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On Think Tanks Monthly
Connect, learn and exchange knowledge
Dear On Think Tanks community,
The recent decisions impacting funding and cooperation, along with the shifting geopolitical landscape and the rising influence of extreme-right political regimes, are creating a critical moment for change. This situation compels various stakeholders, including think tanks, to reassess their purpose, models, strategies, and priorities.
Think tanks around the world have demonstrated their ability to adapt to evolving political environments by altering their funding models and redefining their research priorities. However, how will these changes affect their organisations and the broader system? How can they collaborate as a cohesive community rather than operate in isolation?
The On Think Tanks State of the Sector Survey aims to capture timely insights to help inform the sector about the challenges and opportunities mentioned above, culminating in the 2025 report. The findings will also be an excellent opportunity to encourage dialogue and collaboration among think tank leaders, funders, and policymakers. Are you a think tank? Your input is invaluable more than ever!
This June, Johannesburg will host a series of major think tank-focused events, creating a unique opportunity for global engagement. With the OTT Conference (16-18 June), the T20 Summit (19-20 June), and a fringe IMF-African think tanks dialogue on the 16th, the city will become a hub for critical discussions on the future of think tanks and policy influence. For those travelling from the US, Europe, or Asia, this is a chance to make the most of the week by attending multiple key gatherings.
Meanwhile, exciting opportunities are on the horizon:
- OTT Conference 2025: Join 150+ think tank leaders and funders in Johannesburg this June to discuss and reflect on the impact and the sector. Over 60 organisations have joined. Do not miss out! Register your interest.
- School for Thinktankers 2026: Applications are open for the 10th edition! Develop the skills, strategies, and networks needed to lead in the policy space. Early bird registrations are open until July 15. Do not overthink it and use the discount. Apply!
Plus, explore our ongoing initiatives:
- Join the Open Think Tank Directory
- Download the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report 2024
- Support student-led think tanks through Building for the Future initiative
Best Regards,
Estefanía Terán Valdez
Director, On Think Tanks Programme
On Think Tanks is a public good, a part of OTT’s support to think tanks work stream. Our efforts are currently possible thanks to partnerships with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, Open Society Foundations and the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Would you like bespoke advice and support? Do you want to support On Think Tanks?
Think tank leaders—your insights matter!
How are shifting political dynamics, funding trends, and operational challenges shaping your work? The On Think Tanks State of the Sector Survey captures the realities of think tanks worldwide to inform better support, funding, and collaboration.
Join a global conversation that drives real change—share your experiences and help shape the future of the sector. By participating, you contribute to shaping the most comprehensive global report on think tanks, helping to strengthen the sector’s visibility, sustainability, and impact.
On Think Tanks Programme Updates
OTT Conference 2025: Think tanks and Impact
From bold debates to candid conversations, the OTT Conference 2025 brings together global thinkers for keynotes, interactive sessions, and informal networking.
Secure your spot and be part of the conversation in Johannesburg this June!
Join the Open Think Tank Directory
Add your think tank to a global network of 3,820+ organisations to showcase your work and contribute to the State of the Sector 2025 report—a vital tool highlighting global and regional trends.
School for Thinktankers 2026
Equip yourself with the skills, strategies, and networks needed to navigate the evolving policy landscape and drive meaningful impact.
Apply for the 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers in Barcelona in 2026!
State of the Sector Report
The only global publication of its kind, the Think Tanks State of the Sector report provides an annual snapshot of the sector globally and regionally, drawing on data from nearly 300 organisations across 95 countries —work on this year’s edition is already underway!
Building for the Future Initiative
The Building for the Future Initiative empowers student-led think tanks with grants and support to strengthen leadership and diversify policy perspectives.
Are you a student-led think tank leader eager to join the programme? Or a funder looking to support student-led think tanks in your region or sector?
Featured Articles
- The price of independence: The importance of transparency in funding by Estefanía Terán Valdez
In an era of misinformation, funding transparency is key to preserving think tanks' credibility and public trust. - Everything I wanted to know about being a thinktanker (and didn’t know whom to ask) by Camila Ulloa Torres
OTT team member Camila reflects on organising and attending the School for Thinktankers 2025—and shares key lessons, insights, and advice for someone starting out in the think tank world. - Scaling smart: Strategic approaches to delivering evidence-based sbolutions by Carol Beidacki, Danilo Castro, Dolores Arrieta
Instituto Veredas shares highlights from their Impact Plus Prize strategy consultation with Sociopúblico, awarded at the 2024 OTT Conference. - The role of student think tanks in the policy ecosystem: Reflections from the 2025 OTT School by Abirrami Gunalan
As part of the Building for the Future Initiative, Warwick Think Tank’s Abirrami reflects on how student-led think tank could maximise their impact in the policy space, and her experience at the School for Thinktankers in Barcelona. - A Week at OTT’s 2025 School: Lessons on Leading the Think Tanks of Tomorrow by Julia Gruber
Julia from EPIS, a Building for the Future grantee think tank in Germany, shares how she plans to apply her School for Thinktankers experience to EPIS’s growth and development.
News & events
The Nkafu Policy Institute and its journey to strengthen think tanks in Central Africa
Watch the video summarising the efforts to promote women’s rights, accountability, security and integrated governance in Central Africa.SAIIA celebrates its 90th anniversary
“It is one of the oldest independent public policy think tanks in South Africa and the continent. Over the past nine decades, SAIIA has evolved into a leading institution at the forefront of research, analysis, and dialogue on international affairs, not only in South Africa but across the African continent and beyond. We remain committed to our goal of advancing a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa”.Building Sustainable and Synergistic EIP Ecosystems in East and West Africa
PEP, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, is launching a new initiative to enhance collaboration between research centers (RCs) and government institutions (PCs) in East and West Africa. This program will equip research centers to provide real-time policy advisory support and help policymakers integrate data-driven decision-making into their processes.- The Status of African Women in Research Report from the Mawazo Institute
The Report draws on data from the 2023 Mawazo Fellowship applications and the accompanying Academic Needs Survey. It examines the current state of African women researchers, particularly those pursuing doctoral studies and highlights the challenges they face. It also advocates for strategic interventions to promote gender equality and empower women in research across the continent. Trump administration guts board of US Institute of Peace. Group says DOGE arrives
The Trump administration fired most of the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace and sent its new leader into the Washington headquarters of the independent organization on Monday, in its latest effort targeting agencies tied to foreign assistance work.
Do you have any organisational updates or news stories to share? Reply to this email with your piece to be featured in next month's newsletter.
Upcoming events
OTT Conference 2025 – Think tanks and Impact | June 16 - 18, 2025, Johannesburg | Register your interest
T20 MidTerm Summit | June 19-20, 2025, Johannesburg
- Philea Forum 2025: Power and Equality | June 2-5, 2025, Lisbon
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