Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS PhD Programme: A Deep Dive

Queen’s University Belfast is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers through its FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Training Programme. This initiative aims to equip early-stage researchers with advanced skills in interdisciplinary and future-focused research. The programme is designed to address pressing global challenges by integrating innovative methodologies with real-world application. With 20 fully funded doctoral positions available, the FORESIGHTERS programme represents a significant investment in developing the next generation of research leaders.

Understanding the FORESIGHTERS Programme

The FORESIGHTERS program, an acronym for Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS and creativity, is more than a traditional PhD. It centers on developing expertise in Futures Thinking and Futures Literacy. This approach encourages researchers to critically examine multiple potential futures and apply future-focused methods to complex issues in society, technology, the environment, and governance. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, societal impact, innovation, and sustainability, preparing participants to navigate and shape a changing world.

Program Structure and Research Themes

The FORESIGHTERS programme offers 20 full-time, 42-month funded doctoral positions. These positions are divided across five distinct research themes, with four vacancies available in each. Applicants must choose one theme for their application, competing within that specific pool. The research themes are designed to be interdisciplinary and address critical global issues:

Health Research Theme

This theme focuses on advancements in healthcare, including innovation in medical treatments, health system governance, public health strategies, and the development of future healthcare solutions.

Technology Research Theme

This area explores the impact and governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. It also covers digital transformation, ethical considerations, and the future trajectory of technological development.

Energy Research Theme

Research within this theme centers on sustainability and climate transitions. It includes work on renewable energy systems, enhancing resilience, and developing innovative future energy solutions.

Future Cities Research Theme

This theme addresses the development of smart cities, urban planning, and infrastructure. It also looks at sustainability and resilience in urban environments and future urban development strategies.

Creativity Research Theme

This theme connects the arts, culture, and humanities with innovation. It involves exploring storytelling, creative industries, and the future of creative expression.

Financial Support and Benefits

The FORESIGHTERS programme provides a comprehensive financial and professional support package. Successful candidates will receive full tuition fee coverage and a competitive salary. The salary package can reach up to £37,734 annually, with an additional family allowance of £6,600 for eligible researchers. Beyond salary, the program includes dedicated funding for research and travel, offering opportunities for secondments with external organizations and international networking. As full-time employees, researchers also gain access to staff employment benefits, university development programs, and professional skills training designed to support their career growth.

Unique Program Features

What sets the FORESIGHTERS programme apart is its blend of academic rigor with practical, real-world engagement. It combines excellent academic supervision with the application of Futures Thinking methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers work closely with academic supervisors, industry partners, public sector organizations, and other non-academic collaborators. This approach fosters the co-design of research projects that aim to create tangible societal impact beyond the academic sphere. The programme also operates as an open call, allowing applicants to propose their own research ideas, provided they align with the programme’s aims and demonstrate originality, societal relevance, and a connection to future-oriented thinking.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FORESIGHTERS programme, applicants must meet specific criteria related to mobility and prior doctoral experience. Firstly, applicants must not have resided in the UK, carried out their main education, or undertaken employment activity in the UK for more than 12 months within the 36 months preceding the application deadline of June 29, 2026. Secondly, applicants must not already possess a doctoral degree or be in the process of completing one before the application deadline. Failure to meet either of these conditions will result in ineligibility.

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

Queen’s University Belfast is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting equality of opportunity. The university is recognized for its leadership in gender equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The FORESIGHTERS programme actively supports these values through diverse selection panels, inclusive recruitment strategies, and accessible interview processes. The programme also makes a point of fairly assessing applicants who may have had career breaks, parental leave, or followed non-traditional academic paths. Applications from underrepresented groups in academia are particularly encouraged.

Application and Recruitment Timeline

The recruitment process for the FORESIGHTERS programme begins with applications opening on May 18, 2026, and closing on June 29, 2026. Information webinars are scheduled for June 10, 2026. Following eligibility screening and shortlisting, which is expected by the end of July 2026, shortlisted candidates will participate in online research theme sandpits in early September 2026. Interviews are scheduled for early October 2026, with final appointment decisions expected by November 2026. The programme is set to commence in January 2027.

The Application Process

The application process involves several stages. First, candidates must submit an online application through the Queen’s University Belfast Career Opportunities portal. This includes personal details, academic and employment history, and references. A single combined file must be uploaded, containing a Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages), a Supporting Statement (maximum 2 pages) explaining how the applicant meets the criteria and their motivation, and an Outline Research Proposal (maximum 1 page) aligning with a chosen research theme.

After initial screening and shortlisting, candidates will participate in online sandpit sessions designed to introduce them to potential supervisors and explore collaboration. Before the final interview, a more detailed research proposal is required. The interview itself lasts approximately one hour and includes a research proposal presentation, a futures thinking task, and panel questions, all assessed on criteria such as excellence, interdisciplinarity, impact, and research potential. The top candidates in each theme will receive offers, with the university providing support for international researchers regarding visas and relocation.