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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.

Enrique Mendizabal :New Challenges, New Strategies: Supporting Think Tanks in 2025

 

 

Dear OTT Community,

The global think tank space is shaken — facing funding gaps, policy shifts, and uncertainty over forums like the T20. Beyond funding, we’re likely to see tighter - and are already witnessing- controls on research, increased scrutiny on foreign funding, and growing pressure on critical voices. How do you think think tanks and funders will adapt? 

This calls for private policy research funders to rethink their role. Research and evaluation alone will not do—in Do evaluations really inform policy? I find out: not much. 

In response, we are refocusing our mission in 2025 by supporting:

• Think tanks to deliver smarter strategies, stronger impact and sustainable organisations.

• Policy research funders to maximise their impact and fund with confidence. 

• Think Tank leaders advisory service to navigate complex times

• In this new article, I have also compiled strategies and actions that think tanks and their funders can follow in response to the rise of increasingly authoritarian regimes.

The Future of Evidence-Informed Policy in a Post-USAID World?

... An opportunity for funders and think tanks

Enrique Mendizabal

Dear OTT Community, The recent news of Trump’s proposed suspension of USAID funding—and the potential closure or radical reform of the agency—should concern anyone invested in evidence-informed policymaking. Under the familiar banner of America First, such a move will undoubtedly slow down efforts to localise development assistance, weakening direct support to local organisations and reinforcing reliance on foreign intermediaries. But the impact won’t stop at U.S. borders. The ripple effects of these decisions could be far-reaching. Multilateral donors who rely on US foreign assistance will certainly adjust their funding - the WHO is the first one to suspend their support. Aligned governments with bilateral aid programmes may take note, adjusting their own funding strategies accordingly, while those less aligned may see it as an opportunity to appease growing opposition.

Estefanía Terán:Welcome to the first edition of On Think Tanks Programme Newsletter!

On Think Tanks Monthly

Connect, learn and exchange knowledge

 

The future of policy-making: Initiatives to influence the think tank landscape


Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome you to the first edition of the On Think Tanks Newsletter.

In this newsletter, we will explore the evolving world of think tanks and their critical role in shaping evidence-informed policies.

If you want to learn more about OTT’s work across the broader evidence-informed policymaking field, keep an eye out for our main newsletter. (Read past issues here and subscribe if you haven't already.)

In this inaugural edition of the Newsletter, I want to introduce you to the entire On Think Tanks programme. Founded in 2010, On Think Tanks has gone a long way since its origins as a blog. Today, we are a leading global source of information, support and community for people working in, with, and funding think tanks. It creates multiple opportunities and spaces to connect, learn and exchange knowledge, ideas and resources.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,think tank,update

 

Library blog Monday, 20 January 2025

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine   Exploring refugees’ intentions to return to Ukraine; making sanctions an indispensable tool in the EU’s developing economic statecraft; whether tighter sanctions can help end the Russia-Ukraine war; Trump 2.0 and European cohesion, and scenario implications for Ukraine and transatlantic security; how significant is the war in Europe for the European Security and Defence policies; these are some of the topics featured in the present update.

● Council of the EU   20/01/2025 10:48 | Meetings | Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 21 January 2025   Background brief - Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 21 January 2025   European Council   20/01/2025 16:43 | Media accreditation | Media advisory - Informal EU leaders' retreat of 3rd February 2025   EU leaders will discuss European defence during an informal meeting at Château de Limont. In order to comply with the constraints imposed by the limited space available at the Informal EU Leader’s retreat venue, a maximum of 100 media representatives will be allowed on site in person to cover the arrival doorsteps. The group authorized on the premises will be selected taking into account different criteria to ensure a fair and balanced representation. The rest of the accredited media representatives interested in following the events from the Council building will have the possibility to access the Council press centre in the Justus Lipsius building, which will remain opened until 3 hours after the press conference. A final press conference will be held in the Justus Lipsius Press Room after the event. The Council press centre in the Justus Lipsius building will remain opened for accredited journalists who wish to follow the press events from Brussels. When registering, journalists should specify whether they wish to cover the doorsteps on site or only cover the event from the Council building in Brussels. There will be no workstations for journalists at the retreat venue.  Registration Media representatives (including 1-year Council badge holders) are required to register their participation via the EVA portal on the Council website, specifying their interest (on-site for doorsteps, or remotely from the Council building).  Apply here Deadline for registration: Friday 24 January 2025, 14:00 Media representatives are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible to allow for sufficient time to process the requests. Registrations submitted after the above-mentioned deadline will not be accepted. Accreditation After informing API-IPA, the selection for the onsite participation will be made by applying the following criteria in sequence until maximum capacity is reached. Priority will be given to reporters from audiovisual media with a maximum of 2 persons per media organisation (host video coverage will also be available): Only journalists holding a European Council annual badge or with a recent (within the last 6 months) summit accreditation Geographically balanced representation of media from all EU 27 member states Brussels-based main international media and agencies A random selection (lottery) of accredited journalists Such a model will ensure a good balance of having all member states represented, a wide coverage through big agencies and media outlets, as well as allow for a significant number of randomly selected Brussels-accredited journalists. The selected media will be provided transport back and forth between the Council building and the venue in order to cover the available press opportunities. No media will be allowed on site at chateau de Limont, unless transported through shuttles organised by the Council. The media that will not be selected will have the possibility to access the press centre in the Council building, as long as they hold a European Council 1-year badge or if they had a valid summit accreditation in the last 6 months. Media representatives that will be accredited will receive a confirmation e-mail. Details regarding badge collection will be communicated at a later stage. In order to make the best use of the capacity available, please inform the press centre immediately should you finally decide not to attend in person, via e-mail to press.centre@consilium.europa.eu Press conferences A press conference will be held in the JL press room after the event. Press materials Videos and photos of the summits will be available on: Council Newsroom EC Audiovisual Service Council Live Visit the meeting page

On Think Tanks:Application Deadline in 2 days: School for Thinktankers 2025

 

 

Dear ,

We are getting close to the application deadline for the School of Thinktankers 2025 which ends this Friday - January 17, 2025. 

You can still take this opportunity to join a transformative programme designed for innovators and future-focused thinkers looking to sharpen their think tank skills and leadership abilities.

By participating in the School of Thinktankers 2025 you will gain: 

• Workshops and sessions led by expert trainers. 
• Networking opportunities to connect with think tank experts, peers, funders, and policy professionals.
• Access to curated resources, including reading lists, toolkits, and expert-written background notes.
• A certificate of participation to highlight your commitment to professional development.

Enrique Mendizabal think tank

 

 

Dear OTT Community,

Welcome to the first Newsletter of 2025.

We are looking forward to an exciting year in evidence-informed policy.

Before the end of the year, I considered the ‘20 to watch and learn from’ organisations and initiatives of 2024. I am keen to keep a close look at them throughout 2025.

I also went down memory lane by exploring the literature on evidence-informed policy that shaped the start of my career 20 years ago.

I found recurring themes and concerns that are still as relevant today as they were then.

Polarisation, in all its forms, worries me for 2025.

The way that Donald Trump’s presidency is shaping and, most recently, Big Tech’s abdication of efforts to restrict misinformation should worry us all.

The U.S. is still a dominant player globally. Its actions influence others. I expect more leaders will adopt Trump’s rhetoric - even those currently hailed as progressives - in pursuit of political goals.

On Think Tanks:Application Deadline Extended: School for Thinktankers 2025

 

 

Dear ,

This is a gentle reminder that the extended application deadline for the School of Thinktankers 2025 is fast approaching—January 17, 2025. 

Don't miss this opportunity to join a transformative programme designed for innovators and future-focused thinkers looking to sharpen their think tank skills and leadership abilities.

What you will gain: 

• Workshops and sessions led by expert trainers. 
• Networking opportunities to connect with think tank experts, peers, funders, and policy

On Think Tanks:"Final Call: Register now for the School for Thinktankers 2025!"

 

Dear , The time has come! This is your final chance to register for the School for Thinktankers 2025 before the standard application deadline on January 7, 2025.  The School of Thinktankers is an immersive program for policy leaders and think tank professionals. It will equip you with essential strategy, leadership, and innovation skills to build sustainable organisations and implement impactful projects or research. Complete your registration now and take the next step in your career.  We hope to see you in Barcelona! Best, The On Think Tanks Team   Meet our expert trainers   Here's what our alumni have to say about the School of Thinktankers Apply for the School for Thinktankers Contact us at: info@onthinktanks.org www.onthinktanks.org

"tt newsletter":think tank

 

 

Dear OTT Community,

2024 has been a year of changes in the evidence-informed policymaking world. 

As the love for RCTs and impact evaluations wanes, a new love of living evidence synthesis emerges. But what will 2025 bring? Will the field properly embrace the impact of political, economic, and social factors on whether and how evidence is generated, communicated, and used? 

Think tanks have certainly woken up to the clear and present danger that political polarisation and systematic misinformation pose to their sector. 

I am reminded of Ruth Levine's moral case for evidence-informed policymaking.

Paraphrasing, what draws us to work on ensuring that the most valid and reliable information is available for public policymaking and used by decision-makers? 

The pursuit of truth, justice and human progress.

2024 has also been a year in which OTT has consolidated its work on evidence use in education with long-term collaborations with the Jacobs Foundation, Echidna Giving, and other members of the African Education Research Funding Consortium. We have published a series of articles based on lessons learned throughout the consortium's first two years.