Make your thesis matter — for the world.
We aim to support students towards developing theses and careers that contribute to solving the world’s biggest challenges.
At Effective Thesis our mission is to drive real progress on the world’s most pressing problems, by empowering students to focus their thesis and careers on what truly matters.
We aim to guide students towards completing high-impact theses and launching impact-driven careers - through our services such as fellowships, internships, expert mentorship, community, and resources.
If you’re a current student committed to impact, apply for our services here.
If you’re an expert or professional working in a high-impact field, apply to join our network here.
Our Partners
Where Our Alumni Work
Our Key Services
Are you a student eager to tackle the world’s most pressing problems through your thesis and future career?
You’ll likely spend hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on your thesis. We’re here to help you make those hours count towards a high-impact thesis and career.
We offer two Fellowship Tracks (Generalist and Specialist), Internships, 1:1 Expert Mentorship, and Peer Groups.
Fellowship: Generalist Track
Learn to research and prioritise between different high-impact topics
Are you a student heading into your final year and are currently deciding between different impactful thesis topics or career paths?
Through this fellowship, you’ll be provided with learning modules and collaborative group projects to learn to prioritise between different thesis topics, build a Theory of Change for your thesis ideas, and develop your high-impact career plan.
🗓️ May 19 – June 13
📍 Two program formats: London (in-person) or Virtual
⏳ Time commitment: Up to 10 hours/week
Apply for our next cohort by the 1st of May.
Fellowship: Specialist Track
Develop your thesis alongside high-impact orgs and mentors
Through our Specialist Track, you’ll apply directly to work on a high-impact research project that has been vetted by the Effective Thesis team. You’ll be matched with an expert mentor or high-impact organisation to co-develop your thesis, receive tailored support throughout the process, and gain hands-on experience working on a problem that matters.
📅 Projects have rolling start dates
⏳ Time commitment: Up to 10 hours/week for 2–3 months
See our featured projects across AI Safety and Global Health and Development here.
1:1 Expert Mentorship
Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance from established experts in your field of interest. Our mentors aim to provide tailored feedback on your theses/research and how to plan for a high-impact career.
You can see our current expert network here.
Volunteer Internships
Work directly with the Effective Thesis team on our ongoing research initiatives. Gain valuable hands-on experience and develop key skills you require to explore & success in your high-impact career path.
Peer Research Groups
Join a peer accountability group with like-minded students committed to having a positive impact through their these and careers. Engage in regular accountability sessions, collaborative projects, and peer feedback.
Our Success Stories
Our Featured Research Areas
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AI Safety
Explore the critical challenges of ensuring artificial intelligence systems remain beneficial to humanity as they grow more powerful and autonomous.
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Global Health
Tackle pressing issues in healthcare accessibility, disease prevention, and medical innovations that can improve lives worldwide.
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Animal Welfare
Address ways to improve animal health, foster ethical treatment and protection of animals across various industries and ecosystems.
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Biosecurity
Examine potential biological threats and strategies to safeguard humanity’s long-term future.
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