The 2015 Think Tank Initiative Exchange is on its way! This exciting event will take place from February 18-20 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Think Tank Initiative (TTI) is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of independent policy research institutions in the developing world. Managed by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), TTI currently provides support to 43 think tanks in 20 countries.

The Exchange will bring together up to 200 think tanks, donors, and other research-to-policy stakeholders to explore perspectives on the theme of “Research Quality: Approaches, Outreach and Impact.” These individuals will come together to discuss what research quality means for think tank impact, both in theory and in practice.

Research quality is of huge importance for think tanks. It lies at the root of their credibility and reputation as legitimate contributors to academic and public policy debates. However, research quality is understood in many different ways, and has been at the centre of much debate in academic, professional, and public policy circles. The aim of this Exchange is to learn more about what research quality means to us, as well as learn about approaches and tools to strengthen research, engage with key actors, and increase the impact of think tanks.

The overall objectives for the event are to:

• Share perspectives on how research quality can lead to think tank impact.

• Share knowledge, practice, and experience on how think tanks are ensuring rigour and quality research while maintaining policy relevance.

• Create awareness and exposure to a range of different approaches, methods, and tools for strengthening research quality.

• Identify potential areas of capacity development and related support for research quality in think tanks.

• Promote networking and collaboration between think tanks and other research to policy stakeholders.

And, of course, Research to Action will be at the exchange, monitoring and capturing key conversations and learning.

The R2A TTI Exchange page will provide a space to showcase the blogs and video interviews that emerge from this event. Watch this space for all the latest updates and news and to keep up with real-time conversations follow the hashtag #ttix2015.