Apply for the School for Thinktankers 2027
The 11th edition of the annual School for Thinktankers returns to Barcelona in 2027. Designed for both emerging and established thinktankers, the School offers an immersive learning experience covering the multiple dimensions of thinktanking—from strategic leadership and research impact to funding models and policy engagement. Led by experienced think tank directors and policy experts, the programme combines expert-led sessions, observational visits, and peer learning to help participants strengthen their organisations and their leadership.
đź“Ť Location: Equitat.org, Barcelona
📆 Dates: 1-5 February 2027
Submit an early-bird application
What to expect
The School is a one-week programme. It is taught by current and former think tank directors and expert practitioners.Â
The curriculum is designed around the key pillars of effective think tank leadership and is informed by OTT’s extensive experience in evaluating and strengthening think tank capacities. The 2027 edition will focus on the following thematic areas:
- Think tanks across the policy ecosystem
- Good governance and people management
- Finance for non-financial managers
- Communications for impact
- Policy influence and partnerships for change
- Future-proofing think tanks
You will participate in sessions conducted by seasoned practitioners and observational tours of local think tanks. You will have the opportunity to exchange with your peers from a globally diverse cohort, network with think tank experts and have access to key resources such as curated reading lists, background notes and toolkits.
Upon completing the School, you will receive a certificate of participation and join our alumni community of over 280+ thinktankers worldwide.
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