2nd Call for Contributions: Be Part of the Suttnertage 2026

Shape the Future of Social Mentoring in Europe

How can social mentoring strengthen social inclusion, engagement, and social cohesion? What role can research, practice, higher education, policy, and civil society play in shaping the future of the field?

These are some of the questions at the heart of the 4th Suttnertage 2026, taking place on November 13 and 14, 2026, at Bertha von Suttner Private University in St. Pölten, Austria.

Under the theme “Social Mentoring in Europe: Prospects for Social Inclusion and Engagement”, the international conference brings together experts and stakeholders from across Europe to exchange knowledge, discuss current challenges, and develop new perspectives for the future of social mentoring.

Over the past 15 years, social mentoring programs have spread throughout Europe as an innovative and person-centered form of social intervention. They support people facing social disadvantages, complement existing welfare structures, and create new pathways for social inclusion and engagement.

At the same time, the field is evolving. Practitioners are innovating and professionalizing their programs, researchers are generating knowledge on quality, impact, and governance, and policymakers and funders are showing growing interest in the potential of social mentoring. This makes collaboration and exchange between research, practice, and policy more important than ever.

2nd Call for Contributions

Do you have a project, research finding, practical experience, or new perspective to share? Become part of the conference program!

The 2nd Call for Contributions invites submissions for two formats:

Project Marketplace
Present your project, initiative, or social mentoring program and connect with an international audience of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The Marketplace offers space for exchange, networking, and sharing experiences.

Poster Exhibition
Present research findings, innovative approaches, projects, or practical insights through a poster. The exhibition will include guided Knowledge Walks, creating opportunities for discussion and direct exchange with other participants.

Current contributions address topics including:

• Mentoring in Higher Education
• Mentoring Relationships
• Quality and Principles
• Social Mentoring for Migrants
• Social Mentoring Research
• Mentoring Ecosystems
• Gender and Diversity
• Mentoring and Social Institutions
• Youth Mentoring

This list is not exhaustive. We particularly welcome contributions that introduce new perspectives, approaches, and questions to the field of social mentoring.

A unique international gathering

The Suttnertage 2026 will be one of the major international gatherings dedicated to social mentoring between the European Mentoring Summit 2024 in Paris and the next summit in 2028 in Berlin. Around 100 experts are already involved as contributors to the conference program.

The conference is co-organized by the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership “Mentoring for Social Inclusion in Europe: Sharing Knowledge and Building Capacity” (Ment4EU) and supported by the Mentoring Europe network. Mentoring Austria, the umbrella organization for social mentoring in Austria, is also joining the conference as a partner.

The Suttnertage provide a unique opportunity to connect across disciplines and sectors, share knowledge and experience, and contribute to the development of an emerging field of Social Mentoring Studies.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the program!

📅 Submission deadline: September 13, 2026

Submit your proposal for the Project Marketplace or Poster Exhibition via:

www.suttneruni-symposium.at

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming the international social mentoring community to St. Pölten in November 2026.