In an era defined by rapid technological change, climate uncertainty, health crises and shifting urban landscapes, traditional research approaches often fall short. What if your PhD could equip you with the skills to anticipate change, explore multiple possible futures and drive real-world solutions? The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme at Queen’s University Belfast offers exactly that opportunity.
Queen’s University Belfast has launched recruitment for 20 Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions through its innovative FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme (Future ORiEnted Skills & Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS, and creativity). This Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND programme delivers world-class, interdisciplinary doctoral training focused on Futures Thinking and Futures Literacy.
Researchers will tackle complex societal challenges while developing the ability to imagine, analyse and critically apply different visions of the future. With applications closing on 29 June 2026, now is the time to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: UK
- Host University: Queen’s University Belfast
- Scholarship Type: PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
What Makes the FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme Unique?
FORESIGHTERS stands apart from conventional PhD programmes. Researchers are based in academic units spanning engineering, humanities, social sciences and the arts, yet they work within one of five interdisciplinary research themes. A shared cohort experience binds everyone through advanced training in Futures Thinking and Futures Literacy.
This approach goes beyond standard doctoral research. Participants learn to anticipate change, use multiple possible futures to stimulate creativity and resilience, and focus contemporary action on long-term impact. The programme also places strong emphasis on building sustainable, diverse and equitable research environments.
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As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND Doctoral Programme, co-funded by the European Union and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, FORESIGHTERS combines academic excellence with real-world collaboration through a wide range of non-academic partners.
Why Futures Thinking and Futures Literacy Matter Now
Futures Thinking is not about predicting one single future. It is about developing the capacity to explore many possible futures, understand emerging trends and make better decisions today. Futures Literacy takes this further by helping researchers recognise and challenge the assumptions that shape how societies imagine tomorrow.
In the FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme, these skills are applied directly to pressing global issues. Imagine using scenario planning to improve pandemic preparedness in the Health theme, or exploring creative methods to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems. Researchers learn to engage citizens, policymakers and industry in meaningful dialogue about the future.
This training produces graduates who stand out in academia, policy, industry and the third sector. The ability to think systematically about uncertainty and complexity is increasingly valued by employers worldwide.
The Five Interdisciplinary Research Themes
FORESIGHTERS researchers contribute to high-impact projects within one of five carefully chosen themes:
Health – Addressing future health challenges through anticipatory approaches to pandemics, ageing populations, mental health and health systems resilience.
Technology – Examining how emerging technologies will reshape society, work, ethics and governance, while ensuring human-centred innovation.
Energy – Developing futures-oriented strategies for the energy transition, net-zero pathways, energy justice and sustainable resource management.
Future Cities – Exploring how cities can become more liveable, resilient, inclusive and sustainable in the face of climate, demographic and technological change.
Creativity – Investigating how creative practices, arts and humanities can unlock new ways of understanding and shaping the future across disciplines and sectors.
Each theme encourages collaboration across traditional boundaries, ensuring research remains relevant and transformative.
World-Class Training Through the Thomas Moran Graduate School
Beyond theme-specific research, all FORESIGHTERS researchers benefit from advanced training at Queen’s Thomas Moran Graduate School. The programme delivers specialised modules in foresight methods, systems thinking, citizen engagement and transferable skills.
The cohort model creates a powerful peer-learning environment. Researchers work alongside supervisors and associated partners from outside academia, gaining exposure to real policy and industry challenges. This collaborative structure accelerates both personal development and research impact.
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Why Choose Queen’s University Belfast?
Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group and consistently ranks among the top 200 universities in the world. It is recognised for research excellence and holds a leading position in sustainability, ranking in the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026: Sustainability).
The university has earned the Athena Swan Gold Award — the first university in Ireland and only the second in the UK to achieve this honour for gender equality. It also holds the Silver Diversity Mark and has been designated a University of Sanctuary, reflecting its deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Belfast itself offers an outstanding quality of life. The city is culturally vibrant, affordable and welcoming, with excellent transport links and a rich history of innovation and creativity. Researchers enjoy a supportive environment where work-life balance is genuinely valued.
The FORESIGHTERS Researcher Package
Successful candidates receive a 42-month full-time employment contract with Queen’s University Belfast — a significant advantage over traditional PhD stipends.
Key elements of the package include:
- Basic salary of £37,734 (without pension contribution) or £31,185 (with pension contribution)
- Family allowance of £6,600 per year where eligible
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Dedicated research and travel budget for conferences, fieldwork and collaboration
- Access to high-quality facilities, equipment and professional development support
- Guidance and reimbursement for Global Talent Visa fees, with potential pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain
This comprehensive package allows researchers to focus fully on their development and impact without financial pressure.
Who Should Apply?
The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme welcomes applications from outstanding candidates worldwide who meet the MSCA mobility rules. Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree by the application deadline and should not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months before 29 June 2026.
Queen’s particularly encourages applications from individuals under-represented in academia. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the selection process and during the programme. A strong academic background equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours degree or Master’s, excellent research potential and a genuine interest in futures approaches are essential.
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How to Apply Before the 29 June 2026 Deadline
Applications for the FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme close on Monday 29 June 2026. The process is competitive, so early preparation is strongly advised.
Visit the official programme website for full details on eligibility, the application process and available projects: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/foresighters/
You can also explore the dedicated applicant information and recruitment process pages for guidance on preparing a strong application. For programme-specific questions or potential research projects, contact the FORESIGHTERS team at foresighters@qub.ac.uk.
Interviews are expected to take place in October 2026, with successful candidates joining this exciting new cohort.
Shape the Future — Start Your Application Today
The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme represents a rare opportunity to combine rigorous doctoral research with cutting-edge training in futures thinking at one of the UK’s leading universities. Whether your passion lies in health innovation, sustainable energy, urban transformation or creative futures, this programme provides the skills, network and support to become a future research leader.
With only days remaining before the 29 June 2026 deadline, now is the moment to take action. Visit the official site, review the eligibility criteria carefully, and prepare your application for what could be a transformative step in your research career.
The future needs researchers who can imagine it differently. Could you be one of them?
Apply now: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/foresighters/
Contact: foresighters@qub.ac.uk