In June 2025, Imperial College London launched the Schools of Convergence Science. These schools will use transdisciplinary (relating to more than one branch of knowledge) work and unique combinations of knowledge to further Imperial’s Science for Humanity strategy.
Introduction
Uncertainty about the planet’s future often fuels a narrative of doom, but Imperial Tech Foresight (ITF) is a service within Imperial that uses transdisciplinary resources and academic experts to explore and reimagine what’s possible for climate, energy, and sustainability – underpinned by the new School of Convergence Science for Sustainability
By combining academic expertise with innovative visualisation tools, ITF empowers organisations to anticipate and shape a greener, more resilient world. Our approach connects the dots across sectors, addressing the complex challenges facing our environment and energy systems.
The World in 2050: A Vision for Transformation
One such example is ITF’s The World in 2050 interactive feature, developed in partnership with the Grantham Institute, to offer a tangible vision of a sustainable future. The tool explores scenarios where low-carbon, climate-resilient innovations -such as carbon-sequestering plasterboard and CO₂-to-edible ingredient systems – have become mainstream.
It invites users to engage with how today’s pioneering ideas could solve tomorrow’s most pressing environmental challenges, making the future of sustainability both accessible and actionable.
Mapping the future: Timelines and Disruptive Technologies
Other tools to help organisations navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of climate and energy, such as the 20+ Futures timelines, our briefing on How business can champion biodiversity and the Table of Disruptive Technologies are some examples of the work done by the ITF team in this space.
These dynamic visual tools and thought pieces map out possible futures, highlighting the impact of emerging innovations and externalities in sustainability.
By making complex ideas about possible future scenarios accessible, these resources enable stakeholders to identify trends, anticipate risks, and seize opportunities – whether the future brings incremental improvements or radical transformations.
Collaborative foresight for sustainability
Imperial, through services such as ITF, as part of Imperial Business Partners (IBP), brings together business leaders, academics, and policymakers to co-create strategies for a sustainable future.
Through bespoke workshops and collaborative projects, they help organisations manage uncertainty, prioritise investments, and develop robust plans for climate resilience and energy transition. The Undaunted Track within IBP exemplifies this action-oriented approach, showing that foresight is not just about prediction, but a catalyst for innovation and real-world impact.
Protecting the planet doesn’t cost the Earth
Imperial Tech Foresight and Imperial Business Partners are helping to shape the global conversation on climate, energy, and sustainability.
By integrating foresight, visualisation, and collaboration, they provide the insights and tools needed to drive the innovations that will define the next era of sustainable development. Their work ensures that organisations are not just prepared for the future, they are empowered to create it.