Working in the think tank sector

Download the event slides and FAQs from the event.

Think tanks are research organisations that develop ideas and suggestions for action on a whole range of subjects affecting society. Using research, analysis and commentary, we aim to inform and influence politicians, policy makers and the public.

Given the economic, social and political issues facing the UK, ensuring the world of research and policy-making is populated by a variety of talented individuals with diverse views and backgrounds is more important than ever. To contribute to achieving greater representation, a group of think tanks and similar organisations join together each year to hold a webinar for undergraduates interested in working in the sector.

This event is aimed at people from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups, people with work-limiting health conditions or impairments, young adults with caring responsibilities (including young parents), mature students, people from lower-income backgrounds, care leavers and LGBT+ students.

A recording of the event is available below. We have also gathered together information about where to look for roles in the sector, guidance to consider when you are applying for jobs, plus responses to Frequently Asked Questions in a document available to download here, with the full information also available on our website here.

This event was organised in collaboration with CLES, Centre for Cities, Demos, Institute for Employment Studies, Institute for Fiscal Studies, Institute for Government, IPPR, Learning and Work Institute, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, New Local, NPC, Nuffield Trust, Pro Bono Economics, Resolution Foundation, Royal Economic Society, RUSI and TUC.

Agenda

16:00 – 16:40
Welcome and Introduction

• Helen Buckingham, Director of Strategy, Nuffield Trust

Session 1: Think tanks and how to apply for jobs in the sector

• Grace Evans, Research Analyst, RUSI (Chair)
• Dan Tomlinson, Principal Advisor, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
• Emily Redding, Director, Smart Thinking

16:40 – 16:45 
Break

16:45 – 17:15
Session 2a: A day in the life of a Researcher

• Jess Sargeant, Senior Researcher, Institute for Government (Chair)
• Rose Anderson, Consultant, New Philanthropy Capital
• Vedanth Nair, Research Economist, Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Jansev Jemal, Research & Policy Director, Probono Economics

17:15 – 17:45
Session 2b: Influencing policy

• Lalitha Try, Economist, Resolution Foundation (Chair)
• Max Mosley, Economist, National Institute of Economic and Social Research
• Bertha Rohenkohl, PostDoc Researcher, Institute for the Future of Work
• Connor Stevens, Research Manager, Learning & Work

17:45 – 17:55
Break

The HR session was run on Zoom and is not recorded.
17:55 – 18:25
Session 3: Questions for HR

• Jayne Desmond, Resolution Foundation (Chair)
• Emma Hyman, Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Keryn Vella, Nuffield Trust