Think Tank School

The Think Tank School is a unique training program for early-career professionals that is specifically tailored to the requirements and demands of the think tank sector. 

The program offers fellows the opportunity to take the next step in their careers by developing their skills for effective think tank work, expanding their professional network in the policy and think tank community, and applying innovative methods to an individual research project of their choice.

Contents
Program & Structure
Who Can Participate
Competency Framework & Learning Objectives
Why Participate
Tuition Fee 
How To Apply 
Fellows

The Think Tank Lab created a rich program that showed us, fellows, in many different ways how to achieve more impact as think tanks and research institutes.

Ana Helena Palermo Kuss, Advisor to the President, ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research

Program & Structure 

The Think Tank School consists of a mix of three training modules in Berlin, a study trip to Brussels and three hands-on project phases that allow for flexible and self-paced exploration and implementation. 

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The program combines different learning formats, prioritizing your professional growth while supporting knowledge transfer to your organization.

Training Modules

Build foundational skills and learn key tools and frameworks for innovative, impact-driven think tank work in interactive seminars led by experts and practioners in Berlin and Brussels. You are encouraged to translate these concepts directly into your own work environment. 

Policy Projects

Apply and test new tools and approaches to a policy problem of your choice, while developing an individual project step-by-step and benefiting from structured guidance. We recommend scheduling 1-4 hours per week for the individual project work. 

Online Community Calls

Stay connected between modules, present your project updates, and exchange insights during interactive online sessions.

Shadowing & Research Visits 

Gain firsthand insights into real policy processes, and inspiration by shadowing key stakeholders or relevant institutions, such as a ministry, parliamentary office, media outlet, or innovation studio. 

Peer Learning 

Collaborate closely with fellow participants in structured peer coaching formats to refine your project, share best practices, and strengthen your problem-solving skills. 

Networking Activities

Expand your professional network with peers, policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders through social events.

Who Can Participate

The Think Tank School is open to think tank professionals who have:

• Research and analysis roles in a think tank or policy-oriented research institute based in Germany; and
• 1-5 years of professional experience in the sector or other relevant fields. 

Career changers are also welcome to participate. There is no age restrictions for applicants. The program offers up to 18 spots per cohort. 

We reserve the right to allocate a limited number of places to think tankers from European organizations. If this applies to you, please get in touch directly.

Competency Framework & Learning Objectives

The Think Tank School is based on a competency framework that was specifically developed to reflect the variety of skills required to excel as a think tanker in an ever-changing environment.

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After completing the Think Tank School, you will be able to: 

• Critically reflect and consciously shape your role in a dynamic policy environment;
• Design and implement policy-relevant and impactful projects; 
• Convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences; 
• Build and leverage networks with peers and stakeholders for common policy goals; and
• Trabslate new methods and insights back into your organization.

Why Participate

For fellows: Unlock your potential at the Think Tank School – a unique opportunity to acquire and test new skills within the context of a practical policy project. Get expert guidance, implement innovative projects, and expand your professional network by connecting with peers, policymakers, and think tank stakeholders. Plus, you become a member of the Bosch Alumni Network and MercatorGlobe, global alumni communities fostering cross-sectoral exchange and collaboration.

For organizations: Enhance and strengthen your staff capabilities through the Think Tank School – systematically train and empower your employees, gain insights into innovative approaches, and expand your network with other think tanks. The School provides foundational skills for think tank work, while offering a safe space for experimentation with novel project forms and designs. A seamless knowledge transfer back to your organization is ensured. 
 

Tuition Fee 

Participation in the Think Tank School is possible for a fee of EUR 1,175 (excl. statutory VAT). A limited number of partial scholarships are available in case of financial needs; please contact us directly if required.

The tuition fee covers:

• All expert lectures, learning activities, networking events, and site visits;
• All learning materials, including project templates, background resources, and a learning journal; 
• Lunch and coffee breaks during the in-person trainings and activities;
• Diploma upon completion of the Think Tank School; and
• Access to the Think Tank Lab community and alumni networks. 

The fee does not include travel and accommodation to Berlin and Brussels. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering these costs themselves.

How To Apply

The Call for applications is currently closed, but will open again at the end of February.
Follow us on LinkedIn and join our mailing list to be informed as soon as it is open.

Below you'll find further information on the application process already.

Application Documents

To apply, you must submit ALL of the following:

• A motivation statement (two-minute video or 300-word essay) describing why you would like to participate in the Think Tank School, and how you will apply what you have learned to your work. 
• A description of the policy problem (300-word essay) you would like to work on during the program.
• Details about the stakeholders that you would like to interview and shadow and why you have selected them. 
• A letter of support from your organization stating that you will be allowed to participate in all trainings and community calls. It should also describe the type of support you will receive in implementing your policy project (e.g., the ability to publish your analysis on the organization’s website, assistance in organizing an event, etc.).
• A short written bio (100 to 150 words) and your resume (two to three pages).

Selection Process

Participants will be selected on the basis of their experience and expertise, their chosen problem, and on how the Think Tank School will support them at this point in their career. The Think Tank Lab team will also take into consideration the background of other participants to ensure a diverse cohort.

Expectations for the Fellows

Active participation in all training modules and community calls is expected of all Think Tank School fellows. In addition, participants are expected to read the course material and work on their individual projects independently. The policy project should be implemented before the final module.

Information Webinar

For interested participants and organizations, an information webinar will take place, when the Call for Applications is open. Stay tuned!

The Think Tank School's structured approach to addressing policy challenges helped me to recognize underlying systems and engage with key stakeholders. The program supported me in becoming better at my job, enabling me to be a changemaker. 

Mauricio Böhl, Researcher, IDOS – German Institute of Development and Sustainability