, and seminars.
During their fellowship, participants are expected to contribute actively by delivering guest lectures, collaborating on research proposals, or engaging in teaching activities.
Key Research Areas
EFI prioritizes interdisciplinary and data-driven research within six critical domains:
1. Creative Industries & Digital Humanities
2. Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence
3. Financial Services & Fintech
4. Future Infrastructure
5. Public Sector: Prevention, Data Civics, Participatory Democracy, Governance
6. Tourism & Festivals
Applicants working within these fields will be evaluated based on their research relevance and potential for societal impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold an open-ended position at an academic institution (equivalent qualifications and relevant career experience will also be considered).
Be based outside the University of Edinburgh.
Have a demonstrable record of leadership in research or engagement projects.
EFI particularly encourages applications from individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) or underrepresented minorities.
Selection Process and Criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following:
Research Leadership: Evidence of impactful, innovative projects (career stage considered).
Collaboration Potential: Existing or prospective research links with Edinburgh’s academic ecosystem.
Impact Relevance: The societal and research impact potential of the proposed work.
Community Contribution: Plans to engage with EFI and the broader University of Edinburgh community.
Applications must include a named academic sponsor from the University of Edinburgh, who will provide support throughout the fellowship.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Visiting fellows will benefit from:
Immersing themselves in EFI’s vibrant academic environment.
Building international collaborative links with researchers, students, and industry partners.
Engaging in seminars, events, and training courses that promote professional growth.
EFI is committed to advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering a collaborative approach to innovation, making this programme an enriching experience for all participants.
Important Dates and Application Process
Application Deadline: 23 January 2025.
Notification of Results: End of February 2025.
Interested applicants should prepare a detailed proposal aligning their research with EFI’s key focus areas and obtain support from a University of Edinburgh academic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship requirements and programme specifics, visit the Edinburgh Futures Institute’s official website here.
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About the Edinburgh Futures Institute
The Edinburgh Futures Institute is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, addressing pressing global challenges through collaboration and innovation. By connecting people and ideas across disciplines, EFI creates better futures by driving data-driven, creative, and ethical solutions.
