What’s Going On?

The Research Unit on Voluntariness is more than just our team. We are part of a growing international community of scholars who share an interest in the concept of voluntariness. We invite fellow researchers to join the discussion, not just in writing but also in person. Over the next few years we are planning workshops and lecture series, and we will let you know what’s happening around voluntariness and our research unit.

Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted about news, events, and guests as well as all sorts of sidelines!

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News & Sidelines

“Solidarität und Gewalt” – Summer Book Talks

In August and September 2026, Carsta Langner will be presenting her book “Solidarität und Gewalt” at several book talks and would like to engage in conversation with an interested audience. You can find the dates and details of what to expect in this news post.

Conference “Umkämpfte Demokratie”

Conference “Umkämpfte Demokratie – Historische und interdisziplinäre Perspektiven” in Erfurt on November 20-21, 2026. We will discuss how democracy has developed historically, the challenges it faces today, and how it can be shaped in the future.

We Welcome Odile Mackett as Mercator Fellow 2026!

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Odile Mackett as a Mercator Fellow of the Research Unit Voluntariness! She will be a visiting scholar at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena in June and July 2026.

We Welcome Regula Ludi as Mercator Fellow 2026!

We are delighted to welcome PD Dr. Regula Ludi as a Mercator Fellow of the Research Unit Voluntariness! She will be a visiting scholar at the University of Erfurt from mid-May to early July 2026.

Events