How we THINK
THINK Conversations
By hosting events that bring together trustworthy people of goodwill from various backgrounds, worldviews, and roles on campus, THINK provides a unique space for campus communities to connect, share, and listen.
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​After being seated in curated groups of four, participants are prompted to listen as they would wish to be listened to while cultivating curiosity about others and their perspectives. This is not an opportunity to debate, nor to sharpen your own arguments, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of beliefs different from your own.
THINK Community
THINK’s work doesn’t end after one conversation. After attending two events, participants will be invited to join THINK’s global community of THINKers, esteemed academics, and leaders of industry.
Access to this cohort affords access to exclusive events, academic and professional opportunities, and most of all: a community of trusted THINKers.
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Our beginning
THINK began in 2022 when a group of Oxford students, frustrated by the effects of polarization and groupthink, gathered to practice listening across difference. Though not like-minded, they were like-hearted, united by a desire to understand others more deeply.
THINK has since expanded its presence to seven more universities across the U.S and U.K, hosting 500+ students, faculty, and staff.
Where We THINK
Oxford University
Harvard University
Yale University
Cornell University
Cambridge University
Columbia University
Imperial College, London
University of Pennsylvania
Why THINK?
There is broad recognition that universities often fall short in preparing students to engage thoughtfully in dialogue across deep differences—yet genuinely effective models remain rare.
THINK stands apart as a compelling and replicable approach. Developed over four years in leading academic settings, centred at the University of Oxford, THINK has emerged through research, iteration, and cross-ideological engagement.
Grounded in interdisciplinary insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology—and refined through real world testing and participant feedback—THINK equips students to lead a culture of listening and understanding.
Evening Flow
Listening as Growth
Sitting in groups of four, attendees first discuss the importance of listening and each identify and commit to improving an aspect of their own listening during the evening.
Seeking Understanding
The discussion shifts to developing good faith reasons for, and steelmanning, views that attendees find difficult to empathise with. Attendees also share some of the weaknesses or reservations they have regarding their own views.
Commiting to the Work
As the evening concludes, each attendee commits to continuing, in the weeks ahead, to improve one aspect of their listening and to deepen their understanding of one perspective they struggle to empathise with.