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.

Overview
Information Webinar
Program & Structure
Who Can Participate
Competency Framework & Learning Objectives
Why Participate
Tuition Fee 
How To Apply 
FAQ
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, ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research

Information Webinar

For interested participants and organizations, an information webinar will take place on March, 26, 2025, from 12:00 – 01.00 PM (CET). To participate, please register here.

Program & Structure 

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

Training Dates

Module I – Think Tanks & Evidence-Informed Policymaking
June 3-5, at DGAP, Berlin 

Module II – Think Tank Products & Formats
July 15-17, at MERICS, Berlin 

Module III – Study Trip to Brussels
September 30-October 2, at EPC, Brussels

Module IV – Public Speaking & Evaluation
November 11-13, at DGAP, Berlin 

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
• 1-6 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
• Translate new methods and insights back into your organization.
   

Why Participate

For fellows: 

• Gain and apply new skills through hands-on training sessions and project work. 
• Get expert guidance, develop innovative solutions, and expand your network with peers, policymakers, and think tank stakeholders.
• Join the Bosch Alumni Network and MercatorGlobe, global alumni communities fostering cross-sectoral exchange and collaboration.

For organizations: 

• Strengthen staff capabilities with systematic training and empowerment.
• Gain insights into innovative approaches and build networks with other think tanks.
• Experiment with new project formats and ensure effective knowledge transfer back to your organization.
   

Tuition Fee 

Participation in the Think Tank School is possible for a fee of EUR 1,175 (excl. statutory VAT). 

The tuition fee covers all expert lectures, learning activities, networking events, and site visits; all learning materials; lunch and coffee breaks; a diploma upon completion; 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.

We offer a limited number of partial scholarships for participants with financial need. However, we encourage you to explore funding solutions with your organization first. If you would like to be considered, please indicate this in your application and briefly describe your situation.
 

How To Apply

To apply for a spot in the Think Tank School 2025, please complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and submit all supporting documentation. 

The application deadline is April 23, 2025. 

The participants of the 2025 cohort will be announced no later than May 8, 2025.

Application Documents

To apply, you must submit ALL of the following:

• Motivation Statement (two-minute video or 300 words): Explain why you want to participate, and how you will apply what you learn. 
• Policy Problem (max. 300 words): Describe the issue you would like to work on during the program.
• Stakeholder Plan: Specify whom you want to interview or shadow, and why. 
• Letter of Support: From your organization, confirming time for all trainings and project work, plus the support provided. You can find a template here. 
• CV: Highlighting your professional experience in a think tank or research environment. 

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.

FAQ

Who can apply to the Think Tank School?

The program is designed for early-career professionals (around 1–5 years of experience) working in think tanks or policy-oriented research organizations, including NGOs. If your role involves research and analysis to inform policy, you’re encouraged to apply. We don’t have age limits, and career changers are also welcome to apply.

Can I work in a think tank based outside Germany?

Yes. We reserve a limited number of spots for participants from European think tanks. If you’re based outside Germany but in Europe, please reach out to discuss eligibility before applying.

Do I need a fully developed project idea before applying?

No. We only ask you to outline a policy problem or research question of interest. You’ll refine your project throughout the program with expert guidance and peer support.

Does my policy problem have to relate directly to my day-to-day work? Are there any specific topics you are looking for?

Not necessarily. You can choose a project closely tied to your current role or an issue outside your usual responsibilities, as long as it’s feasible to develop within the program timeframe. We’re open to a wide range of policy areas—past participants have focused on everything from climate, peace and security to digital governance. Your proposed problem should be timely, relevant, and policy-focused. 

How much time should I expect to invest?

On average, you should plan for 1-4 hours per week for project work and peer learning calls, plus dedicated time for the in-person training modules in Berlin and Brussels. The workload can vary based on how closely your project relates to your regular job responsibilities.

Is in-person participation mandatory, or can I follow a module remotely?

Our modules in Berlin and Brussels are designed for in-person participation to maximize networking and hands-on learning. Remote attendance is generally not provided.

I truly admired the scope and depth of this program, which was beyond my expectations. The quality of the program and the various networking opportunities make the Think Tank School a great investment for employers in their early career analysts.

Kaspar Pucek, Clingendael Institute