Patrick Noack serves as the Executive Director of Future, Foresight, and Imagination at the Dubai Future Foundation in the UAE. In this capacity, he leads three pivotal teams: Dubai Future Research, which offers thought leadership on emerging technologies and their societal impacts; Dubai Future Councils, established to reimagine 13 key sectors for future readiness; and the World Economic Forum’s UAE Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on policy-oriented research pertinent to the UAE. Patrick's work centres on harnessing knowledge and enthusiasm about the future, leading capable teams to achieve this through research, partnerships, and collaboration, with an eye to real and practical impact.
Patrick's academic journey began with a doctorate in zoology from the University of Aberdeen, followed by a master's in social policy from the London School of Economics. His early career saw him as a senior policy adviser at the Royal Society, where he led initiatives on emerging technologies and foresight. Notably, he was responsible for the landmark report on neural interface technologies, "iHuman," which explored forthcoming scientific opportunities and their social and policy implications. Prior to this, Patrick developed scenarios and foresight on complex issues with United Nations specialised agencies and in the private sector.
In recent years, Patrick has managed complex projects related to anticipating and understanding change in technology, sustainability, international development, and organisational management. He has been instrumental in flagship initiatives such as the Dubai Future Forum and the Global 50 Opportunities report, both of which are key products of the Dubai Future Foundation. Additionally, Patrick sits on various advisory boards and groups, including the Courts of the Future working group of the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts.
Organisations seek Patrick as a speaker due to his extensive experience in managing complex projects and his deep understanding of emerging technologies and their societal impacts. His ability to lead teams in producing thought leadership and policy-oriented research makes him a valuable asset for discussions on future foresight and innovation. Patrick's involvement in high-profile initiatives and advisory roles underscores his expertise and commitment to shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
How to hire Patrick Noack
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Patrick Noack for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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- 2023 – Member, WHO Technical Advisory Committee (EMRO)
- 2022 – Led The Global 50 Special Report on youth opportunities
- 2021 – Oversaw Future of Progress report on GDP alternatives
- 2020 – Executive Director, Future, Foresight & Imagination, Dubai Future Foundation
- 2020 – Policy Fellow, Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP), University of Cambridge
- 2019 – Launched Dubai Future Forum on global future trends
- 2019 – Led Global 50 Opportunities Report on transformative future prospects
- 2018 – Published iHuman Report on neural interface technologies
- 2018 – Senior Policy Adviser, The Royal Society, focusing on emerging tech
- 2015 – Executive Director, Global Future, driving foresight and sustainability
- 2014 – Senior Adviser, UNAIDS, shaping HIV/AIDS future scenarios
- 2012 – Led Technology Foresight Programme, CTBTO, developing verification tech
- 2004-2014 – Partner, Scenario Development, advising UN, academia & private sector
- 2003 – Co-authored AIDS in Africa: Three Scenarios to 2025
