As part of a broader initiative to advance research in more-than-human design – recently reflected on in a blog post by Future Observatory director, Justin McGuirk – we are thrilled to introduce the latest cohort of researchers participating in our Design Exchange Partnership programme. Now entering its fourth year, this Future Observatory funding stream fosters collaborations between researchers in academic institutions and partner organisations, including small businesses, local councils and NGOs.
Commencing their research in February 2025, the five new project teams will spend the next six to twelve months investigating human interactions with the non-human world. From mapping the habitation patterns of kittiwakes to strengthening indigenous sovereignty in the face of extractivist incursions, the projects will be tackling critical issues relating to themes such as biodiversity loss, urban ecologies and environmental justice.
The teams addressing these challenges will be joining us from institutions across the UK, including Goldsmiths (University of London), London Metropolitan University, Northumbria University and the University of Strathclyde. Working with innovative partners, such as Forensic Architecture, the Baltic Centre, Wild Intrigue and the Kusama Trust, the researchers bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the Future Observatory programme. We are delighted to welcome this new cohort and look forward to sharing their progress and insights in the months ahead.
To learn more about the five new projects, we invite you to explore their profiles below. For more updates on the Design Exchange Partnership programme – including funding opportunities, application development surgeries and research events – sign up to our newsletter here.
