The On Think Tanks programme is the only global community platform that brings together think tanks, funders and policy research professionals from across sectors, geographies and ideological backgrounds to strengthen evidence ecosystems worldwide.
We provide structured learning opportunities, peer exchange, collaborative spaces and sector knowledge to support institutional development and long-term sustainability. Through the programme, participants connect across regions, share experience and build collective capacity for policy influence.
Our work is grounded in openness, diversity and shared learning, creating an environment where organisations can grow, innovate and adapt in complex policy contexts.
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Our first 15 years
Our initiatives
Global Conference
Since 2017, the Annual OTT Conference has brought together over 1,450 thinktankers, funders and policy experts from around the world to connect, exchange and learn. Learn more about the 2025 OTT Conference in South Africa and join the 2026 Conference in Morocco.
We also support the organisation of regional and national conferences and events to encourage local think tank and policy research communities.
School for Thinktankers
The School is a one-week in-person training programme. It is taught by current and former think tank directors and expert practitioners, and is designed to prepare participants for, or to strengthen, think tank leadership. It adopts a holistic learning approach by incorporating sessions by policy experts, site visits to policy-related institutions, networking opportunities, peer exchange and learning with a diverse cohort, and access to curated reading lists. We have an alumni community of over 250 thinktankers worldwide. Register to the 2026 School for Thinktankers in Barcelona.
State of the sector report
The think tank state of the sector report provides an annual snapshot of the state of the think tank sector globally and regionally. The only global publication of its kind, the think tank state of the sector report draws on data from the Open Think Tank Directory and an annual sector survey. It offers insights into the contextual and organisational challenged faced by think tanks. The report and the survey offers data useful to think tanks, other civil society organisations, funders, researchers and evaluators interested in understanding how systems change over time. Read the latest reports and the 2025 State of the Sector Report.
Open Think Tank Directory
We set up the Directory in 2016 to promote sector transparency and respond to the lack of publicly available information on policy research centres. Today, it features over 4,000 organisations worldwide. We often use the directory to undertaking landscape analyses and mappings of think tanks for funders. The database is publicly available. Browse the Directory and register your think tank.
100 think tanks to watch
100 Think Tanks to Watch 2025 is a peer-driven recognition initiative that celebrates organisations shaping ideas and driving change around the world. Built entirely on nominations from other think tanks, sector professionals, and members of the On Think Tanks community, the list highlights institutions that their peers believe have demonstrated noteworthy practices, innovative approaches, or impactful contributions in the past year.
Building for the Future
On Think Tanks has always supported young thinktankers. We are currently delivering an initiative to strengthen student-led think tanks. These unique organisations offer the opportunity to develop the passion and skills of future think tank leaders. Find out how to support student think tanks.
Funders’ Circle
We facilitate a closed group of think tank funders, creating a space for peer learning, support, and exchange. Current members include the Robert Bosch Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Open Societies Foundation, IDRC, Jacobs Foundation, and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. Ask to join.
Ideas, knowledge and resources
We publish regular articles and resources, sharing learning and experience from across our community. Browse the latest articles, podcasts, publications and videos.
The Build a think tank guide is a companion for policy entrepreneurs to set up and grow nascent think tanks. It is framed around a series of questions that all think tank founders should ask themselves, each question illustrated with different examples. The guide is available in English, French and Arabic. More learning resources can be found in our library of online courses.
Services and advice
The On Think Tanks team engages with and supports thinktankers and their funders to find resources, make connections and develop their plans.
Our jobsboard is a free service for think tanks and seekers. The OTT Calendar shares opportunities for think tanks to participate and network across the world.