12th International Research Conference of the European Research Network on Philanthropy

1 October 2025

Photo: UHH

Prof. Dr. Silke Boenigk and her PhD students Sarah Fenske, SJ Weber, Alexander Rödl, and Lena Höpken participated in the 12th International Research Conference of the European Research Network on Philanthropy from 25 to 26 September 2025. The conference focused on lively dialogue between researchers and practitioners in order to further develop philanthropic engagement—an issue which is more topical than ever, given the societal challenges.

 The conference served the Hamburg team as a valuable opportunity to strengthen its international networks and discuss the latest research findings and projects. As part of the conference, Prof. Dr. Silke Boenigk, Sarah Fenske, and Alexander Rödl presented their latest research projects on the topic of volunteer management. Prof. Dr. Silke Boenigk presented the latest findings of the research project “First Empirical Insights into the Willingness of People with Disabilities to Volunteer and Nonprofit Organizations’ Role in Overcoming Social Inequalities.” Additionally, Prof. Dr. Silke Boenigk, Sarah Fenske, and Alexander Rödl jointly presented the Engagement 2030 research group’s current projects concerning in particular the courses that engagement takes, engagement preferences, and the flexibilization of voluntary work.

 We would like to thank the European Research Network on Philanthropy and Heidelberg University for hosting this inspirational conference and for its excellent organization.