How to apply

These awards are open to all think tanks that meet the eligibility criteria, not just to those listed on Smart Thinking or part of the Smart Thinking membership network.

Eligible think tanks may apply for as many award categories as they would like, however they are allowed only one entry per category. 

All applications are confidential. The information you share will only be read by the judging panel and by Smart Thinking as administrators of the awards. We will not disclose who has applied for each category apart from any shortlisted, commended or winning entries. 

Smart Thinking will use the information provided here for the sole purpose of administering and awarding the Smart Thinking Awards and will never share this information elsewhere without your permission.

Applications are open from 9am on Monday 23rd June 2025 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 26th August 2025. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted.

These awards are to recognise work and impact in the period 1st September 2024 – 26th August 2025. 

If you have any questions on the above dates then please contact Smart Thinking on awards@smartthinking.org.uk.

Check your eligibility

These awards are open to all think tanks that meet the below criteria, not just to those listed on Smart Thinking or part of the Smart Thinking membership network. Your think tank must meet the following criteria to be eligible to be entered into any award category. 

• The organisation must be based or headquartered in the UK;
• The organisation must have as its primary aim the production of rigorous research and analysis of public policy; 
• The organisation must include a central research function which is focused on this analysis and production of public policy research and expertise;
• The organisation must have at least one full time researcher; 
• The majority of the organisation’s research output must be freely available to the public;
• The organisation must have a substantial body of work in at least one research area. This would typically be at least 5 in-depth policy reports;
• You must be operating for at least 12 months before the close of the qualifying period of entry (1st September 2024 – 26th August 2025);
• The governance of the organisation is robust with an independent board of trustees or advisory council;
• The organisation should be set up as a not-for-profit organisation.

In summary you must demonstrate that your think tank has a lasting and meaningful ability to contribute to a constructive policy dialogue.

The judging panel has sole discretion on whether a think tank is eligible to enter the awards. Details of discussions among judges remain confidential and we are unable to share any reasoning behind a decision of non-eligibility.

If you have any questions about eligibility then please contact Smart Thinking at awards@smartthinking.org.uk.