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 the skills to tackle complex global challenges using interdisciplinary and future-focused approaches. With 20 fully funded doctoral positions available, the programme combines rigorous academic research with practical engagement, preparing participants to become leaders in their fields.

The FORESIGHTERS programme is designed to foster a new generation of researchers who can critically analyze and respond to the rapid changes shaping our world. It moves beyond traditional PhD structures by emphasizing Futures Thinking, Futures Literacy, and collaboration across different academic and non-academic sectors. This approach ensures that research is not only academically sound but also relevant and impactful in addressing real-world issues.

Understanding the FORESIGHTERS Programme

The acronym FORESIGHTERS stands for Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS and creativity. This name reflects the program’s core mission: to cultivate researchers skilled in understanding and navigating future trends across various critical domains. Unlike conventional doctoral studies, FORESIGHTERS centers its training around several key pillars:

• Futures Thinking: Learning to explore multiple potential futures and their implications.
• Futures Literacy: Developing the ability to understand and use foresight in decision-making.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working across different academic disciplines to solve complex problems.
• Societal Impact: Focusing research on creating tangible benefits for society.
• Innovation and Governance: Examining how new ideas and policies can shape future outcomes.
• Sustainability and Resilience: Addressing environmental and societal challenges for long-term stability.

Researchers in this program will gain the ability to critically examine various future scenarios and apply forward-looking methods to contemporary challenges in technology, the environment, and governance.

Fully Funded Doctoral Positions and Research Themes

The FORESIGHTERS programme is recruiting 20 early-stage researchers for 42-month, full-time funded doctoral positions. These positions are divided into five distinct research themes, with four vacancies available within each theme. Applicants will apply directly to one of these themes, competing within that specific pool of candidates.

1. Health Research Theme

This theme focuses on advancements in healthcare, including innovation in medical treatments, public health strategies, and the governance of health systems. It explores how future thinking can lead to better well-being and more effective healthcare solutions for populations.

2. Technology Research Theme

This area delves into the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. It examines the ethical considerations, governance frameworks, and future trajectories of technological development.

3. Energy Research Theme

Research within this theme addresses the critical challenges of climate transitions and sustainability. It investigates renewable energy systems, the resilience of energy infrastructure, and the development of future energy solutions.

4. Future Cities Research Theme

This theme looks at the development of urban environments, including smart city initiatives, urban planning, and infrastructure. It emphasizes sustainability and resilience in the context of future urban growth and development.

5. Creativity Research Theme

This theme connects the arts, culture, and humanities with innovation. It explores how storytelling, creative expression, and cultural understanding can shape future societal narratives and possibilities.

Financial Support and Benefits

The FORESIGHTERS programme offers a comprehensive financial package designed to support doctoral researchers fully. Successful candidates will benefit from:

Competitive Salary and Allowances

• A salary package up to £37,734 annually.
• An additional family allowance of £6,600 for eligible researchers, supporting those with dependents.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

• Complete funding for PhD tuition fees, removing a significant financial barrier to doctoral study.
• Access to a wide range of advanced doctoral training resources and facilities.

Research and Development Funding

• Dedicated funding for research projects, allowing for in-depth investigation.
• Support for travel to conferences and research collaborations, fostering international networking.
• Opportunities for secondments with external organizations, providing practical, real-world experience.

Employment Benefits

• Researchers are appointed on full-time employment contracts, offering job security and standard employment benefits.
• Access to university staff development programs and professional skills training.
• Comprehensive career development support to help researchers plan their future paths.

What Makes FORESIGHTERS Unique

The FORESIGHTERS programme distinguishes itself from traditional PhDs through its integrated approach. It combines academic rigor with practical application, fostering a unique research environment. Key elements include:

• Academic Excellence: High-quality supervision and research opportunities within a leading university.
• Futures Thinking Methodologies: Training in advanced foresight techniques to analyze and shape future outcomes.
• Interdisciplinary Supervision: Guidance from supervisors with diverse expertise, promoting cross-disciplinary insights.
• Real-World Collaboration: Partnerships with industry, public sector organizations, and non-academic stakeholders.
• Policy and Societal Engagement: A focus on research that informs policy and contributes to societal well-being.

This collaborative model encourages the co-design of research projects, ensuring that the work generated has a tangible impact beyond the academic sphere.

Open Research Call Structure

A distinctive feature of the FORESIGHTERS programme is its open call structure, which offers significant flexibility to applicants. Candidates have the option to select from suggested project ideas or to develop and propose their own unique research concepts. This approach grants researchers substantial intellectual freedom while ensuring their proposals align with the overarching goals of the FORESIGHTERS initiative. Applicants are encouraged to highlight interdisciplinary connections, demonstrate originality, showcase societal relevance, and clearly link their ideas 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, as required by MSCA funding.

Mobility Rule

Applicants must not have resided in the UK, carried out their main education in the UK, or undertaken employment activity in the UK for more than 12 months within the 36 months preceding the application deadline of June 29, 2026.

Doctoral Degree Rule

Applicants must not already possess a doctoral degree or be in the process of completing one by the application deadline. Candidates who do not meet these requirements will be considered ineligible for the programme.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Queen’s University Belfast is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting equal opportunities. The university is recognized internationally for its leadership in gender equality, diversity initiatives, disability inclusion, and equitable employment practices. The FORESIGHTERS programme actively supports these values through:

• Diverse selection panels and inclusive recruitment strategies.
• Accessible interview processes for all candidates.
• Fair assessment that acknowledges career breaks, parental leave, and non-traditional academic pathways.
• Encouragement of applications from underrepresented groups in academia.

Recruitment Timeline and Application Process

The recruitment for the FORESIGHTERS programme follows a structured timeline, with key dates to guide applicants.

Key Dates

• Recruitment Opens: May 18, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
• Programme Start Date: January 2027

Step-by-Step Application Process

Stage 1: Online Application Submission
Applications are submitted through the Queen’s University Belfast Career Opportunities portal. Required documents include a Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), a Supporting Statement (max 2 pages), and an Outline Research Proposal (max 1 page). Applicants can apply to multiple themes, but each requires a separate submission.

Stage 2: Eligibility Screening and Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed for MSCA eligibility, academic suitability, research potential, and the quality of submitted documents. Approximately 6-8 applicants per theme are shortlisted for the next stage.

Stage 3: Online Sandpits and Interview Assessment
Shortlisted candidates participate in online Research Theme Information Sandpits to connect with potential supervisors and refine research ideas. Following this, a more detailed research proposal is submitted. Interviews are then conducted, assessing excellence, interdisciplinarity, impact, research potential, and communication skills.

Stage 4: Final Appointment
The top candidates in each research theme receive offers. The university provides support for international researchers, including visa applications and relocation processes.

Studying at Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is a globally recognized research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group. It is ranked among the world’s top 200 universities and holds the Athena Swan Gold Award, reflecting its commitment to gender equality. The university is also recognized for its sustainability leadership and its welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Living in Belfast

Belfast offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs compared to many other UK cities. It boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, a strong international student community, and a rich history blended with modern innovation.

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