The University of Geneva (UNIGE), in partnership with the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations, created a new Chair in Behavioural Philanthropy to explore the influences of behavioural finance, economics, psychology and neuroscience on this ’emerging discipline’. Assistant Professor Giuseppe Ugazio has been appointed as the new chair, with two PhDs in philosophy and neuro-economics from the University of Zurich. This new position is a part of the Geneva Finance Research Institute of the Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM).

Rajna Gibson Brandon lends her perspective as the founder of UNIGE’s Geneva Finance Research Institute and GSEM professor of finance: ‘Recent developments in behavioural finance and economics have boosted philanthropy research, focusing primarily on the psychological mechanisms and contextual phenomena that govern charitable donation decision-making.’

Ariane de Rothschild, President of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations, says: ‘The chair has been created through a close collaboration with UNIGE and opens up new opportunities for philanthropy. It lies at the crossroads between economics and neuroscience, shedding new light on the complex human mechanisms that drive it. Backed by a rigorous and creative modus operandi, it exemplifies what philan­thropy is today: a fantastic laboratory filled with inspiration, critical thinking and solutions. We are delighted that a vision like this can be personified by Professor Giuseppe Ugazio, whose academic profile is as diverse as it is impressive.’

During his time as chair, Professor Giuseppe Ugazio hopes to research and address the cognitive and biological processes that influence human philanthropic motivations. He raises the question, ‘What motivates someone to help others?’ Adding on to this mission, ‘We want to build a theoretical framework that allows us to characterise different types of philanthropists. This will provide the scientific means to build personalised strategies to help donors fulfil their philanthropic desires.’

For more information, view the full UNIGE press release.