From humble beginnings, think tanks have become a global phenomenon, with more than 7,500 organizations worldwide working to strengthen policy outcomes. What’s it really like working for these 'universities without students'? What kinds of roles are available to LSE graduates? And how is this industry changing? To answer these and related questions, LSE IDEAS is pleased to host world-renowned think tank expert James McGann for an afternoon talk and discussion moderated by Professor Michael Cox, Director of LSE IDEAS.

McGann will discuss the role of think tanks in public policy formation, industry trends, and opportunities for younger scholars and managers to leverage their skills and experiences to make an impact at these organisations. McGann has placed a priority on developing strategies to recruit the next generation of think tank scholars and executives, and has launched “New Faces and New Ideas: The Diversity and Innovation Connection” to address the issue. 

There will be a reception held after the event in FAW 9.06. Event attendees are invited to join.

James G. McGann is a Senior Lecturer of International Studies at the Lauder Institute, Director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program and Senior Fellow, Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. His research and consulting have enabled him to work with governments and civil society organizations in over 100 countries. He is the creator and editor of the Global Go To Think Tank Index, a ranking of more than 7,500 think tanks worldwide. He also organizes Think Tank summits in every region of the world, involving 1,000 think tanks each year.

Michael Cox is Director of LSE IDEAS and Emeritus Professor of International Relations at LSE.

Twitter hashtag: #LSEThinkTanks

LSE IDEAS (@lseideas) is LSE's foreign policy think tank. We connect academic knowledge of diplomacy and strategy with the people who use it.