Dear OTT Community,
The past week has been a special one for us at OTT. We unveiled our new list of 100 Think Tanks to Watch (and learn from): a peer-driven recognition of organisations that are shaping ideas, influencing policy, and inspiring collaboration across the globe.
From youth-led climate labs in Africa to data-driven education reformers in Latin America, and policy
innovation hubs in Europe and Asia, these think tanks are tackling today’s most complex challenges with creativity, evidence, and purpose. The list offers a glimpse into how diverse actors — from well-known institutions like the Heritage Foundation or Chatham House to emerging voices like More in Common or The Okwelians — are redefining what good practice looks like in the think tank space.But this list is also more than recognition. It’s an invitation to learn from and connect with peers, to see how others are driving change, and to imagine what we can achieve together as a community of thinkers, doers, and collaborators.
This moment feels especially meaningful as OTT turns 15.
What began in 2010 as a small blog has grown into a global community of thinktankers, funders, and policy leaders, united by a shared belief: that better ideas — and stronger organisations — can make better policies. Over the years, we’ve built spaces for learning, collaboration, and reflection that continue to strengthen our sector and each other.
click to watch the video
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. Here’s what’s happening across our programmes this month:
Applications for the School for Thinktankers 2026 close on 30 November — last few weeks to apply; don’t miss your chance to join the next generation of think tank leaders.
State of the Sector 2025 & partner insights — downloaded by 600+ thinktankers and policy professionals around the world. Have you read the report yet?
OTT Conference 2026 — preparations are underway for the 10th edition. Stay tuned for updates, and register your interest to join us in Morocco.
Advisory Programme for think tank leaders — work with our expert advisors to strengthen your organisation’s strategy, leadership, and operations.
Fifteen years on, we’re proud of what this community has built — and even more excited about what’s to come.
But we cannot do this alone. If you would like to support our mission to strengthen think tanks everywhere, please get in touch.
Until next month,
Enrique Mendizabal
Featured content
New blogs:
Why we’re launching “100 think tanks to watch”, by Enrique Mendizabal
School for Thinktankers alumni story: Building ideas, building impact: Ana María Sánchez’s journey into the world of think tanks, Ana María Sánchez Rodríguez in conversation with Andrea Cabrera
Think tanks in times of uncertainty: Global instability, youth, and the future of southern collaboration, reflections on the Southern Voice 2025 Conference by Enrique Mendizabal
OTT Talks live:
Latin American think tanks under pressure: Building bridges in a polarised world, with Camila Ulloa (On Think Tanks), Margarita Beneke de Sanfeliú (FUSADES, El Salvador), Sheila Barbosa (IPEA, Brazil), and David Grosman (CIPPEC, Argentina), moderated by Enrique Mendizabal.
click to watch the video 
OTT Talks:
Dr. Daniela Schwarzer, Executive Board Member at the Bertelsmann Foundation and former Director/CEO of the German Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the evolution of German and European think tanks amidst polarisation, disinformation, and changing funding. Her decade of leadership experience offers unique insights into the transforming European think tank landscape.
Do you have insights, case studies, or research to share? Submit your article to reach a global audience of policy experts, change-makers, and thought leaders.
OTT Consulting: Helping you to deliver your missions
Supporting funders
New project: Evaluation of the ClimateWorks Foundation/Global Just Transition Fund
This evaluation will be centered on the Frontline Grant making and Community Empowerment, which aims to increase the pool of civil society organisations supported by the ClimateWorks Foundation in South Africa.
Upcoming events
School for Thinktankers 2026
Last few weeks to apply for the 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers at Fundació Bofill in Barcelona! Submit your application before 30 November 2025.
OTT Conference 2026, 19-21 May 2026
Join think tank leaders, funders and policy experts from around the world at the 10th edition of the OTT Conference in Rabat, Morocco, hosted in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South.
- China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum, 20-21 November 2025
The 10th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum will be hosted in Beijing by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), with support from the CPAFFC, ACCWS, and China-United States Exchange Foundation
News & announcements
Think tank news:
Europe’s Futures Initiative: A new geopolitical institution of international experts established in Vienna
Critical Minerals Initiative: A new initiative by Chatham House.
New report: Building a More Effective, Responsive Government: Lessons Learned from the Biden-Harris Administration by the Roosevelt Institute
Artificial Intelligence and its Applications in Supporting the Roles of Think Tanks: A foresight study at the Institute of National Planning (INP), Egypt
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) in Malaysia celebrated its 15th Anniversary.
New leadership appointments:
Dr Asyia K. Kazmi, OBE, has joined Qatar Foundation as CEO Designate of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE).
Policy Center for the New South’s Executive President, Karim El Aynaoui, has joined the Advisory Committee of the World Bank Institute for Economic Development.
Yara S. was appointed as the new Director of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association - EMEA.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has announced Dave Turk as the next director of their Environment Program.
David Dutton is the new Director of Research at the Lowy Institute, taking over from Herve Lemahieu, who has transitioned to a policy planning role in Canberra.
Now hiring!
Basel Institute on Governance:
- Consultant, Gas Sector Technical Expert, Ukraine
- Consultant, Public Procurement System Integrity Strengthening, Ukraine
- Associate, Defence Manufacturing Integrity – Ukraine
- Senior Specialist, Financial Investigations (Green Corruption programme) – Malawi
- Internship, International Conference
R Street Institute:
