Key dates

Applications are open to all think tanks from Monday 23rd June and close at 5pm on Tuesday 26th August 2025. In early September a first sift of applications will take place with all entries being reviewed by two separate judges. Those that go through this stage will be taken through to the main judging session on 21st October where the entire judging panel will convene to go through each category and decide on the final shortlists and winners. 

We will announce the shortlist to Think Tanker of the Year and The Innovation Award ahead of the awards ceremony at the end of October. All other winners and shortlisted think tanks will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 12th November. 

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

Applications open:
9am on Monday
23 June 2025
Applications close
5pm on Tuesday
26 August 2025
Judging session
Tuesday 21
October 2025
Shortlists announced:
9am on Wednesday
29 October 2025
Awards ceremony:
7-9pm on Wednesday
12 November 2025