Transdisciplinary Research Module: Futures Literacy
Futures Literacy
This module covers the foundational aspects of Futures Literacy, designed to equip you with the essential skills to navigate future scenarios effectively. The purpose of this module is to delve into the multifaceted nature of imagining and understanding multiple futures, challenging our anticipatory assumptions, and fostering a deeper awareness of the present. Join Loes Damhof and Raul Correa-Smith in exploring the three key anticipatory systems: planning, preparation, and exploration, encouraging you to embrace complexity and enhance your perception of the world. By exploring diverse futures and questioning established norms, you’ll gain the insights needed to navigate uncertainty with confidence and creativity.
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Our Experts
Loes Damhof
was elected Lecturer of the Year of all Higher Education in The Netherlands in 2016 and currently occupies the UNESCO Chair on Futures Literacy in Higher Education at Hanze University. In addition to her research and teaching practices, she consults and trains staff of global organisations such as FutureWomenX, UNESCO, UNFCCC, ClimateKIC, FORMS, UN, and Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. She is a Future Fellow at Hawkwood College, a steering committee member of the Futures Oriented Museum Synergies, co-editor of the Journal of Futures Studies and co-founder of Emergence Academy.
Raul Correa-Smith
is dedicated to processes of collective engagement that aim to spark flexibility within social systems that are generative of meaning, intelligence, imagination, and a renewal of intents for people and organizations.
A dual citizen of Brazil and the U.S., he combines his background in architecture and urbanism with a sensitivity to spatial and relational dynamics. Based in Amsterdam since 2017, Raul led the creation of FORMS (Futures-Oriented Museum Synergies), a global network exploring the future of museums through collaboration with artists, curators, and educators.
Previously, he coordinated Studio-X Rio, a Columbia University think tank focused on reimagining urban spaces for well-being and belonging. In 2022, Raul helped develop the first UNESCO Futures Literacy Chair hosted by a museum, launched by the Museum of Tomorrow in 2023. He also teaches at the Amsterdam Architecture Academy.
Additional sources
Journal Articles & Academic Works
Damhof, L., & Gulmans, J. (2023). Imagining the impossible: An act of radical hope. Possibility Studies & Society, 1(1–2), 51–55. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/27538699231174821?casa_token=97MKMSBygxgAAAAA:mQyqIDCLDQomk4AdOI6IoyDKdcvmizr-sEfF0JdKQWY0Mj9E_2XecY7ZheLdb_7aGkViNBYvu61rs8A
Inayatullah, S. (2008). Six pillars: Futures thinking for transforming. Foresight, 10(1), 4–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680810855991
Kazemier, E. M., Damhof, L., Gulmans, J., & Cremers, P. H. (2021). Mastering futures literacy in higher education. Futures, 132, 102814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102814
Miller, R. (2011). Futures literacy—Embracing complexity and using the future. Ethos, 10.https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/34685303/v03_ETHOS_issue10_riel_miller__v3.5_PRE_PUB_author_copy-libre.pdf
Miller, R. (2015). Making experimentalist leadership practical: The theory and practice of futures literacy. Centre for Strategic Education. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Riel-Miller/publication/281372533_Making_Experimentalist_Leadership_practical_The_theory_and_practice_of_futures_literacy/links/55e4313208aede0b5733e653/Making-Experimentalist-Leadership-practical-The-theory-and-practice-of-futures-literacy.pdf
Miller, R. (2018). Transforming the future: Anticipation in the 21st century. Taylor & Francis. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/102158/1/9781351047999.pdf
Blogposts & Essays
Accessible reflections and provocations from leading futurists.
Demystifying Futures Literacy — A clear and concise introduction to the concept and its uses.
What is Futures Literacy — A UNESCO overview on the significance of developing futures capabilities.
Experiential Futures: Brief Outline — A concise introduction to the principles and practice of experiential futures, showing how immersive methods can evoke alternate worlds.
Futures shaping Art. — A scenario report exploring how art practices can act as a medium for envisioning and influencing possible futures.
Sensing and sense-making — Exploring the embodied and perceptual side of futures thinking.
Doing or not not-doing: the rebirth of agency — A reflection on agency and creative futures practice.
Teaching Futures Q&A — Insights into teaching and facilitating futures-oriented learning.
Videos & Talks
Engaging audiovisual introductions to Futures Literacy and its leading voices.
Futures Literacy explained in 1,5 minute — A quick visual introduction to the concept.
Riel Miller – 15 minutes — Riel Miller explains the essence and application of Futures Literacy.
Causal Layered Analyses – Sohail Inayatullah (15 min) — A guided explanation of a core tool for transformative futures work.
Bayo Akomolafe on Finding Sanctuary – 41 minutes — A poetic reflection on slowing down and reimagining the future.
Interview with Loes Damhof for Imagine Futures Institute — Exploring the role of Futures Literacy in education and leadership.
EUPRERA Conference (7 minutes) — Loes Damhof introduces Futures Literacy to a communication audience.
