Sara Talebian joined SEI in September 2018. Her research is focused on Futures Studies and Foresight methodologies, with an emphasis on qualitative and explorative scenario techniques.
Sara works on developing foresight methodologies for application across a range of SEI projects, particularly explorative scenarios, but also forecasting, horizon scanning and futures visioning. She is also part of the Mistra Geopolitics Programme which critically examines the dynamics of geopolitics, human security and environmental change. The programme dedicates a specific work package to Foresight and queries risks and opportunities for Sweden in a future marked by growing global uncertainties, where new geopolitical landscapes play an increasingly important role in determining the prospects for sustainable development.
Prior to joining SEI, Sara was part of the first futures studies and foresight research and consulting startup in Iran, called “Ayandeban”. She worked with Ayandeban as a research fellow for over 4 years and delivered several foresight projects at the national and local scales to both businesses and public organizations, assisting them to proactively plan their strategies toward their desirable futures alternatives. Working with Finland Futures Research Center (FFRC), she was involved in two foresight projects for corporate clients about the future of renewable energies and the future of smart cities. She also has over 7 years of experience working as a journalist, and a political reporter in Iranian media and news agencies.
Sara holds a M.Sc. in Media and Global Communication from the University of Helsinki and a minor degree in Futures Studies from Turku School of Economics, Finland. Her master’s thesis explores the future of public service broadcasting and the government-initiated public policies for broadcast media by focusing on the Iranian broadcasting system as a case study. Sara also received a B.Sc. in Media Studies and Communication Technologies and a M.Sc. in Mass Communications from Allame-Tabataba’I University, Iran.