Professor Theo Schuyt Honoured with ERNOP Award at 12th International Conference
Heidelberg, 26 September 2025 – Professor Theo Schuyt, sociologist and Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has been honoured with the ERNOP Award during the 12th International Conference of the European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) in Heidelberg. The award was presented by current ERNOP President Professor Tobias Jung in recognition of Schuyt’s outstanding contribution to the advancement of philanthropic studies in Europe.
Professor Schuyt holds the first Chair on Philanthropy in both the Netherlands and Europe. In 1995, he launched the still ongoing longitudinal research project Giving in the Netherlands. From 2001 to 2014, he served as Director of the Center for Philanthropic Studies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
In 2007, together with Pamala Wiepking, Lesley Hustinx and others, Schuyt co-founded the European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP), which he chaired from 2008 until 2021. He is warmly praised for creating a welcoming environment for emerging philanthropy scholars and for his steadfast advocacy for advancing the science of philanthropy.
Upon ERNOP’s founding, Schuyt emphasized the unique European characteristics of philanthropy and the need to develop a scholarly narrative distinct from the dominant Anglo-Saxon tradition. His pioneering vision has shaped philanthropy research across Europe and continues to inspire new generations of scholars.
Schuyt refers to himself and his colleagues as “philanthropologists”, underlining the importance of developing a dedicated science of philanthropy. His most recent book, Philanthropology. The Science of Philanthropy, speaks for itself in setting out this vision.
“Professor Schuyt’s contributions have been foundational for philanthropy research in Europe. This award recognises not only his scholarly contributions but also his role as mentor, community-builder and advocate for a distinctly European perspective on philanthropy,” said the current President of ERNOP Professor Tobias Jung.