Pioneering Futurist, Political Scientist, and Global Thought Leader in Futures Studies
Professor Sohail Inayatullah is a globally renowned political scientist, futurist, and scholar in the field of futures studies, with over three decades of expertise in shaping alternative futures. He is currently the UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies at the Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, IIUM, Malaysia, and a Professor at Tamkang University, Taipei, within the Graduate Institute of Futures Studies. He has held prestigious academic positions, including UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies at USIM, Malaysia, and Adjunct Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and Macquarie University, Sydney. In 2013, Professor Inayatullah delivered a talk on causal layered analysis for TEDxNoosa.
Recognised as one of the leading futurists in the world, Professor Inayatullah has delivered influential talks and conducted foresight workshops for a wide range of organisations, including the Office of the Prime Minister of Australia, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Oxfam, the Malaysian Government, and the Australian Government's National Mineral Visions 2040. His extensive international experience spans diverse regions, from the Asia-Pacific to Europe, with a focus on non-western futures, biosecurity, and strategic foresight.
An esteemed editor and prolific author, Professor Inayatullah has published over 400 journal articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries, with his works translated into multiple languages. His contributions to the field include co-authoring the influential book ‘Asia 2038: Ten Disruptions That Change Everything’, as well as ‘CLA 2.0: Transformative Research in Theory and Practice and Futures Thinking and Foresight: Why Foresight Matters for Policymakers’. He has also edited or co-edited 26 books and CD-ROMs, showcasing his dedication to advancing the practice of foresight and futures studies.
In recognition of his contributions to the field, Professor Inayatullah was awarded the Laurel Award for all-time best futurist by the Shaping Tomorrow Foresight Network in 2010, and an honorary doctorate from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2011. His academic journey includes a PhD in Political Science from the University of Hawaii, and he is listed in the top 2% of the world’s scientists based on citation impact.
Professor Inayatullah’s expertise spans multiple domains, including futures thinking, innovation, macrohistory, and the construction of alternative futures. His research and teaching continue to inspire and influence leaders, policymakers, and academics worldwide.