Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS PhD Programme: A Deep Dive into Future-Focused Research
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-oriented approaches. With 20 fully funded PhD positions available, the program combines academic rigor with practical engagement, preparing a new generation of research leaders. The FORESIGHTERS program is designed to foster innovation and provide a robust training experience for those looking to make a significant impact.
Understanding the FORESIGHTERS Programme
The FORESIGHTERS program, an acronym for Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS and creativity, focuses on developing researchers who can understand and respond to global changes. It moves beyond traditional PhD structures by emphasizing Futures Thinking, Futures Literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, societal impact, innovation, governance, sustainability, and resilience. Participants will learn to explore various future possibilities and apply future-focused methods to current societal, technological, environmental, and governance issues.
Key Features of the Doctoral Programme
Queen’s University Belfast is recruiting 20 early-stage researchers for 42-month, full-time funded doctoral positions. These positions are divided among five distinct research themes, with four vacancies available within each. Applicants will apply directly to one of these themes, competing within that specific pool. This structure ensures focused research within specialized areas while maintaining the program’s interdisciplinary core.
Available Research Themes
The FORESIGHTERS program offers five interdisciplinary research themes, allowing applicants to align their interests with specific areas of global importance:
1. Health Research Theme
This theme centers on innovation in healthcare, governance, public health, and the development of future healthcare solutions. It encourages research into how health systems can adapt to future challenges and improve well-being.
2. Technology Research Theme
Focusing on the ethical and practical implications of emerging technologies, this theme explores artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the governance of technological advancements. Research here aims to understand and shape the future of technology.
3. Energy Research Theme
This theme addresses critical issues of sustainability, climate transitions, and the development of renewable energy systems. It investigates how to build resilience in energy solutions for the future.
4. Future Cities Research Theme
Projects within this theme examine smart city development, urban planning, infrastructure, and sustainability in urban environments. The goal is to envision and contribute to resilient and future-ready urban living.
5. Creativity Research Theme
Connecting arts, culture, humanities, and innovation, this theme explores the role of creativity and storytelling in shaping future narratives and societal development. It looks at how creative industries can drive change.
Financial Support and Benefits
The FORESIGHTERS program provides a comprehensive financial package for its doctoral researchers. Successful candidates will receive full tuition fee coverage and a competitive salary of up to £37,734 annually. An additional family allowance of £6,600 is available for eligible researchers. Beyond salary, the program includes dedicated research and travel funding, opportunities for secondments with external organizations, and international networking. As full-time employees, researchers also benefit from staff employment benefits and access to university development programs, including professional skills training and career support.
The Unique Approach of FORESIGHTERS
What sets FORESIGHTERS apart is its blend of academic excellence with practical, real-world collaboration. The program integrates Futures Thinking methodologies with interdisciplinary supervision and engagement with industry, public sector, and non-academic partners. This approach fosters co-designed research projects that aim for tangible societal impact beyond academia. Researchers are encouraged to develop their own research ideas, provided they align with the program’s future-oriented goals and demonstrate originality, societal relevance, and interdisciplinary links.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for the FORESIGHTERS program, applicants must meet specific criteria related to mobility and prior doctoral experience. The mobility rule states that applicants must not have resided, carried out their main education, or undertaken employment in the UK for more than 12 months within the 36 months prior to the application deadline. Additionally, applicants must not already possess a doctoral degree or be in the process of obtaining one before the application deadline. These requirements are in line with MSCA funding regulations.
Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Queen’s University Belfast is dedicated to fostering equality of opportunity and inclusive recruitment. The university actively promotes diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value of different backgrounds and experiences. The FORESIGHTERS program specifically commits to diverse selection panels, inclusive recruitment strategies, and accessible interview processes. It aims to fairly assess all applicants, including those with career breaks or non-traditional academic pathways, and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in academia.
The Application and Recruitment Timeline
The recruitment process for the FORESIGHTERS program follows a structured timeline. Applications open on May 18, 2026, with an application deadline of 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 program is set to begin in January 2027.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The application process begins with an online submission through the Queen’s University Belfast Career Opportunities portal. Applicants must provide personal details, academic and employment history, and references. A single combined file is required, containing a Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages), a supporting statement (maximum two pages) detailing motivation and suitability, and an outline research proposal (maximum one page) that aligns with a chosen research theme and highlights future-oriented thinking. Applicants can apply to multiple themes, but each requires a separate submission.
Following the initial submission, applications undergo eligibility screening and shortlisting based on academic suitability, research potential, and the quality of submitted documents. Approximately six to eight applicants per theme will be shortlisted for the next stage. This involves online research theme sandpits designed to connect applicants with potential supervisors and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. After the sandpits, shortlisted candidates must submit a more detailed research proposal before their final interview. The interview, lasting approximately one hour, includes a research proposal presentation, a futures thinking task, and panel questions assessing excellence, interdisciplinarity, impact, and research potential.
Why Choose Queen’s University Belfast?
Queen’s University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group. It is recognized globally for its academic excellence, research impact, and commitment to sustainability and diversity. Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities, it holds prestigious awards for gender equality and sustainability. The university offers a supportive environment for doctoral training and is a University of Sanctuary.
Living in Belfast
Belfast provides an attractive environment for international students and researchers. It offers relatively affordable living costs compared to many other UK cities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a strong international student community. The city combines a rich history with a modern innovation ecosystem, offering a high quality of life. The university also provides support for international researchers with visa applications and relocation processes, including assistance with Global Talent Visas and UK work authorization.
