From 22-24 October 2024, the ENHANCE project team hosted the Autumn School at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. This event brought together researchers from across our partner institutions to train them in facilitating Futures Workshops. This event focused on the tools to empower citizens to envision and create sustainable futures aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The hosting of this event was an important milestone in the ENHANCE project implementation and involved all project partners: Dublin City University, Kaunas University of Technology, Linköping University, University of Aveiro, University of Twente, and Tampere University.
The first day, 22nd October, set the stage for an engaging and collaborative experience. Researchers were introduced to the methodology of Futures Workshops and explored its role in addressing local needs through an inclusive and impactful approach. The sessions focused on building a foundational understanding of the ‘critique phase’, where participants identified challenges and discussed their root causes, setting the groundwork for creative solutions. In particular, the participants explored their roles as facilitators of futures workshops, with a specific focus on inclusivity, empowerment and equity”
On the second day, the focus was on the Fantasy phase of Futures Workshops, as a space for participants to unleash their creativity. Researchers worked in dynamic groups to brainstorm bold, imaginative solutions to the challenges identified on Day 1. These discussions centred around innovative ways to address SDG-aligned issues, promoting an environment of out-of-the-box thinking and deep collaboration. As part of the Futures workshop methodology, a visit to Fábrica – Centro Ciência Viva (English translation: Factory – Living Science Centre) of Aveiro, allowed the researchers to experience how different physical spaces and facilities may enable or restrict creative imagination.
The final day brought the Autumn School to a close with reflective discussions on implementing Futures Workshops in practice. Participants shared their takeaways, insights, and ideas for applying the skills they had developed, and also considered the ‘implementation phase’ of their Futures Workshops.
The collaboration of all researchers participating in the workshop and the collaboration and support of all project partners helped to make this training a thought-provoking co-creation event.
The Autumn School was a critical stage in building the capacity of researchers to engage communities in shaping their futures. We look forward to seeing these tools and techniques in action across our partner institutions.
