John Thackara

John Thackara is an established thought leader in design and innovation, currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the Royal College of Art since 2011. Thackara's extensive academic involvement includes a position as Visiting Professor at Tongji University, where research focuses on Care, Value, Place; Urban-Rural Reconnection; and Knowledge Ecologies & AI. As the Founder and Director of Doors of Perception, launched in 1993, Thackara fosters dialogue among innovators to envision sustainable futures. Previous roles include Commissioner of City Eco Lab, Programme Director of Designs of The Time (Dott 07), and Director of the Netherlands Design Institute. Thackara's career began with the founding of Design Analysis International and positions as a Design Correspondent. Educational credentials include a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Kent.