In Germany there are a large number of female junior scientists in sustainability areas. In contrast, only few women take top positions in for instance governmental or environmental organisations.
The reasons for this phenomenon have not yet been clarified. Academic programs on environmental issues have been developing over the last 15 years to become more inter- and transdisciplinary to better meet the requirements of complexity and sustainability. Up to now, we do not know the effects of these measures and developments in research and academic education in terms of the impact on women achieving top positions in organisations in the professional fields of sustainability. A further question is whether people with sustainability competencies require specific organisational/work structures. This article outlines the contexts and challenges for this much-needed research.