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On Think Tanks Monthly
Connect, learn and exchange knowledge
Dear On Think Tanks community,
As we head into the summer, there's a lot to catch up on!
First up, we're thrilled to launch the Student-Led Think Tanks: A Guide—a resource packed with insights to help universities and emerging leaders build impactful, student-driven think tanks. Explore the guide—developed with support from the Open Society Foundations—and help shape the next generation of policy innovators.
We’re less than a month from the OTT Conference 2025 in Johannesburg. The agenda is live, and all spots are filled, but we’ll be back in Morocco next year. Register your interest to be the first to know more!
We’ve also hit an exciting milestone: over 300 participants in our State of the Sector Survey—thank you to our regional partners and to all those who participated! The full report, offering a comprehensive look at the think tank landscape, will be available in September 2025.
And don’t forget to submit your early-bird application for the School for Thinktankers, and join us for its milestone 10th edition in February 2026 in Barcelona.
Stay tuned, and let’s keep building the future of think tanks together!
Warmly,
Estefania Teran
Director, On Think Tanks
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?
Thinking of starting or growing a student-led think tank? Our new guide is your go-to resource—packed with practical tips, real examples, and insights from student leaders. Whether you're in the early stages of forming your think tank or looking to scale, this guide covers everything from setting up your structure to developing impactful research agendas.
This guide is part of the larger Student Think Tank Hub, a one-stop resource with tools, templates, and inspiration to help shape the future of evidence-informed policy. It’s designed to empower the next generation of policy leaders with the knowledge they need to drive change in their communities and beyond.
Read the launch blog by Selenge Dima: Lessons from student-led think tanks: A guide for the next generation of policy leaders.
On Think Tanks Programme Updates
OTT Conference 2025: Agenda announced
The agenda is up on our website—explore what’s in store, from bold debates to candid conversations with leading thinkers in the sector.
All spots for the OTT Conference 2025 in Johannesburg are now filled! Couldn’t make it this year? Don’t worry—registrations for the 2026 edition in Morocco are now open.
State of the Sector Survey — thank you for participating!
Over 300 participants from across the globe took part in this year’s State of the Sector Survey—thank you! Your insights will help us paint the most comprehensive picture of the challenges, priorities, and opportunities facing today's think tank sector. Stay tuned for the report in September 2025.
School for Thinktankers 2026 — early-bird registrations open
Join a global cohort of future think tank leaders in Barcelona in February 2026. The School for Thinktankers blends hands-on training with behind-the-scenes insights from leading institutions. Apply now to secure your spot at a discounted early-bird rate!
Funder’s Circle: Ideas for think tanks & funders during lean times
In challenging times, it’s crucial to rethink how we approach funding and sustainability. Our latest carousel offers actionable strategies for think tanks and funders to innovate and thrive despite tight budgets. From diversifying funding sources to exploring local income streams and embracing non-traditional models, this guide is packed with practical tips to help navigate uncertainty and foster resilience.
Building for the Future Initiative
GROW, a grantee of Cycle II of the Building for the Future initiative, held its first multi-regional event on the topic of Safeguarding Freedom of Expression. Stay tuned for more events organised by other grantee student-led think tanks: ‘Transnational Workshop on Climate Change & Disaster Preparedness’ by STEAR, ‘Enhancing EU Security: What Can We Learn from ASEAN’s Example Implementation?’ by Epis Think Tank, and ‘The Rent Struggle: Student Voices on Housing at Warwick’ by Warwick Think Tank.
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.
Featured Articles
In this blog, Tlegen Kuandykov and Peter Leonard from CAPS Unlock reflect on how they used their website overhaul to clarify organisational identity, strengthen outreach, and build long-term credibility, drawing inspiration from lessons at a School For Thinktankers 2025 session by Soapbox.
In her latest piece, Annapoorna Ravichander unpacks the 'dead horse' metaphor to spotlight a common challenge in policymaking—sticking with what's not working. She urges think tanks to know when to adapt, evolve, and move on.
Upcoming events
OTT Conference 2025 — Think tanks and Impact | 17-18 June 2025, Johannesburg
T20 MidTerm Conference | 19-20 June 2025, Johannesburg
Semana de la evidencia | 13-17 October 2025
Policy Center for the New South (PCNS)'s Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Program | 7-13 December 2025, Rabat, Morocco. Call for applications open till 15 June 2025.
Hosting an event in the realm of think tanks or evidence-informed policy? Share the details of your event with us, and let's amplify your impact together. Complete our events submission form.
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