Queen's University Belfast FORESIGHTERS PhD Programme: Your Guide to Future-Focused Research 2026

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 recruit 20 early-stage researchers for fully funded PhD positions, focusing on interdisciplinary and future-oriented research. The program is designed to address pressing global challenges by equipping researchers with skills in Futures Thinking, Futures Literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, the FORESIGHTERS programme presents a significant opportunity for those looking to make an impact in academia and beyond.

Understanding the FORESIGHTERS Programme

The FORESIGHTERS program, an acronym for Future ORiEnted Skills, Innovation for Governance for Health, Technology, EneRgy, citieS and creativity, is built around a distinctive approach to doctoral training. It moves beyond traditional research by integrating Futures Thinking methodologies, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, and emphasizing societal impact. Researchers involved in this program will learn to critically examine potential futures and apply future-focused strategies to contemporary issues in society, technology, the environment, and governance. This approach ensures that the research conducted is not only academically rigorous but also relevant and actionable in a rapidly changing world.

Key Features of the Doctoral Programme

Queen’s University Belfast is offering 20 fully funded doctoral positions, each lasting 42 months. These positions are divided among 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. This structure allows for focused research within specialized areas while still encouraging cross-disciplinary exploration. The program’s design ensures that each researcher receives dedicated support and resources tailored to their chosen field of study.

Available Research Themes

The FORESIGHTERS programme is structured around five interdisciplinary research themes, each addressing a critical area of global concern:

Health Research Theme: This theme focuses on innovations in healthcare, public health strategies, health systems management, and the development of future healthcare solutions. It aims to train researchers who can contribute to improving global health outcomes through forward-thinking research.
Technology Research Theme: This area explores the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and their governance. It delves into digital transformation, ethical considerations, and the future trajectory of technological advancements.
Energy Research Theme: Research within this theme centers on sustainability, climate transitions, and renewable energy systems. It investigates how to build resilience in energy infrastructure and develop innovative future energy solutions.
Future Cities Research Theme: This theme addresses the development of smart cities, urban planning, and sustainable infrastructure. It examines how to create resilient urban environments and plan for future urban development.
Creativity Research Theme: This theme connects arts, culture, and humanities with innovation and storytelling. It explores how creative approaches can shape future narratives and foster new forms of expression and understanding.

Financial and Employment Benefits

The FORESIGHTERS programme offers a substantial financial and employment package to its doctoral researchers. Successful candidates will receive full tuition fee coverage for their PhD studies, along with access to advanced doctoral training resources. A competitive salary package is provided, potentially reaching 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, opportunities for secondments with external organizations, and international networking possibilities. Researchers are appointed on full-time employment contracts, granting them access to staff employment benefits, university development programs, professional skills training, and career development support.

Unique Aspects of the Programme

What sets the FORESIGHTERS programme apart is its emphasis on combining academic excellence with practical, real-world application. It integrates Futures Thinking methodologies with interdisciplinary supervision, encouraging researchers to collaborate with industry partners, public sector organizations, and non-academic stakeholders. This co-design approach aims to generate research projects with tangible societal impact that extends beyond the academic sphere. The open call structure further enhances this, allowing applicants to either select from suggested project ideas or develop their own, provided they align with the program’s overarching goals of interdisciplinary links, originality, societal relevance, and future-oriented thinking.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be eligible for the FORESIGHTERS programme, applicants must meet specific criteria related to mobility and prior doctoral experience. The mobility rule stipulates that 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. Additionally, applicants must not already possess a doctoral degree or be in the process of obtaining one before the application deadline. Failure to meet either of these requirements will result in the application being deemed ineligible.

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

Queen’s University Belfast is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and upholding equality of opportunity in its recruitment processes. The university is recognized internationally for its leadership in gender equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The FORESIGHTERS programme actively promotes these values through diverse selection panels, inclusive recruitment strategies, and accessible interview processes. It also makes a conscious effort to fairly assess applicants who may have had career breaks, parental leave, or followed non-traditional academic pathways. The program strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups that are underrepresented in academia, aiming to build a diverse cohort of future researchers.

Application Process and Timeline

The recruitment for the FORESIGHTERS programme 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, to provide prospective applicants with further details. Following eligibility screening and shortlisting, which are 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 involves several stages, beginning with an online submission through the Queen’s University Belfast Career Opportunities portal. Applicants must upload a single combined file containing their Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages), a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) detailing their motivation and suitability, and an outline research proposal (maximum 1 page) aligned with their chosen research theme. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to online sandpit sessions and a final interview, where they will present a more detailed research proposal and undertake a futures thinking task. Successful candidates will receive offers and support for relocation and visa applications if necessary.

Why Choose Queen’s University Belfast?

Queen’s University Belfast is a distinguished research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, recognized globally for its academic excellence and research impact. It is ranked among the world’s top 200 universities and holds the Athena Swan Gold Award, signifying its commitment to gender equality. The university is also recognized for its sustainability leadership and as a University of Sanctuary. Living in Belfast offers a high quality of life with more affordable living costs compared to many other UK cities, a strong international student community, and a vibrant cultural scene. The FORESIGHTERS programme at Queen’s provides an exceptional environment for doctoral research, fostering innovation and preparing researchers for leadership roles in shaping a sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FORESIGHTERS PhD Programme?

It’s a doctoral training program at Queen’s University Belfast that focuses on interdisciplinary research using Futures Thinking to address global challenges.