School for Thinktankers: A Decade of Developing Think Tank Leaders - sign up now!
We have been busy at On Think Tanks with the 2025 State of the Sector Report and lots of new publications.
I want to remind you of the 2026 OTT School for Thinktankers and make sure you do not miss this opportunity.
I'll be there! Hope you will be there too!
The 10th edition of the School for Thinktankers returns to Fundació Bofill in Barcelona in 2026! Over the past decade, this flagship programme has equipped future think tank leaders with the skills, strategies, and networks needed to navigate the evolving policy landscape and drive meaningful impact.
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.
📍 Location: Fundació Bofill, Barcelona
📆 Dates: 2-6 February 2026
A preview of the programme
Over 5 days the School for Thinktankers cover the following:
Also visits to:
Plus:
You will join the OTT Alumni Community and be invited to additional webinars with think tank leaders and experts!
Don't miss it!
Find out more here: https://onthinktanks.org/school-for-thinktankers-2026/
What do past participants say?
Participant | Olivia Darby, Co-Founder, WONDER Foundation
“Last week, I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and join the On Think Tanks School for Think Tankers in Barcelona. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I knew why I was there: to explore how WONDER Foundation can work more strategically to amplify the voices of the women and girls in our projects—and the women leading them.”
Trainer | John Schwartz, CEO of Soapbox
“We’ve run a successful branding workshop at the school for the last 5 years. But this year we switched things up and developed an intensive new User Experience session….These fabulous think tankers worked tirelessly for three straight hours creating and testing user-centred wireframes and sitemaps.”
Participant & Building For The Future Grantee | Julia-Chiara Gruber, EPIS ThinkTank
“The week was filled with thought-provoking lectures and hands-on workshops on key topics such as Good Governance & People Management, Fundraising, Policy Influence, and Strategic Communication—all crucial elements for running a successful Think Tank.”
Trainer | Lilia Rizk, Head Coordinator, Policy Center for the New South
“Thank you On Think Tanks for inviting me and the Policy Center for the New South to join your group of trainers for this year’s edition of the School for Think Tankers, and for the opportunity to articulate the why, what, and how of strategic partnerships for change & impact in the Think Tank space!”