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. Published

    Biomass derived ionic liquids: synthesis from natural organic acids, characterization, toxicity, biodegradation and use as solvents for catalytic hydrogenation processes

    Ferlin, N., Courty, M., Gatard, S., Spulak, M., Quilty, B., Beadham, I. G., Ghavre, M., Haiß, A., Kümmerer, K., Gathergood, N. & Bouquillon, S., 29.07.2013, In: Tetrahedron. 69, 30, p. 6150 - 6161 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  2. Published

    Biomas Nutrient Recycling: An affordable closed-cycle process with added benefits

    Braungart, M., Hansen, K. & Mulhall, D., 08.1997, In: Water Environment & Technology. 9, 8, p. 41-45 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Biology and ecology

    Aßmann, T., 2003, The genus carabus in europe: A Synthesis. Turin, H., Penev, L. & Casale, A. (eds.). Sofia [u.a.]: Pensoft Publishers Ltd., p. 287-306 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  4. Published

    Biologische Vielfalt und Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Schlüsselthemen und Zugänge für Bildungsangebote

    Arbeitsgruppe Biologische Vielfalt & Leicht, A. (Editor), 2011, 2. Fassung ed., Bonn: Medienhaus Plump, 33 p.

    Research output: Working paperExpert opinions

  5. Published

    Biologische kampfstoffe: Nachweis und bekämpfung: Strategien gegen milzbrand, pocken and Co

    Richardt, A. & Russman, H., 01.10.2006, In: Biologie in Unserer Zeit. 36, 5, p. 322-329 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    BIOLOGISCH ABBAUBARE CHINOLON-ANTIBIOTIKA

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Menz, J., 19.08.2020, IPC No. A61K31/4709 , A61P31/04 , C07D401/12, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. EP3694516A1, 10.10.2018, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218114A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  7. Published

    Biologisch abbaubare Chinolon-Antibiotika

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Menz, J., 11.04.2019, IPC No. A61K31/47 , A61P31/04 , C07D215/233, C07D215/38 , C07D403/12, C07D401/12, Y02A50/30, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. DE102017218114A1, 11.10.2017, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218114A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  8. Published

    Biological nitrogen recirculation to food protein – A review

    Siddiqui, S. A., Pleissner, D., Pentjuss, A., Gołaszewski, J., Karwowska, A., Dace, E., Pahmeyer, M., Van Miert, S., Frooninckx, L., Broeckx, L., Heinz, V. & Smetana, S., 01.12.2023, In: Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy. 6, 15 p., 100056.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. Published

    Biological measures to recover nitrogen compounds from liquid and solid streams

    Thielemann, A. K., Händel, N., Siddiqui, S. A., Aganovic, K., Kießling, M., Terjung, N., Smetana, S. & Pleißner, D., 01.09.2024, In: Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment. 7, 6 p., 100136.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Biological Diversity and Education for Sustainable Development: Key Topics and Starting Points for Educational Programs

    Working Group on Biological Diversity & Leicht, A. (Editor), 2011, Bonn: Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission, 36 p.

    Research output: Working paperExpert opinions