Extended deadline: 15 December 2025
Barcelona, Spain | 
2–6 February 2026
CPD certified
Dear OTT Community,
The countdown is on—and we’ve just extended the deadline to 15 December.
Places are filling fast, and applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, which means the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.
If you’ve been considering joining the CPD-certified School for Thinktankers 2026, this is your moment.
Why join the School for Thinktankers?
For ten editions, the School for Thinktankers has supported leaders, researchers, programme staff, and policy professionals across the world to sharpen their skills, elevate their organisations, and build lasting networks.
In 2026, you’ll join a CPD-certified programme combining immersive in-person learning, expert-led workshops, and global peer exchange to strengthen your ability to lead, influence, and innovate.
What you’ll learn
A refreshed curriculum, shaped by our expert trainer team, will guide you through:
- Leading and governing think tanks with clarity and purpose
- Fundraising and finance taught by seasoned directors from global organisations
- Communications for influence, brand-building, and digital strategy
- Policy engagement and partnerships for evidence-informed change
- Future-proofing your institution through foresight, systems thinking, and AI
All delivered through hands-on sessions, site visits, case clinics, and global networking opportunities.
Alice Vulliamy & John Schwartz (Soapbox) • David Watson (former Chatham House) • Krizna Gomez (Rogue Union) • Marc Garriga & Mònica Nadal (Fundació Bofill) • Camila Ulloa Torres, Enrique Mendizabal, Fiorella Bianchi & Goran Buldioski (On Think Tanks) • Ismael Gómez (OEI) • Pol Bargués & Pol Morillas (CIDOB) • Sonja Stojanovic Gajic (Public Engagement) • Áurea Moltó (REDElcano)
Hear from our alumni — and why they joined
“In academia, no one tells you how to move to the non-academic sector. The more senior you become, the harder it is. The School for Thinktankers was the first space that helped me understand how I could align my skills to what the sector actually needs, even if those needs are not always explicitly stated.”
— Manuel Gustavo,
Program Lead - Science Anticipation Philosophy at GESDA (Geneva)
“I would truly recommend it. If you’re looking for a space of trust and openness to rethink part of your professional journey—whether within a think tank or building one—it’s a great place to learn from others and to explore practical cases and elements that shape how think tanks function.”
— Ana María Sánchez,
Director of Philanthropy at CEMEFI (Mexico)
All your questions answered
Visa timelines, fees, eligibility, programme format, and more—everything you need is in our FAQs.
Final call: Apply before 15 December
If you want to sharpen your leadership, strengthen your organisation, and join a global community of over 250 alumni from 60+ countries, don’t wait.
New deadline: 15 December 2025
Spots are limited and filling quickly
Rolling admissions — early applicants are prioritised.
