A persistent challenge that the vast majority of student thinktanks face is a cycle of stagnancy. Projects lose momentum as students juggle voluntary research amidst the plethora of coursework and revision, and final reports are often viewed as the finishing line rather than the beginning.
At the end of term, once the reports are published and the collective sigh of relief is exhaled, the summer months begin. Whether it’s an internship, a full-time job or a holiday to somewhere exotic, students move on, leaving their undergraduate research to become a victim of that transition.
But what if this research wasn’t just a trophy in a digital cabinet? What if it served as a platform for active participation with policymakers, academics and professionals? These are the questions I asked myself before the OTT School of Thinktankers 2026. After an intensive 5-day course filled with collaboration and networking, I believe I have the answer, or at least a theoretical framework for a hybrid model that I am eager to develop.
Reflections from the School
In recent years, the Leeds Policy Institute (LPI) has grown substantially, convening over 120 students passionate about contemporary UK policy. As Head of Research at LPI, I had the privilege to attend the School as part of one of only three student-led organisations in attendance.
Admittedly, being the youngest participant was initially intimidating. However, I soon realised that this was a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between student enthusiasm and global expertise. Engaging with leaders from all reaches of the globe, such as Canada, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Malaysia, was a powerful reminder: while our socio-political contexts differ, the structural challenges of running a think tank are universal. These global perspectives have refined my strategic thinking and encouraged me to explore a new frontier of our organisation: The Leeds Policy Institute Foundation.
Lessons in longevity and impact
The program provided the ideal environment to stress-test these ideas. Learning from experts like David Watson (Chatham House) and Sonja Stojanovic Gajic (an experienced think tank leader) was particularly insightful. Each session deepened my understanding of how a hybrid model could function within the unique constraints of the university sphere.
I was particularly influenced by the discussions on communication in complex policy environments. It became clear that while we often pour our hearts and souls into the research process, the dissemination of that research is equally vital. We must aim for a 50:50 ratio between production and promotion to ensure our output reaches the desired audience. This realisation highlighted a missing link in LPI’s current strategy: the need for a robust alumni network to act as the “institutional glue” for our research.
By formalising this network, we create a permanent infrastructure that offers:
- Institutional memory: Preventing the annual “brain drain” that occurs every graduation cycle.
- Sustainable Governance: Alumni can serve as Trustees, promoting longevity and strategic direction without interfering with day-to-day autonomy of the student committee.
- Research Funding: The Foundation provides educational development bursaries, offering a tangible financial incentive for students to commit to high-level research.
- Professional Engagement: Alumni can provide direct mentorship by reviewing student papers, bridging the gap between undergraduate theory and professional experience.
The Leeds Policy Institute Foundation: A dual-entity model
To solve the issues of financial incentives, quality control and knowledge retention, I am proposing a transition towards a dual-entity structure:
| Feature | Student Society (LUU) | LPI Foundation (Charity) |
| Primary Focus | Community & Visibility | Professional Impact & Continuity |
| Activities | Blogs, Podcasts, Events & Policy Reports | Funding & Alumni Network |
| Participants | Open-access & Student-led | Paid Student Fellows & Alumni |
| Legal Status | Affiliated with the Student Union | Independent Charity / Foundation |
| Goal | Building LPI’s Brand & Talent Pipeline | Quality Control & Career Development |
Next Steps – Rabat and Beyond
Our journey from theory to practice is already underway. This May, LPI will head to Rabat, Morrocco, to present this hybrid framework on an international stage. This will be a defining moment for us to demonstrate how student-led research can move beyond the “digital trophy cabinet” and become a professionalised force for policy change
In the coming years, my hope is that our model serves as a blueprint. I want to inspire other student-led organisations – whether they are think tanks, advocacy groups or academic societies – to bridge the gap between graduation and professional impact by building professional entities alongside their student bodies.
I want to extend a massive thank you to the OTT team and my fellow participants for this enriching experience. I am excited to see how our organisations evolve and where they will lead us in the future.
