Arizona State University’s Center for Science and the Imagination brings writers, artists and other creative thinkers into collaboration with scientists, engineers and technologists to reignite humanity’s grand ambitions for innovation and discovery.
The center serves as a network hub for audacious moonshot ideas and a cultural engine for thoughtful optimism. We provide a space for productive collaboration between the humanities and the sciences, bring human narratives to scientific questions, and explore the full social implications of cutting-edge research.
More about our many projects Meet our staff
Upcoming events
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Nov 19, 2025 | History of the Future: Edge of Tomorrow Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill: Tempe at 7:00 pm MST
Our recent books
A collection of fiction, nonfiction and art that explores how sharing space with a facility for storing nuclear waste might shape a community's future, guided by insights about land, justice, governance, collective decision-making, and stewardship.
A clarion call for visions of vibrant, hopeful climate futures, bringing together global voices to share stories of resilient communities based in real science.
A collection of fiction, nonfiction, and art reimagining orchestras as vibrant spaces for connection, shared learning, and exploration.
Listen to the Imagination Desk podcast
In this conversation, Ed Finn and cognitive scientist Brendan O'Connor delve into the multifaceted nature of imagination, exploring its relationship with memory, its role in present experiences, and the dynamics of collaborative imagination. They discu...
In this conversation, Ed Finn and Aarathi Krishnan explore the intricate relationship between imagination, risk governance, and the future. They discuss how imagination is essential for decision-makers to navigate the complexities of the modern world, ...
In this conversation, Ed Finn and Ken Liu delve into the significance of imagination in art, storytelling, and life. They explore how imagination shapes human experience, the collaborative relationship between artists and audiences, and the implication...
Futures Thinking Tools
We have developed many tools over the years, here are a few you can try out with your own groups.
Futures by Choice | Futures by Chance
This exercise is a futures-thinking activity in which participants complete a timeline through which they imagine the next fifty years.
Solar Tomorrows Resources
A collection of resources to use with the books Weight of Light and Cities of Light for journalists, teachers and community group leaders.
Postcards from the Future
Write a postcard from that future! Select one of the images from our gallery of beautiful images created by Brazilian digital artist João Queiroz, and tell us when in the future and where in the world you’re sending it from.
