Overview

The Future Humanities Institute acts as a development catalyst and advocacy group for the daring work that arts and humanities researchers undertake at UCC.

Our vanguard Radical Humanties Laboratory, our thematic clusters, and our smaller centres are Europe-leading exemplars of how interdisciplinary adventure and critical engagement with culture can make significant impacts in society: in how we think, in what we value, what we imagine, and in social change.

A member from each of CACSSS’ constituent Schools sits on our Board; we synergise across the boundaries of the arts and humanities and voyage well outside them. 

The challenge

We face new kinds of adversity. It can be tempting to overlook the role of the arts and humanities in responding to issues such as climate change, social unrest, artificial intelligence, social well-being, innovation and geopolitics. Yet these global grand challenges cut to the core of what it fundamentally means to be human. The role of the humanities is to deepen our understanding of the values, histories, identities and belief systems that guide collective action. The arts and humanities give our imaginations purpose, helping us think beyond the limits of the present and design alternatives to the status quo.  

Our power

UCC’s Futures Framework recognises the essential work of the arts and humanities in addressing global grand challenges. This is why the Future Humanities Institute strives to unite researchers from across disciplines who are equipped to illuminate complexity, question assumptions and move beyond traditional methodological frameworks. The study, for example, of the creative arts; the dynamics of languages and culture; the study of histories, pasts, religions and beliefs; philosophy, geography and studies of the environment; the analysis of how power works in politics and in daily life; the telling of our human stories; the purposing of digital tools to understand the world better; move us beyond passive observation. Attending to neglected histories helps us understand how to take better action now. Our power lies in combining creativity and analysis to propose evidence-based alternatives and to act on them. 

The vision

Arts and humanities researchers grapple with what and how we think. They question our assumptions, examine our values and draw attention to what often goes unnoticed. The Future Humanities Institute harnesses this creative and analytical power to engage deeply with the challenges shaping our world and to propose new ways of thinking that open pathways to real change.  

The Future Humanities Institute empowers bold and creative arts and humanities research at UCC and brings its full richness into conversation with science, social science, engineering, medicine and sustainability research. In this collaborative space, we rethink inherited frameworks, explore alternative possibilities and build approaches that respond to society’s most pressing questions. Our vision is a world in which arts and humanities‑driven research deepens understanding, informs decision-making, drives innovation, enriches culture and guides us toward futures that are more just, creative and sustainable. 

What defines us:

The Future Humanities Institute brings together innovative thinkers and practitioners from across the arts and humanities. We are: 

• Visionary. We imagine new possibilities and articulate bold ambitions for society  

• Creative. We apply imagination to generate fresh perspectives and drive constructive action 

• Rooted. We ground our work in place, culture and relationships, drawing on the depth and diversity of lived experience. 

• International.  Our global networks allow us to collaborate across borders and disciplines  

• Transdisciplinary.  

• We reach outward to science, ecology, technology, medicine and the social sciences, building shared approaches to complex challenges 

• Exemplary. Our research sets new standards of excellence and offers original contributions that shape emerging fields 

We create impact by being:

1. Action-oriented: We turn ideas into impact byadvisinggovernment, industry and communities, and by generating thought‑leadership that influences national and international debates.  
2. Engaged: 

We build relationships that matter. From engaged research with individuals, communities and cultural partners to working with policymakers, influencers and industry, our work is grounded in collaboration. We listen, co‑create and connect to ensure that arts and humanities insight is shaped with and for the people it serves. 

3. Enterprising:We train the next generation of researchers, practitioners and leaders. We develop the interpretive, creative and analytical skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world. 

4. 4. Strategic:We actively pursue excellence. Our achievements, including world‑ranked subjects, contributions to UN SDG targets and competitive research income,demonstrate the quality and influence of our work. These strengths position us to shape agendas, attract partnerships and deliver research that makes a difference.   

See information about the Radical Humanities Lab, our Clusters, and our events and outputs to learn more.   

Participating Schools

• School of Applied Psychology;
• School of Applied Social Studies; 
• School of Education; 
• School of History;
• School of English and Digital Humanities;
• School of the Human Environment;
• School of Society, Politics and Ethics; 
• School of Irish Learning;
• School of Film, Music and Theatre;
• School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures 

Cross-University Collaborating Disciplines

Scholars, practitioners and makers in the arts and humanities adventure into collaboration with the widest array of disciplines across UCC’s subject areas. Some examples include:

College of Medicine and Health,  College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, College of Law, 

UCC Futures - Future Ageing and Brain Science, UCC Futures - Collective Social Futures, UCC Futures - Children

MaREI, Environmental Research Institute, Tyndall National Institute