Do you work in middle management at a think tank and juggle research work and project proposals? Do you manage a team and would like to train in personnel management?
We are thrilled to announce the third edition of the Think Tank Lab’s Leadership and Management Training and look forward to your application!
In this comprehensive training, you will learn how to balance the diverse priorities of your role: effectively leading teams, orchestrating complex projects, and navigating the fundraising landscape. Tailored to the needs of mid-level think tank professionals, the program addresses these challenges and helps you advance your career in the sector.
Program and Learning Objectives
The Think Tank Leadership and Management Training is based upon a competency framework specifically designed to enhance critical leadership skills in the “business of expertise,” tailored to the think tank (or “applied research”) environment. During the program, you will apply practical management approaches and reflect on sectoral shifts as well as your leadership responsibilities.
Through a combination of expert input and practical exercises, you will gain tools and methods to excel in your role and apply appropriate practices for agile think tank work. The training offers a great opportunity to connect with peers and sectoral experts, expand your professional network, and exchange views on common challenges.
After participating, you will be able to:
- Understand sectoral change and its implications for the business of expertise and the role of think tanks;
- Develop and position impactful research strategies in a changing market of ideas;
- Design and manage effective research projects in a think tank environment;
- Define and advance your role within and beyond your organization;
- Shape organizational development – bottom up, top-down, and across teams;
- Catalyze team success through effective guidance, feedback, supervision, and mentorship.
Benefits for your think tank:
- Strengthen staff and leadership capacities;
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous improvement;
- Adapt to evolving policy landscapes and stakeholder expectations;
- Set impulses for organizational change in the think tank landscape;
- Expand networks and partnerships with think tanks and key stakeholders.
Participants
The training program is open to professionals from think tanks and policy-oriented research institutions with a team leadership position. Participants should have research project management as at least one of their responsibilities.
Tuition Fee
Participation in the Leadership and Management Training is possible for a fee of EUR 990.00 (excl. statutory VAT).
The tuition fee covers all expert lectures, learning materials, lunch and coffee breaks, as well as access to the Think Tank Lab community and alumni networks. The fee does not include travel and accommodation. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering these costs themselves.
Training Dates
- Module I – Sectoral Change and Managing Research Projects
June 3, 2:00 PM – June 5, 6:00 PM, DGAP (Berlin)
- Online Peer-Learning Sessions – Working on Leadership Challenges
June 18, 9:30 – 11:30 AM
September 2, 9:30 – 11:30 AM
- Module II – Leading a Team and Organizational Change
September 9, 2:00 PM – September 11, 6:00 PM, MERICS (Berlin)
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM, which asks you to describe your motivation and leadership challenges, and upload the following documents:
- A CV indicating your professional experience in think tanks/research institutions.
- A letter of support from your current employer. A template can be found here.
The application deadline is April 12, 2026.
The participants of the 2026 cohort will be announced no later than April 15, 2026.
Contact
Rosa Beckmann
Head of Think Tank Lab
Email: leadership.training@thinktanklab.org
Web: www.thinktanklab.org
