Translational foresight: planning science for multiple futures

The article argues that research programs should embed futures-thinking from the outset to avoid misalignment with future conditions. It promotes translational foresight—applying futures studies methods (like horizon scanning, the Futures Wheel, 2×2 scenario analysis, and backcasting Vision Writing) to funding, staffing, and infrastructure decisions. By explicitly uncovering and testing assumptions about technology maturation, public trust, and regulatory trajectories, and by planning trigger points for change, science can be better prepared for crises (e.g., COVID-19, AI advances) and for alternative futures. The piece calls for making these foresight practices routine in science policy and funding decisions to reduce reactive, crisis-driven shifts and improve long-term research outcomes.