World Future Society


The World Future Society, founded in 1966, is an international community of futurists and future thinkers. Through publications, global summits, and advisory roles to world leaders in business and government, WFS members are credited with establishing the foundations of futures studies. Notable members and authors have included Buckminster Fuller, Herman Kahn, Gene Roddenberry, and Margaret Mead.
In 2018, World Future Society reestablished itself as World Future Society Presents LLC, d/b/a World Future Society. Within the WFS membership community, the organization hosts ongoing projects, conversations, and events focused around topics including the future of human purpose, how we manage our societal systems, emerging technology, AI, and advances in education and neuroscience. Membership in the World Future Society is open to anyone worldwide - WFS has members in over 80 countries.

History

The World Future Society was founded in 1966 by Edward Cornish, with the purpose of gathering together brilliant minds to tackle the current challenges affecting the world.
Prominent members and contributors have included Ray Kurzweil, Peter Drucker, Carl Sagan, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Leadership

Current board chair & CEO

Julie Friedman Steele: 2016–Present

Past presidents and executive directors

Amy Zalman: 2014–2016
Timothy Mack, Esq.: 2004–2014
Edward Cornish: 1966–2004

Publications

''The Futurist'' magazine

The Futurist magazine was established in 1967, with Edward Cornish serving as the founding editor. From 1967 to 2015, it was a full-color bi-monthly magazine. Today, it is an online publication that reports on technological, societal, and public policy trends, along with topics related to the future of human purpose. The Futurist was nominated for a 2007 Utne Independent Press Award for Best Science and Technology Coverage.

''World Future Review'' academic journal

The World Future Society previously published the academic journal World Future Review. This journal was published independent from the World Future Society starting with Volume 8.