Next Generation Foresight Practitioners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About the NGFP Fellowship 

  • Is the NGFP Fellowship the same as the NGFP Awards? 

NGFP has transitioned from what was initially an awards programme to a fellowship and dynamic network. The change was made to better reflect the comprehensive experience that NGFP fellows go on throughout the programme. This means, after being selected, our fellows not only receive a small grant to be able to dedicate more time to their projects, but also embark on a year-long journey of learning and exchange. With the fellowship, they gain invaluable skills, build relationships, and develop and strengthen their foresight projects to generate meaningful transformation in their communities. 

  • Can groups, co-founders or pairs apply?

Applicants can only make one entry to the Fellowship, either as an individual or as part of a team of up to five individuals with a lead applicant. All team members are considered fellows and will be part of our network, and be invited to participate in most activities. However, there will be only one kick-starter grant and project partner allocated per group, which the lead applicant will be responsible for managing. 

  • Who can apply?

Anyone between 18 and 35 years old, as well as those who are older, but have less than one year experience using foresight. We strive to have a truly global cohort each year, and we particularly encourage applications from those living in Asia and Africa – including the Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Pacific Islands, and the Balkans. We also encourage applications from those working on the world’s most complex issues, or what we call Foresight Transformation Missions. Every year, we ensure spaces for two fellows under 25 years old. In 2025, we will reserve one spot within our cohort to a fellow from the Balkans in honour of our late colleague Sophie Middlemiss, who passed away in 2021 and was passionate about the region. And for the second year, we’re also reserving space in the fellowship for two emerging practitioners from the MENA region, in partnership with Dubai Future Foundation. Visit this page to see the profiles of fellows from previous years.

  • How many fellowships are available?

We have 25 fellowships this year.

  • What does a successful application look like?

You must have a project or idea with a clear theory of change of how you will use futures and foresight methods to create better alternative futures. You should be able to demonstrate how you will engage your community in your project and explain how insights of the future will help you create positive change in your local, regional, or global community today. We are very interested in knowing why being part of the NGFP Network is important for you and the development of your project. We want to see a long-term vision for impact (at least 10 years ahead), and enthusiasm for network and community building. And if you are completely new to foresight, we would like to hear more about what has motivated you to start your project. 

  • Can my application focus on any area or sector?

Yes, we welcome applications from any area of expertise or sector, as long as they use futures and foresight approaches to address relevant issues and create positive transformation. However, we believe that certain global issues require urgent attention and close collaboration across sectors and generations to be properly addressed. These are our Foresight Transformation Missions and we will prioritise applications working on one of these seven themes: Climate & Just Transitions, Democracy & Sustainable Development, Emerging Technologies, Futures Methods from Around the World & Indigenous Futures, Intergenerational Fairness, Nuclear Security, and Peacebuilding. In future years, it is possible that some of these Foresight Transformation Missions will remain a priority, others might be deprioritized, and new ones can be added, depending on the signals we are identifying and the choices of our members.

  • Who will judge my application?

Our judges are a diverse and international group of foresight experts, activists, innovators and ambassadors. They are invited to join the judging panel due to their deep commitment to our values and their desire to support the next generation to become an active participant in shaping the future. Judges are responsible for assessing the Fellowship applications, evaluating projects and selecting those who will participate in our fellowship journey. Many of our judges are so passionate about NGFP that they end up becoming project partners to our fellows. See judges’ profiles from previous years.

  • What funding is available?

At the beginning of the Fellowship journey, each individual or team receives a USD 1,000 kick-started fund to develop and accelerate their project. By the end of their one-year journey, they have the chance to run for a USD 10,000 prize. 

  • Who are the project partners?

Project partners  can be members from the Judges network or experienced members from the NGFP network. They are matched according to your and their needs, focus and request. 

  • I am not a foresight practitioner, can I still apply for the NGFP Fellowship?

Yes, you can still apply. We understand that the term futures and foresight may not be familiar to everyone, yet many are unknowingly applying futures thinking to their work. There is no need for everyone to be knowledgeable about these terms or to use futures methods in the same way. We value plurality and if your project in any way relates to the future, you may be eligible to become a fellow. Please see our definitions of futures and foresight and the projects our Fellows work on to understand if your work can be qualified for our Fellowship.

  • What if I am younger than 18 years old?

If you are between 12-17 years old but would like to get involved, you can apply for the NGFP Young Voices Award, a partnership with Teach the Future. 

  • What if I’m older than 35 years old?

We ask for applicants to be between the ages of 18-35 OR have less than one year of futures and foresight experience, as we want to champion and promote youth voices and those who are newer to the foresight space. It’s one of the values of NGFP to ensure younger voices are represented in decision-making spaces and to elevate and amplify their perspectives, in a world saturated by older, less diverse opinions. That’s why we strive to protect the space the Fellowship creates for newer, emerging practitioners.

  • I’m not ready to apply for the fellowship, but I still want to participate in the NGFP network. How can I get involved?

We accept applications from those with ideas or work aligned with our mission, so if you feel like you have something to contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. You can also sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the NGFP network.

  • What if my application is not selected?

If your application does not make it to the final selection of this highly competitive process, it means that you are not selected to participate in our Fellowship journey this year. However, this is far from being the end of your story with us. If your application is considered high-quality, is future-focused, and demonstrates alignment with our vision of a better, fairer, and more equitable world, you can still become a member of our NGFP Network. As a member of one of the largest global networks of next generation foresight practitioners in the world, you will have access to a variety of opportunities! And, of course, you can always apply again in the future to become a fellow – many fellows become so after a year in the network. See the opportunities you can access as an NGFP member

  • If I’m not chosen, can I apply again during a future round?

Yes, if you are not selected to be a fellow, you can still become a member of our NFGP network, and apply to become a fellow in future editions. Judges will want to see amendments/updates in your application. Read more here.

About the Foresight Transformation Missions (FTM)

  • What are the benefits of applying for one of the FTM Fellowships?

Due to the Missions’ alignment with SOIF’s wider work, there may be opportunities for collaboration in projects and with the wider SOIF team, which will be compensated. We highlight the top two FTM Fellows on our website each year and prioritise their involvement and leadership within the thematic Hubs. We aim to always involve FTM Fellows with any related work, proposals or possible funding that comes via NGFP.

  • What if my project is not related to a Foresight Transformation Mission?

You can still apply for our Fellowship even if your project is not related to one of our Foresight Transformation Missions. We will invite between 10-11 fellows to join who are not affiliated with any of the Missions. 

  • What is the role of judges in the Foresight Transformation Missions?

The judges will help to identify if your project is aligned to one of our Missions. The judges selected for the Mission panels have expertise, interest or experience in the Mission areas. 

About the Application Process

  • What can I do to increase the chances of success for my fellowship application?

You can read all the information available at our website, take a look at previous Fellows projects, check SOIF’s website to explore different projects we are working on. Additionally, you are welcome to attend one of our live Q&As where you can ask questions and gain information and insight from previous fellows, judges and the NGFP team. You can watch past Q&As and sign up for upcoming ones here.

  • Is English proficiency required to apply for the Fellowship?

Yes, our programme is conducted in English. You don’t need to be fluent in English but need to be able to communicate comprehensively. Applications won’t be judged by your level of language proficiency.

  • Will I receive updates on the status of my application before final decisions are made or feedback if I’m not selected?

Unfortunately, at the moment we don’t have the capacity to provide updates or individual feedback to each applicant. 

  • I’ve previously applied and was not successful, but would like to apply again this year. Can I request feedback on my previous application?

We are unable to provide individual feedback on previous applications. However, we encourage you to attend our Q&A sessions and to read more about our existing fellows, their projects, and our foresight projects to gain further insight into our Fellowship and application process.

Technical questions

  • I’m having trouble with the application process. What should I do? 

Please send an email to fellowship@nextgenforesight.org with the details (and screenshot) of the challenge.

  • How can I receive regular updates of the NGFP Fellowship? 

Any updates pertaining to your application will be sent to the email address you provide us. For other general updates about the programme, please sign up to the NGFP Newsletter here.