Organisation profile

Sustainability has many facets. Inter- and transdisciplinary research and teaching characterize the School of Sustainability. Scientists in our research projects work together in the laboratory, on the heath, in the grassland, in the classroom, with the city administration, with farmers, with non-governmental organizations, with companies, with students in the lecture hall and of course at their desks.

Furthermore, we work with regional and national political actors, e.g. ministries, as well as international organizations, e.g. UNEP, UNESCO, EU. We are part of national and international bodies, e.g. sustainability advisory boards of companies, member of the German Sustainability Award, World Biodiversity Council (IPBES), in order to contribute to social change with scientific findings.

Main research areas

Vision
Sustainability science investigates on a theoretical, conceptual and empirical level how to promote sustainable development and how to find and implement effective solutions for current social and ecological challenges. The aim is to create a more sustainable future.

Sustainability researchers are called upon to take responsibility for their research, which is anchored in existing scientific knowledge and methods and serves to make the world a better place for everyone.

Mission
We promote change towards a sustainable future by developing theories, concepts and practices of inclusive education for sustainability, research, governance and management.

We acknowledge the diversity and dynamics of values, norms and behaviour and contribute with transdisciplinary methods to ensuring that tensions and differences between different disciplines, methods, topics and standards are fruitfully taken up and used with productive compromises and further developments towards sustainable development.

Principles
The School of Sustainability is guided by the normative concepts of ecological system integrity and social and economic justice.

Ecological system integrity refers to the safeguarding of life-support systems, as well as the maintenance of the well-being of life on Earth.

With social and economic justice we strive for a world in which all people can fulfil their potential without endangering system integrity and the well-being of others.

Information about the School
The School of Sustainability includes...
... ca. 25 professors
... ca. 100 research assistants
... ca. 1000 students in Bachelor and Master courses

In various inter- and transdisciplinary projects we are constantly researching and working together on changes and solutions for current challenges.

  1. 2021
  2. Published

    A matter of connection: The 4 Cs of learning in pre-service teacher education for sustainability

    Brandt, J. O., Barth, M., Merritt, E. & Hale, A., 10.01.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 279, p. 1-13 13 p., 123749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Governing Transitions towards Sustainable Agriculture - Taking Stock of an Emerging Field of Research

    Melchior, I. C. & Newig, J., 08.01.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 2, p. 1-27 27 p., 528.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  4. Published

    Making education for sustainable development happen in elementary schools: the role of teachers

    Timm, J.-M. & Barth, M., 02.01.2021, In: Environmental Education Research. 27, 1, p. 50-66 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    A Real Chance for the Transatlantic Partnership on Climate Policy

    Kemfert, C., 01.01.2021, In: Intereconomics. 56, 1, p. 20-22 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  6. Published

    Blockchain for the Circular Economy: Analysis of the Research-Practice Gap

    Böckel, A., Nuzum, A.-K. & Weissbrod, I., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. 25, p. 525-539 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  7. Published

    Current practice of assessing students' sustainability competencies: a review of tools

    Redman, A., Wiek, A. & Barth, M., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 1, p. 117-135 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  8. Published

    Developmental plasticity of Brachypodium distachyon in response to P deficiency: Modulation by inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria

    Baudson, C., Delory, B. M., Spaepen, S., du Jardin, P. & Delaplace, P., 01.01.2021, In: Plant Direct. 5, 1, 17 p., e00296.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Environmental Governance of China's Belt and Road Initiative

    Coenen, J., Bager, S., Meyfroidt, P., Newig, J. & Challies, E., 01.01.2021, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 31, 1, p. 3-17 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Evaluating structural and compositional canopy characteristics to predict the light-demand signature of the forest understorey in mixed, semi-natural temperate forests

    Depauw, L., Perring, M. P., Landuyt, D., Maes, S. L., Blondeel, H., De Lombaerde, E., Brūmelis, G., Brunet, J., Closset-Kopp, D., Decocq, G., Den Ouden, J., Härdtle, W., Hédl, R., Heinken, T., Heinrichs, S., Jaroszewicz, B., Kopecký, M., Liepiņa, I., Macek, M., Máliš, F., Schmidt, W., Smart, S. M., Ujházy, K., Wulf, M. & Verheyen, K., 01.01.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 1, 13 p., e12532.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Farmers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies in South Africa's Western Cape

    Talanow, K., Topp, E., Loos, J. & Martín-López, B., 01.01.2021, In: Journal of Rural Studies. 81, p. 203-219 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review