The David Hume Institute is an independent research institute based in Scotland. Since 1985, our research and events have provided insights to increase understanding of the economy and society.

Our staff, trustees and partners work together to encourage diversity of thought.  We apply the rigorous approach which has long defined DHI to encourage action which addresses the contemporary issues of our time. Central to our work are the people of Scotland. We engage, listen and collaborate with people from different backgrounds, genders, and ages, to encourage action towards a more prosperous, sustainable, inclusive and fair Scotland.

Economy - We take a broad view, exploring a wide range of issues and topics which influence Scotland’s economy.

Society - We recognise that economic questions are interconnected with broader societal issues and work to demonstrate this.

Policy - We seek to inform policy-making by government and institutions, increasing understanding of how people live in relation to each other and the economy.

Find out more about our history.

Values

We believe in the power of diversity of thought and in the value of bringing people together in an atmosphere of respectful debate.  We listen to voices from across society and are unafraid to challenge established thinking or power structures. We are:

• Curious

• Inclusive

• Rigorous 

• Open

• Independent

Support us

The David Hume Institute is a charity, a non-profit organisation, funded entirely by donations. Our work would not be possible without support from individuals and organisations who share our commitment to impartial, evidence-based, research and debate.

Find out more about supporting our work here.

How we are funded

The David Hume Institute is non-profit organisation and not aligned with any political party. We receive funding from a range of sources, including Baillie Gifford, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Scottish Endowment Fund and the William Grant Foundation.

Funding is received either for specific research projects or to support our core costs. The David Hume Institute never accepts funding for a research project - or indeed funding of any kind - that relies on a specific result being found or that compromises our independence and neutrality.

All of our own publications are available free of charge for the public to read and the majority of our events are free to attend and view again in our event archive.

Annual Report

Find out more about our recent work.