Shaping Our Creative Futures

About the Project

At Loughborough University London’s Institute for Creative Futures, we are redefining what it means to innovate in design, communication, and the creative industries. Our mission is clear: to explore and shape the social, cultural, economic, and technological transformations that will define tomorrow. Through world-leading research and collaboration, we deliver solutions with lasting societal and economic impact.

Why Choose Us?

We combine expertise in Design Innovation, Communication and Media, and Creative Industries to tackle global challenges head-on. Our approach is interdisciplinary, forward-thinking, and rooted in creativity. We believe that design innovation, effective communication, and emerging technologies are powerful drivers of inclusive transformation. By joining us, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead change and shape the creative futures of our world.

A Dynamic Research Community

Our Institute is a vibrant hub where world-class academics and talented students work together to address contemporary problems. We foster a culture of experimentation and collaboration, ensuring that research translates into real-world impact. As a postgraduate research student, you will engage with top researchers and industry leaders, gaining hands-on experience in solving complex challenges.

Our Research Strengths

Design Innovation: We explore the role of design in socio-economic transformations considering catalysts of change—social, cultural, political, economic, and technological. Our work focuses on social, cultural and enterprise innovation and communities of design practice, designing new visions for society.

Communication and Media: We examine the shifting dynamics between communication, culture, and power, from community participation to mass media, digital platforms, and arts and heritage. Our interdisciplinary hub is a leader in communication for social change.

Creative Industries: We investigate how applied research and innovation impact the creative economy and immersive engagement. Our focus includes emerging technologies that transform production and enable new creative experiences.

We welcome research that sits within or cuts across these areas in transdisciplinary ways. To address today’s greatest challenges, we believe we need to work within the sweet spot where creativity meets complexity.

Our Location

Situated in the heart of London’s innovation and cultural ecosystem, we are based at Here East on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—adjacent to world-leading cultural organisations and collaborators on London’s new East Bank. This unique setting offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, partnerships, and engagement with the creative industries.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

At the Institute for Creative Futures, creativity is at the core of designing better futures. We go beyond artefacts to rethink services, strategies, business models, and communication for social change. By engaging with emerging technologies and creative industries, we emphasise innovation and tangible economic outcomes.

If you are ready to tackle critical global challenges and pursue alternative pathways to shape the future, this is your space. Join us and become part of a community that is shaping creative futures for generations to come.

Supervisor

• Professor Jo Tacchi (j.a.tacchi@lboro.ac.uk)

Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry

• UK fee - £5,238 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee - £23,100 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.

UK tuition fees for 2026/27 are currently to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, these rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.

Opportunity Details

• Target Start Date: October 2026
• Full time or part time available.
• Open to UK and international applicants.

How to Apply

We welcome discussions with interested candidates.

• Step 1: Interested applicants should first contact Professor Jo Tacchi (j.a.tacchi@lboro.ac.uk) to discuss your research interests and funding options.
• Step 2: Applicants are then strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors with a CV, academic transcripts, and confirmation of funding sources or planned funding sources.
• Step 3: following any informal discussion, applicants are invited to make a formal application on the Loughborough Website.