Beruflich Dokumente
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What is a Think Tank? is an interesting article written by John Goodman from the National Centre for
Policy Analysis (a US think tank) and a self-declared ―classic liberal‖. Also worth a look is The Think
Tank Index published by James McGann (from the US think tank Foreign Policy Research Institute) in
Foreign Policy (Jan/Feb 2009), as is the research paper it is based on, The Global "Go-To Think Tanks”:
The Leading Public Policy Research Organizations in the World
There are an estimated, 5000-plus think tanks globally, with over one third of these in North America and
almost a quarter in Western Europe. Washington DC, London and, to a lesser extent, Brussels have a
concentration of think tanks (The Global “Go-to Think Tanks” McGann, J.D., Foreign Policy Research
Institute).
Funding
Think tanks obtain their funding from a variety of sources, e.g. grants from charitable foundations and
trusts, subscriptions from members, donations from interest groups and other bodies and individuals and
they may also derive income from their publications and events they organise. They may also conduct
research in partnership with other organisations that share their interest or concern about a particular
issue. However, many think tanks in the UK are not only ‗not for profit‘ organisations but also registered
charities, and in this context the work they undertake and publish must be seen as being for the public
benefit, independent of party politics, and not improperly influenced by funders. Although most think
tanks claim to be independent, their critics suggest that bias can exist in what they choose to research
and the recommendations that they make to policy influencers and makers.
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Think tanks usually have a relatively small core staff involved in strategic management, research, events
and communications but they may well also work with a network of experts, e.g. academics, ex-
politicians and social researchers. These relationships can be more (Associates) or less formal and can
add significantly to the expertise and intellectual power of a think tank.
Most of the organisations listed below (especially those in the UK and North America) advertise jobs on
their websites, and you can use the links provided to explore these further. Although not all offer
internships, where there is evidence that they do, this has been specifically noted below. However, do be
aware that within the think tank arena internship programmes and opportunities vary hugely in terms of
such issues as: application deadlines; degree discipline and level; start times and duration of internship;
frequency of availability of opportunities, e.g. only in the summer, or several times during the year, or
only when extra help needed for a specific activity; whether speculative applications are encouraged or
discouraged; and whether opportunities are full-time or part-time or flexible. So a good strategy can be to
identify the think tanks you are interested in and then clarify through their websites the specifics of any
internship opportunities they offer, so that you can take timely action. It is also important to be aware
that, with very few exceptions, most internships in think tanks are unpaid, although some do assist with
expenses.
In addition to looking at information on their website about the research work a think tank does and to
whom and how it disseminates this you may also find it useful to read the profiles of staff and associates
which you will often also find there. This will help you get a better idea of career paths in political and
social research and consequently help you clarify your career objectives.
In doing your research you may find it useful to access Gradlink (the Careers Service database of
alumni willing to assist Cambridge students and graduates with career related issues) to see if there is
anyone working in (or who has worked in) the organisation/s you are interested in. Likewise you might
find useful information in the vacation/internship and interview feedback files at the Careers Service.
Listed below, to help you further, are some of the core competencies that think tanks look for, but do also
always refer to what each organisation says in its vacancy material.
Core competencies:
The ability to conduct and analyse research, and write it up for a range of audiences, is crucial.
Sometimes experience of specific research methodologies may be desirable or even essential.
Writing and editing experience outside of academic study and research is also likely to be of
value.
Although the research undertaken can be similar to academic research, the context in which it is
undertaken can be very different, e.g. more than one research project at a time, which may or
may not be undertaken with partners, working to tight deadlines, and for non-academic
audiences. Consequently, organising, project management and time management skills are
very important too. There is also likely to be more need (and scope) for team work than in some
academic disciplines.
Experience of successful networking and other face-to-face communication, whether within
academia or outside of it, will also be appreciated, as developing contacts and influencing people
are a core part of working in a think tank.
Administrative experience in any capacity will also be a valued addition to a CV as interns and
new recruits into small organisations, like think tanks, may be expected to help out with day to
day admin. Experience can show that not only have you done this, but you are willing to do it too.
In some instances specific knowledge of an issue or an area of the world may be desirable or
required, as may fluency in a language other than English. But note that language skills alone are
unlikely to be sufficient.
Although think tanks are usually non-profit organisations commercial awareness and an
entrepreneurial approach are also useful, as they often have to seek and raise their own funds.
Evidence of interest in political, social and/or economic policy issues, beyond the mere fact
that you have studied these at university, e.g. student societies you have been active in, interest
groups you have being involved with, articles you have written, volunteering you have done,
student membership of one or more relevant organisations (e.g. some think tanks offer student
subscription rates) and the ability to talk about relevant issues at an interview and during an
internship, will also be looked for. As already mentioned above it will also be necessary to show
at application, selection and internship stages that you have some knowledge of what the specific
think tank you are targeting does and why.
Last but not least be clear about your IT and related skills and the level of these, e.g. word
processing, Excel, PowerPoint, databases, internet use, and if you have it, experience of using
quantitative and qualitative research analysis programmes.
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LIST OF THINK TANKS
UK (A-Z)
In selecting the organisations to include below, for the sake of more rather than less, some may arguably
be better defined as social research organisations with a lobbying focus while others are social research
institutes within an academic environment, rather than fitting solely within the category of think tank as
defined above. Unless otherwise stated all are based in London.
A
Adam Smith Institute: www.adamsmith.org
The Adam Smith Institute (ASI) is a politically independent and non-profit free-market economic and
social policies think tank. It seeks to pioneer practical initiatives to inject choice and competition into
public services, extend personal freedom, reduce taxes, prune back regulation, and cut government
waste. The ASI promotes its ideas through reports, briefings, events, media appearances, and its
website and blog. The ASI advertises internships on its website.
B
BASIC (British American Security Information Council): www.basicint.org
BASIC, with offices in London and Washington, works as an independent research and advocacy
organization, focused on transatlantic security and arms control issues as a means of creating a
more stable and secure world. It utilizes expert briefings, speaking tours, press conferences, and
publications to bring its message to legislators, experts, media and the general public. The BASIC
London office offers up to two internships at any time and applications are accepted throughout the year
from those with a relevant Masters degree.
C
CARE (Christian Action Research and Education): www.care.org.uk
Care is a Christian NGO that provides resources and help to bring Christian insight and experience
to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. It is represented in the UK Parliaments
and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York. Graduates interested in
politics and the media can participate in the Intern (Stagiaire) Programme run through CARE's London
office. This consists of MEP placements, and training in office skills and the practical workings of the
European institutions. Interns have been able to use language skills, develop thinking on socio-political
issues and have in a number of cases gone on directly to work in related fields. Care also advertises
volunteering and job opportunities, e.g. in Public Affairs and Publications on its website.
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Centre for European Reform (CER): www.cer.org.uk
CER is a think-tank devoted to improving the quality of the debate on the European Union. It is pro-
European but not uncritical and aims to promote new ideas for reforming the European Union.
CentreForum: www.centreforum.org
CentreForum is an independent, liberal think-tank seeking to develop evidence-based, long-term policy
solutions to the problems facing Britain. It runs an internship programme with placements lasting
approximately ten to twelve weeks.
Centre for Research into Elections & Social Trends (CREST): www.crest.ox.ac.uk
CREST is a Research Centre based jointly at the National Centre for Social Research in London –
Britain‘s largest independent social research institute – and the Department of Sociology, University of
Oxford
Chatham House (also known as Royal Institute for International Affairs): www.chathamhouse.org.uk
Chatham House seeks to be a world-leading source of independent analysis, informed debate and
influential ideas on how to build a prosperous and secure world for all. They undertake independent
research and rigorous analysis with the aim of setting the agenda and shaping policy by encouraging
new ideas and forward thinking in international affairs. They regularly recruit interns and also post jobs
on their website.
D
David Hume Institute: www.davidhumeinstitute.com
The Institute is an independent think tank promoting research, analysis and debate on public policy
issues. It is based in Edinburgh.
Demos: www.demos.co.uk
Demos is a think tank focused on power and politics with a vision of a democracy of free citizens, with
an equal stake in society. They cover a very broad agenda and regularly add to their research
programmes. They work in both the UK and with similar organisations around the world. They recruit
interns into their Research (most of the opportunities), Media/Communications and Audio/Visual projects
and consider students and graduates from all degree levels.
E
Economic & Social Research Council: www.esrc.ac.uk
The ESRC is the UK's leading agency for research funding and training in economic and social sciences.
It is not a think tank but job vacancies are advertised centrally for all the UK Research Councils and can
offer the opportunity to work in a research focused environment outside of (but connected with)
academia.
F
Fabian Society: www.fabian-society.org.uk
The Fabian Society has been an active left-of-centre think tank concerned with the development of
political ideas and public policy for more than a century. Analysing the key challenges facing the UK and
the rest of the industrialised world in a changing society and global economy, the society's programme
aims to explore the political ideas and the policy reforms which will define progressive politics in the new
century. It is affiliated to the Labour Party but is editorially and organisationally independent. Through its
publications, seminars and conferences, the society provides an arena for open-minded public debate.
At any one time, the Fabian Society has four or five interns, who are given a wide variety of tasks and
responsibilities to undertake. Many find it a useful first step into the political world and an opportunity to
find out more about how Westminster operates.
G
Gulf Centre for Strategic Studies (GCSS): www.gcss-eg.org
The GCSS conducts research and analysis on issues concerning the Gulf region and at international
level. It runs conferences and seminars and training courses and provides consultancy services for
governmental and non-governmental organisations on political, military, security, social and economic
issues.
H
Hansard Society: www.hansard-society.org.uk
The Hansard Society is an independent, non-partisan political research and education charity. They aim
to strengthen parliamentary democracy and encourage greater public involvement in politics. At the
heart of their work is the principle that civic society is most effective when its citizens are connected with
the institutions and individuals who represent them in the democratic process. They inform decision
makers and the public through debate and discussion, training, research, providing accessible resources
and analysing the scope of new technology in engaging the public. They regularly recruit interns. Also
from time to time the Society has an opening for a postdoctoral Visiting Fellow offering (non-financial)
support to academics working in the field of British politics, looking for a place to base themselves in
central London.
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I
Institute for Employment Studies (IES) : www.employment-studies.co.uk
IES is a centre for research and evidence-based consultancy in employment, labour market and
human resource policy and practice. It is not-for-profit, its activities being funded through research
and consultancy commissions, and from its corporate membership programme. IES has around 70
multidisciplinary staff and international associates, and its expertise is available to all organisations
through research, consultancy, publications and its website. Advertises jobs on its website.
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International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS): www.iiss.org
IISS is a centre for research, information, and debate on the subjects of military strategy, arms
control, regional security, and conflict resolution. The objective of the institute is to promote, on a
nonpartisan basis, the study, discussion, and exchange of information on the influence of modern and
nuclear weapons and warfare upon the problems of strategy, defence, disarmament, and international
relations. IISS is a source of information on international strategic issues for politicians and diplomats,
foreign affairs analysts, international business, economists, the military, defence commentators,
journalists, academics, and the informed public. They recruit interns from time to time and also post jobs
on their website. Headquartered in the UK and with offices in Washington DC and Singapore.
J
Joseph Rowntree Foundation: www.jrf.org.uk
The Foundation seeks to understand the root causes of social problems, to identify ways of
overcoming them, and to show how social needs can be met in practice. It funds significant amounts of
social research each year. Advertise jobs from time to time on their website.
K
King’s Fund: www.kingsfund.org.uk
The King‘s Fund seeks to understand how the health system in England can be improved and to help
shape policy, transform services and bring about behaviour change. Their work includes research,
analysis, leadership development and service improvement. They also offer a wide range of resources to
help everyone working in health to share knowledge, learning and ideas. From time to time advertise
jobs on their website.
L
M
Migration Watch UK: www.migrationwatchuk.org
An independent, voluntary, non political body which is concerned about the present scale of immigration
into the UK.
N
National Centre for Social Research: www.natcen.ac.uk
NatCen is the largest independent social research institute in Britain. They design, carry out and
analyse research studies in the fields of social and public policy – including extensive research among
members of the public. They regularly have opportunities for face-to-face and telephone interviewers and
other roles.
nfpSynergy: www.nfpSynergy.net
nfpSynergy is a specialist research consultancy for not-for-profit organisations. It carries out both
bespoke research projects and syndicated tracking research and also publishes free reports on topics of
interest to the entire non-profit sector. It runs and internship programme and advertises jobs from time to
time on its website.
O
Odysseus Trust: www.odysseustrust.org
The Trust seeks to promote good governance in the interests of the governed, based upon plural
democratic values, public accountability and the effective protection of human rights and fundamental
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freedoms. It seeks legislative, political and social reforms to achieve these objectives. It advertises jobs
from time to time on its website.
P
Policy Exchange: www.policyexchange.org.uk
Policy Exchange is an independent free market think tank whose mission is to develop and promote
new policy ideas which will foster a free society based on strong communities, personal freedom, limited
government, national self-confidence and an enterprise culture. They work in partnership with academics
and other experts and commission major studies involving thorough empirical research of alternative
policy outcomes.
Politeia: www.politeia.co.uk
Politeia is a forum for social and economic thinking. Its aim is to encourage reflection, discussion and
debate about the place of the state in the daily lives of men and women across the range of issues which
affect them, from employment and tax to education, health and pensions.
Q
R
Race on the Agenda (ROTA): www.rota.org.uk
ROTA is a social policy think tank focusing on issues that affect Black, Asian and minority ethnic
(BAME) communities. ROTA aims to increase the capacity of BAME organisations and strengthen the
voice of BAME communities through increased civic engagement and participation in society. From time
to time they recruit research volunteers.
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Rand Europe: www.rand.org/randeurope (also has offices around the world)
RAND Europe is an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to help improve policy
and decision-making through research and analysis. They undertake research and analysis;
communicate findings to a wide audience, often through publications, many of which are available on
their web site; work in partnership with clients; and work collaboratively with others. Rand‘s research is
very broad in Europe it includes: Crime & Justice; Health; Education, Arts & Culture; Defence & Security,
Long Term Policy Analysis; Population and Migration and Economics. It advertises jobs based in
Cambridge, UK on its website and also jobs in other office locations.
Reform: www.reform.co.uk/
Reform is an independent, charitable, non-party think tank whose mission is to set out a better way to
deliver public services and economic prosperity. They seek to produce research on the core issues
of the economy, health, education and law and order on the right balance between government and
individual; and to communicate it to politicians and opinion formers in all parties and none in order to
create a consensus for reform. They advertise internship opportunities on their website.
RUSI (Royal United Services Institute): www.rusi.org (also has offices in US and rest of the world)
RUSI is a think tank focused on the study and discussion of security and defence issues across the
globe. They do this through research, publications and the organisation of events. They advertise
internships from time to time.
S
Saferworld: www.saferworld.org.uk (also has offices around the world)
Saferworld works to create safer communities in places affected by violent crime, conflict and the
impact of small arms and light weapons. They do this by: policy research; technical support to
governments and civil society; and advocacy. Advertise jobs on their website.
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Scottish Poverty Information Unit (SPIU): www.povertyinformation.org
The Scottish Poverty Information Unit believes that poverty is caused by the unequal distribution of
opportunities and resources rather than the lack of resources in society. SPIU aims to assist those
committed to eradicating poverty in Scotland through robust policy analysis, quality research and
widespread dissemination of poverty information. SPIU seeks to work in partnership with others towards
the goal of reducing poverty and extending social justice in 21st Century Scotland.
T
The Work Foundation: www.theworkfoundation.com
The Work Foundation is an independent research consultancy advising organisations and policymakers
about the changing world of work and corporate performance. They aim to improve the quality of
working life and increase the effectiveness of organisations. They do this through ideas and evidence,
through advice, and through advocacy and events.
U
Unlock Democracy: www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk
Unlock Democracy (incorporating Charter 88) is a campaign for democracy, rights and freedoms. A
grassroots movement, owned and run by its members. They run an internship programme.
V
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VERTIC – The Verification Research, Training and Information Centre: www.vertic.org
VERTIC promotes effective and efficient verification as a means of ensuring confidence in the
implementation of international agreements and intra-national agreements with international
involvement. It aims to achieve its mission through research, training, dissemination of information, and
interaction with the relevant political, diplomatic, technical, scientific, academic and non-governmental
communities. It is an independent, non-profit-making, non-governmental organisation. Vertic runs an
internship programme and posts jobs on their website from time to time.
W
Westminster Foundation for Democracy: www.wfd.org
WFD is an independent public body (and not strictly a think tank) sponsored by the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, from which it receives annual funding. Working with and through partner
organisations, they seek to strengthen the institutions of democracy, principally political parties
(through the work of the UK political parties), parliaments and the range of institutions that make up civil
society, e.g. non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions and free media, among others. Their
website has information on how to apply speculatively and they also advertise jobs across the globe on
their website.
X
Y
Young Foundation: www.youngfoundation.org.uk (website not working when checked on 3 June 2009)
They undertake research to identify and understand unmet social needs and then develop practical
initiatives and institutions to address them - in fields as diverse as health and education, housing and
cities. They run an internship programme.
July 2010
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