A new University of Otago project is looking to stimulate curiosity about Dunedin, among the city's residents as well as those abroad.

The Global Dunedin initiative will act as a forum for locals to discuss Dunedin's past, present and future through various forms of social media.

Discussion is being kick-started by a team from the university's Centre for Research on Colonial Culture.

A public lecture series will also run at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, involving local academics.

The monthly lectures begin this weekend, and are set to cover a multitude of topics including fashion, food and architecture.