Edinburgh Futures Institute
About Edinburgh Futures Institute
Edinburgh Futures Institute is a new futures-focused space for learning, research, and innovation at the University of Edinburgh. It is designed to harness interdisciplinarity and data-driven innovation to tackle the world’s increasingly complex challenges. The Institute does this by:
- Delivering education with a difference – a deeply interdisciplinary curriculum, featuring innovation and data-driven collaboration with a focus on complex global and social challenges. The Futures Institute education portfolio brings together all 21 schools from across the University of Edinburgh with opportunities in undergraduate, postgraduate, executive education and beyond.
- Building collaborative and transformational partnerships with organisations, industry and business, from key sectors of fintech, creative industries, public services and tourism, to tackle challenges, improve products and services, and develop new ones through better use and understanding of data.
- Supporting interdisciplinary, collaborative, and creative, challenge-led research that is co-designed with local communities, the third sector, and business and industry partners.
Edinburgh Futures Institute is one of six Data-Driven Innovation hubs at the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. The Institute’s innovation ecosystem is part of a regional powerhouse for collaboration and ethical and creative data innovation with industry partners.
The Futures Institute occupies the iconic, category-A listed Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh following an extensive seven-year, multimillion-pound restoration. The Futures Institute opened its doors to the public in June 2024.
As custodians of this much-loved, Edinburgh city landmark, Edinburgh Futures Institute aims to fulfil the pledge set in stone above the main entrance: ‘patet omnibus’ - open to all.
Why we are partnering with Edinburgh Futures Institute
At Evelyn Partners, we’re committed to shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking financial future. That’s why we’re proud to be a founding partner of the Compassion in Financial Services Hub at the Edinburgh Futures Institute- a pioneering initiative that aligns with our values and our vision for what’s next.
Through this partnership, we commissioned a landmark piece of research led by Emily Shipp, which explored how we can close the financial literacy divide for women. The study examined the confidence gaps that hold women back from investing, retirement planning, and wealth management, and identified the barriers preventing more women from pursuing careers in financial services.
By supporting this research and platform, we’re not only investing in insight, but we’re helping to drive real change. This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering women, championing financial wellbeing, and using culture and education to shape a more equitable future.