School of Sustainability
Organisational unit: Research School
- Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM)
- Institute of Ecology
- Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research
- Institute of Sustainability Governance
- Institute of Sustainability Material Flows and Circularity
- Institute of Sustainability Psychology
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry
- Social-Ecological Systems Institute (SESI)
- Sustainability Education and Transdisciplinary Research Institute
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.
- 2025
- Published
A coffee corridor for biodiversity and livelihoods: climatic feasibility of shade coffee cultivation in western Rwanda
Reckmann, T., Frietsch, M., Schwenck, C., Mukuralinda, A., Duguma, D. W. & Fischer, J., 09.2025, In: Trees, Forests and People. 21, 100941.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
A theoretical framework to support green agripreneurship avoiding greenwashing
Mendes, J. A. J., Oliveira, A. Y., Santos, L. S., Gerolamo, M. C. & Zeidler, V. G. Z., 09.2025, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. 27, 9, p. 21779-21835 57 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Communicating change, transition, and transformation for adaptation in agriculture: a comparative analysis of climate change communication in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bülow, F., Liao, A., Cradock-Henry, N. & Brower, A., 09.2025, In: Regional Environmental Change. 25, 3, 16 p., 97.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Design principles for advancing higher education sustainability learning through transformative research
Bernert, P., Wanner, M., Fischer, N. & Barth, M., 09.2025, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. 27, 9, p. 20581-20598 18 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Did Descriptive and Prescriptive Norms About Gender Equality at Home Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-National Investigation
Saxler, F. M., Dorrough, A. R., Froehlich, L., Block, K., Croft, A., Meeussen, L., Olsson, M., Schmader, T., Schuster, C., van Grootel, S., Van Laar, C., Atkinson, C., Benson-Greenwald, T., Birneanu, A., Cavojova, V., Cheryan, S., Lee Kai Chung, A., Danyliuk, I., Dar-Nimrod, I., de Lemus, S., Diekman, A., Eisner, L., Estevan-Reina, L., Fedáková, D., Gavreliuc, A., Gavreliuc, D., Germano, A., Hässler, T., Henningsen, L., Ishii, K., Kundtová Klocová, E., Kozytska, I., Kulich, C., Lapytskaia Aidy, C., López López, W., Morandini, J., Ramis, T. S., Scheifele, C., Steele, J., Steffens, M. C., Velásquez Díaz, L. M., Venegas, M. & Martiny, S. E., 09.2025, In: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 51, 9, p. 1745-1759 15 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Effectiveness of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in nurses with shift work sleep disorder: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Brückner, H. A., Ell, J., Kalon, L., Strahler, J., Ducki, A., Riemann, D., Buntrock, C., Spiegelhalder, K. & Lehr, D., 09.2025, In: International Journal of Nursing Studies. 169, 12 p., 105112.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Engagement for genetic modification technologies in conservation: For whom, how, and for what ends?
Nissen, S., Bülow, F., Taitingfong, R. & Black, A., 09.2025, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 171, 8 p., 104190.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Entanglements of knowledge and action in sustainability science: reclaiming reflexivity to embrace the uncomfortable
Hakkarainen, V. & Lazurko, A., 09.2025, In: Sustainability Science. 20, 5, p. 1979-1990 12 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
New draft law on environmental licensing is a major threat to the Brazilian ecosystems and can hinder ecological restoration efforts
Weidlich, E. W. A., de Morae, L. F. D. & Engel, V. L., 09.2025, In: Restoration Ecology. 33, 7, 1 p., e70171.Research output: Journal contributions › Other (editorial matter etc.) › Research
- Published
Proposing a social-ecological framework for successful grassland restoration in Germany—an overview and insights from the Grassworks project
Temperton, V. M., Pătru-Dușe, I. A., Twerski, A., Laeseke, P., Neudert, R., Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., Romero, M. P., Bauer, M., Beckmann, V., Fischer, J., Gray, K., Härdtle, W., Kollmann, J., Kuhn, L., Laschke, C. J., Loos, J., Lutz, L., May, F., Meyer, M., Martin-Lopez, B., Riechers, M., Ptacek, M., Seifert, D., Schmidt, A., Sturm, L., Thiele, J., Tischew, S., Unseld, L., Venus, T., Wiesmeier, M. & Kirmer, A., 09.2025, In: Restoration Ecology. 33, 7, 15 p., e70109.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
The questions we ask matter: insights from place-based research on nature’s contributions to people
Gross, M., Shepeleva, D., Vogel, F., Mwampamba, T. H., Arbieu, U., Pearson, J., Sesabo, J. K., Codalli, F. & Martín-López, B., 09.2025, In: Sustainability Science. 20, 5, p. 1723-1738 16 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Locked in a fossil-centric system paradigm: LNG expansion impedes socio-ecological transition toward a just and renewable energy future
Kemfert, C., Präger, F., Hoffart, F. M. & von Hirschhausen, C., 22.08.2025, In: Cell Reports Sustainability. 2, 8, 11 p., 100464.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Scaling-Up Behavior Settings: An Ecological Approach to Cognitive Institutions
Bammel, M. & Sanches de Oliveira, G., 22.08.2025, In: Topoi.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Whole-school sustainability at the core of quality education: Wished for by principals but requiring collective and structural action
Holst, J., Brock, A., Grund, J., Schlieszus, A. K. & Singer-Brodowski, M., 10.08.2025, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 519, 11 p., 145897.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Brazil's dangerous environmental licensing bill
Weidlich, E. W. A., 07.08.2025, In: Science (New York, N.Y.). 389, 6760, p. 583-584 2 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Comments / Debate / Reports › Research
- Published
Multilayer Material System Analysis of wind turbines: correlation of stocks and flows in the EU of six metals and two drivetrain technologies
Godoy León, M. F., Balsells Llort, C., Demuytere, C., Bobba, S., Tazi, N. & Dewulf, J., 01.08.2025, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 518, 15 p., 145794.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Artificial intelligence in sustainable development research
Gohr, C., Rodríguez Aboytes, J. G., Belomestnykh, S., Berg-Moelleken, D., Chauhan, N., Engler, J.-O., von Heydebreck, L., Hintz, M. J., Kretschmer, M.-F., Krügermeier, C., Meinberg, J., Rau, A.-L., Schwenck, C., Aoulkadi, I., Poll, S., Frank, E., Creutzig, F., Lemke, O., Maushart, M., Pfendtner-Heise, J., Rathgens, J. & von Wehrden, H., 08.2025, In: Nature Sustainability. 8, 8, p. 970-978 9 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Contributions of Net-Map to sustainability action research
Cortés-Calderón, S. V., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Castro, A. J. & Mancilla-García, M., 08.2025, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 75, 101542.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Design principles for social-ecological research at the landscape scale applied to western Rwanda
Baumann, M., Duguma, D., Vögele, S., Wollni, M., Sun, P., Ndayizeye, G. & Fischer, J., 08.2025, In: PLoS ONE. 20, 8, 11 p., e0330704.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Ecological assessment of forest management approaches to develop resilient forests in the face of global change in Central Europe
Huth, F., Tischer, A., Nikolova, P., Feldhaar, H., Wehnert, A., Hülsmann, L., Bauhus, J., Heer, K., Vogt, J., Ammer, C., Berger, U., Bernhardt-Römermann, M., Böhme, M., Bugmann, H., Demant, L., Buse, J., Dörfler, I., Ewald, J., Feldmann, E., Fichtner, A., Gossner, M. M., Grams, T. E. E., Häberle, K.-H., Hagge, J., Hartmann, H., Herzog, S., Kahmen, A., Kohnle, U., Krabel, D., Krämer-Klement, K., Kreyling, J., Manthey, M., Mellert, K., Meyer, P., Mölder, A., Muffler-Weigel, L., Ohse, B., Opgenoorth, L., Rewald, B., Rothe, A., Ruehr, N., Scharnweber, T., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Schmeddes, J., Schmerbeck, J., Schmidt, M., Seidel, D., Thomas, F. M., Tiebel, M., von Oheimb, G., Wagner, S., Weigel, R., Wilmking, M., Zang, C. & Schuldt, B., 08.2025, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 86, p. 66-100 35 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Framing the relationship between justice and ecosystem services: A systematic review
Locatelli, B., Benra, F., Geneletti, D., Loft, L., Loos, J., Schröter, B., Winkler, K. & Zoderer, B. M., 08.2025, In: Ecosystem Services. 74, 14 p., 101755.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
How to Assess Knowledge Cumulation in Environmental Governance Research? Conceptual and Empirical Explorations
Newig, J. & Rose, M., 08.2025, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 35, 4, p. 662-681 20 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Inclusive transdisciplinarity: Embracing diverse ways of being and knowing through inner work
Manuel-Navarrete, D., Grauer, C., Brundiers, K., Chilisa, B., Bin Zanusi, Z. A., Seidel, T., Tolksdorf, F. & Lang, D. J., 08.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 3, 18 p., 22.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Limited carbon sequestration potential from global ecosystem restoration
Tölgyesi, C., Csikós, N., Temperton, V. M., Buisson, E., Silveira, F. A. O., Lehmann, C. E. R., Török, P., Bátori, Z. & Bede-Fazekas, Á., 08.2025, In: Nature Geoscience. 18, 8, p. 761-768 8 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Quantification of phototrophically grown Galdieria sulphuraria and other microalgae using diphenylamine
Hashe, L., Masudi, W. L., Chiyanzu, I., Schönfelder, S., Pleissner, D. & Cowan, A. K., 08.2025, In: Journal of Applied Phycology. 37, 4, p. 2329-2338 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Senses of place and mobilities nexus - a scoping literature review
Kołodyńska, I., Gottwald, S., Jakóbiak, A., Otto, J., Morawska, W. & Raymond, C. M., 08.2025, In: Journal of Environmental Psychology. 105, 13 p., 102658.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Soil carbon sequestration: Facilitated effect of extrafloral nectary trees in a diverse subtropical forest
Pan, Y., Liu, X., Staab, M. & Zhang, N., 08.2025, In: Journal of Ecology. 113, 8, p. 2199-2219 21 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Sustainability—Special Issue “Resources and Waste Management”
Friege, H., Raatz, S. & Lou, Z., 08.2025, In: Sustainability (Switzerland). 17, 16, 2 p., 7369.Research output: Journal contributions › Other (editorial matter etc.) › Research
- Published
Sustainability Strategies: What's in a Name? A Conceptual Restatement of Fundamental Mechanisms Toward Sustainability
Hartmann, E., 08.2025, In: Sustainable Development. 33, 4, p. 5983-5997 15 p., sd.3443.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
System capacities and implementation challenges in Germany's electric vehicle policy mix: an actor-centered review of the policy mix
Gathen, L., Upham, P. & Newig, J., 08.2025, In: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 218, 12 p., 115787.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tall stature and small leaves: ecological strategies that enhance tree growth across the subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Bordin, K. M., Cianciaruso, M. V., Duarte, L. D. S., Bergamin, R. S., Klipel, J., Picolotto, R. C., Morales, D. D. C., Higuchi, P., Silva, A. C. D., Capellesso, E. S., Marques, M. C. M. & Müller, S. C., 08.2025, In: Oikos. 2025, 8, 11 p., e11235.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tree diversity, tree growth, and microclimate independently structure Lepidoptera herbivore community stability
Wang, M. Q., Albert, G., Chesters, D., Bruelheide, H., Li, Y., Chen, J. T., Haider, S., Li, S., von Oheimb, G., Proß, T., Schnabel, F., Yang, B., Zhou, Q. S., Ma, K., Liu, X., Zhu, C. D., Luo, A. & Schuldt, A., 08.2025, In: Ecological Monographs. 95, 3, 22 p., e70026.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Using causal loop diagrams to see the “big picture” and embrace complexity in human-wildlife coexistence governance
Kansky, R., Riechers, M. & Fischer, J., 08.2025, In: Biological Conservation. 308, 13 p., 111198.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Variable social-ecological indicators across a Tanzanian protected area network
Vallin, J., Raycraft, J., Bettermann, D., Kioko, J., Kissui, B. M., Koester, S., Lindsay, K., Ole, E. M., Ramirez, E., Spizuco, B., Loos, J. & Kiffner, C., 08.2025, In: Biological Conservation. 308, 25 p., 111214.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Weaving values, knowledge and context to care for human–nature relationships in protected areas
Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., van Riper, C. J., Andrade, R., Raymond, C. M., Goodson, D. J., Keller, R. & Plieninger, T., 08.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 8, p. 1952-1971 20 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
With or against the river? Tracing changes and relationships between social and ecological systems on the central Vistula floodplain over the last 200 years
Sobechowicz, Ł., Obremska, M., Brykała, D., Ćwiek-Rogalska, K., Gąsiorowski, M., Konopski, M., Łotysz, S., Mulczyk, A., Samojlik, T., Siwek, W. A., Słowiński, M., Szewczyk, K., Stadnicka, M., Targowski, M., Theuerkauf, M., Wolski, J. & Związek, T., 08.2025, In: Anthropocene Review. 12, 2, p. 302-326 25 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Nachhaltigkeit in Kommunen – von einer reinen Managementaufgabe zum ganzheitlichen Ansatz
Heinrichs, H., Groß, M., Haubner, O., Riedel, H., Rinawi-Molnar, N. & Scheller, H., 29.07.2025, Zukunft Stadt: Die globale und lokale Bedeutung von SDG 11: Wie die sozialökologische Transformation in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft gelingen kann. Handlungsempfehlungen – Chancen – Entwicklungen. 1 ed. Heidelberg: Springer Gabler, p. 93-132 139 p. (SDG - Forschung, Konzepte, Lösungsansätze zur Nachhaltigkeit).Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Transfer
- E-pub ahead of print
Does participatory governance help address long-term environmental problems? Conceptualization and evidence from 23 democracies
Rose, M., Newig, J. & Jager, N. W., 21.07.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Policy Studies. p. 1-25 25 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Integrating sufficiency in the trade and biodiversity agenda of the European Union
Roux, N., Coenen, J., Fleischmann, B., Cotta, B., Dorninger, C., Erb, K. H., Haberl, H., Kaufmann, L., Mayer, A. & Newig, J., 18.07.2025, In: One Earth. 8, 7, 17 p., 101347.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Within-individual leaf trait response to local light availability and biodiversity in a subtropical forest experiment
Proß, T., Bruelheide, H. & Haider, S., 18.07.2025, In: Ecology. 106, 7, 17 p., e70160.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- E-pub ahead of print
Why context matters: Understanding transdisciplinary research through the lens of nine context factors
Tolksdorf, F., Jimenez-Aceituno, A., Frölich, N. M., Amoah, N. A. B., Grauer, C., Baird, J., Ballnat, C., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., König, B., Pedersen, R. L., Costa, M. M., Manuel-Navarrete, D., Martin, D. A., McGlynn, B., Mehring, M., Mühlthaler, S., Schneider, F., Singer-Brodowski, M., Vilalba, L., Weiser, A. & Lang, D. J., 12.07.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Innovation - The European Journal of Social Science Research. 37 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Improving forest ecosystem functions by optimizing tree species spatial arrangement
Beugnon, R., Albert, G., Hähn, G., Yu, W., Haider, S., Hättenschwiler, S., Davrinche, A., Rosenbaum, B., Gauzens, B. & Eisenhauer, N., 09.07.2025, In: Nature Communications. 16, 1, 10 p., 6286.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Wissenschaftsorganisationen als Impulsgeber einer Nachhaltigkeitstransformation
Nölting, B., Kopfmüller, J., Zimmermann, A. B., Bernert, P., Barth, M., Becker, S., Fischer, D., Molitor, H., Pechlaner, H., Schneider, F., Schweizer, P. J., Stamm, C., Wäger, P. & Wilhelm, R., 05.07.2025, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 34, 2, p. 83-87 5 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Effectiveness of an integrated platform-based intervention for promoting psychosocial safety climate and mental health in nursing staff: A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial
Boß, L., Ross, J., Reis, D., Pischel, S., Mallwitz, T., Brückner, H., Tanner, G., Nissen, H., Kalon, L., Schümann, M., Lennefer, T., Janneck, M., Felfe, J., Ducki, A. & Lehr, D., 01.07.2025, In: International Journal of Nursing Studies. 167, 14 p., 105076.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Gute Betreuung, faire Bewertungen und angemessene Arbeitsbedingungen ermoglichen exzellente Promotionen in der Psychologie: Kommentar der Jungmitgliedervertretung der DGPs zum Positionspapier
Sperl, M. F. J., Attig, C., Baumgartner, L., Behlau, C., Bergmann, B., Bienefeld, M., Biller, A. M., Brandt, N. D., Buhler, J. L., Frauhammer, L. T., Frick, S., Friehs, M. T., Frischen, U., Handke, L., Hartmann, H., Hosterey, S., Hutmacher, F., Iffland, J. A., Irmer, J. P., Kause, A., Kern, M., Koller, J. E., Mischkowski, D., Musculus, L., Neef, N. E., Neuendorf, C., Nishen, A. K., Possler, D., Ritter, R., Rohr, M., Schmidt, V., Schwartz, B., Sensoy, O., Szota, K., Voormann, A. & Wendt, A. N., 01.07.2025, In: Psychologische Rundschau. 76, 3, p. 196-199 4 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Comments / Debate / Reports › Research
- Published
The multifaceted spectra of power − A participatory network analysis on power structures in diverse dryland regions
Olofsson, V., Garcia, M. M., Castro, A. J., Calderón, S. C., Diallo, A. H., Aceituno, A. J., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Gonzalez, T. S., Silvino, A. S. & Aguiar, A. P., 01.07.2025, In: Global Environmental Change. 92, 12 p., 102984.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Unveiling disparities between planned and perceived equity arrangements in protected area co-governance: Evidence from the North Luangwa Ecosystem in Zambia
Kachali, R. N. & Loos, J., 01.07.2025, In: Environmental Science and Policy. 169, 9 p., 104068.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Assessment of the transformative potential of interventions in addressing coastal and marine plastic pollution in Norway: A literature review
Amirova, N., Riechers, M. & Richter, I., 07.2025, In: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation. 4, 7, 21 p., e0000186.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Disabling barriers—Coping with accessibility of nature in Biosphere Reserves
Winkler, K. J., Kosanic, A. & Martín-López, B., 07.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 7, p. 1483-1490 8 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Engaging with justice in integrated landscape approaches
Zafra-Calvo, N., Altmann, B. A., Chowdhury, K., Cortés-Capano, G., Flinzberger, L., Heindorf, C., Huber, J., Jay, M., Kmoch, L. M., Polas, A. B., Svobodova, K., Thapa, P. & Plieninger, T., 07.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 3, 30 p., 6.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
