About us
What is Glasgow Changing Futures?
Glasgow Changing Futures (GCF) is a University of Glasgow strategic programme of collaborative research, education, innovation, knowledge exchange and partnership activities. Its aim is to nurture and advance a creative, collaborative environment within and beyond the University to address the societal challenges that will shape the future.
The ethos of civic, public, and industrial engagement and ‘partnerships with purpose’ underpins GCF. With a strong focus on inclusivity and equity, Glasgow Changing Futures invites and empowers a diverse range of colleagues in academia, communities, the public and third sectors, and industry to work together to co-create innovative, meaningful solutions to complex local, national, and global challenges.
To advance systemic change that benefits the future wellbeing of people and planet, GCF focuses on key thematic areas: Sustainable Futures, Healthy and Equitable Futures, and Collaborative Futures.
GCF draws on the University of Glasgow’s values, its commitment to impactful research, education, innovation and partnerships, and the ambition to be the best university for the world. The programme recognises that the scale and urgency of today’s global challenges demand a reimagining of how universities generate, support, mobilise and share knowledge. GCF aims to explore and consider how to adapt the ways of working, culture and structure of our institutions.
In this context, the University of Glasgow will demonstrate how universities can shape future-facing systems that are participatory, collaborative, agile, and creative.
Our vision
Our vision is
- to address the complex nature of global challenges with meaningful solutions
- to make a difference, locally and globally, to individuals, the university, the broader community, and society
- to foster collaborations across boundaries to co-create a sustainable, healthy and equitable future
Our mission is
- to contribute to advancing systemic change towards desirable futures for the planet and its inhabitants
- to nurture and advance a challenge-led collaborative environment within and beyond the University
- to harness the University community’s passion, creativity, expertise and connections
Our values
Collaboration - We work with integrity and openness, fostering trusted partnerships that help us achieve more together.
Inclusivity – We welcome and actively seek diverse voices
Equity – We ensure all perspectives are valued
Purpose – We maintain clarity in our direction and actions
Transparency – We communicate honestly about our work and intentions
Systems thinking - Our decision-making reflects our holistic approach to challenges as part of an interconnected system and ensures a ripple effect within this system
Intergenerational thinking – We are driven by the wellbeing of the generations that will come after us