Apply for the School for Thinktankers 2027
Strengthen your leadership. Expand your perspective. Join a global community of think tank professionals.
The School for Thinktankers is On Think Tanks’ flagship executive learning programme for mid- to senior-level professionals working at the intersection of evidence and policy.
For 2027, the School has evolved into a learning journey that extends beyond the week in Barcelona. Through online engagement, an immersive in-person experience, and continued learning afterwards, participants strengthen their leadership, expand their strategic thinking, and build lasting professional connections with peers from around the world.
Over the past ten editions, the School has welcomed more than 300 professionals from over 70 countries, creating a global community committed to strengthening think tanks and evidence-informed policymaking.
đź“Ť Location: Equitat.org, Barcelona
📆 Dates: 1-5 February 2027
What to expect
A learning journey before, during and after the School
The School for Thinktankers is designed as a three-phase learning experience that supports participants before they arrive in Barcelona, throughout the in-person programme, and after they return to their organisations.
Before the School: Connect and prepare
Your learning begins well before the first session. Meet your fellow participants during an introductory online session, connect with peers from around the world, and start exploring the challenges and opportunities you share. Through guided conversations and collaborative activities, you’ll begin building the relationships that will shape your learning experience.
During the School: Learn, reflect and collaborate
From 1–5 February 2027, you’ll take part in an intensive programme hosted by Equitat.org in Barcelona. Through workshops, discussions, lectures, and practical problem-solving sessions, you’ll explore the leadership, management, communications, fundraising, governance, and strategic challenges facing think tanks today. Dedicated reflection time, peer-learning activities, and a personal learning journal will help you connect new ideas to your own organisational context and leave with practical actions you can implement.
After the School: Continue the conversation
Learning doesn’t stop when the programme ends.
Following the School, participants will reconnect through online sessions with expert facilitators, thematic workshops focused on real organisational challenges, and an active alumni community that encourages continued collaboration, peer learning, and professional development. You’ll leave not only with new knowledge and practical tools, but with a trusted international network that continues to grow long after the week in Barcelona.
Meet the trainers
Who can join
The School is ideal for established and emerging think tank leaders who want to challenge themselves, broaden their knowledge and build impactful organisations.Â
We also welcome academics with a policy interest, funders in evidence-informed policy, public-sector policy professionals, development-sector professionals, policy entrepreneurs interested in establishing their think tanks, and career-changers.
Course fee
The standard fee for the School for Thinktankers 2027 is EUR 1,900. However, we offer a discounted fee of EUR 1,500 for participants from selected countries to enable and encourage participation from across the world. Early bird applicants are eligible for a 5% discount.
- Group A countries/regions: 1,900 €
- Group B countries/regions: 1,500 €
The School fee covers:
- A 5-day onsite programme, including expert lectures, group activities, site visits, and virtual training sessions
- Access to the online School platform and resources
- A study pack which includes a programme overview, background notes written by topic experts, and a city guide
- Coffee breaks and a light lunch every day of the School
- An evening networking reception
- Access to the OTT alumni network
- A certificate of participation upon completing the course
The fee does not include travel and accommodation. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering these costs. We have prepared a list of accommodation options to help you get started. Please read our Payment Policy to make your payment on time.
A quick note before you apply: Before submitting your application for the School for Thinktankers 2027, please ensure that you have the necessary funds available to cover the programme fee. If you’re accepted, the payment will be due by December 2026 to secure your place. After that, your spot may be offered to someone else.
FAQs
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About the School
The School for Thinktankers is a transformative programme designed to strengthen leadership skills, empowering thinktankers to effectively manage and innovate within their organisations.
​​It addresses a critical gap in the think tank sector: many leaders, typically researchers by background, progress without the essential skills to effectively manage think tanks. Beyond research and policy expertise, leaders are required to be skilled fundraisers, communicators and managers capable of driving impactful organisations.Â
Since 2017, our programme has responded to this need.
We have leveraged over 14 years of international think tank experience to equip think tank leaders and strengthen the sector’s capacity for evidence-informed change.
The School for Thinktankers has been CPD-certified since 2025.
Applications for the 2027 School are now open—you can submit an early-bird application below.
Apply for the 2027 School for Thinktankers
Our partners
The School for Thinktankers 2027 will be delivered in partnership with Equitat.org. It is also made possible through the long-standing support of the Hewlett Foundation and the Robert Bosch Foundation. Past School partners and supporters also include Bruegel, Southern Voice, Universidad del PacĂfico, Foraus, The Think Tank Hub-Geneva, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Think Tank Initiative, and IDRC.
Enrique Mendizabal on why he started the School for Thinktankers
Simon Maxwell on the different dimensions of thinktanking
Continue your learning journey
The School for Thinktankers is just one step in your leadership journey. If you’re looking for more personalised support for yourself or your organisation, our Advisory Programme for Think Tank Leaders offers tailored guidance to help you address strategic challenges, strengthen organisational leadership, and turn learning into lasting change.