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. 2024
  2. Published

    Promoting Subjective Well-Being and a Sustainable Lifestyle in Children and Youth by Strengthening Their Personal Psychological Resources

    Voltmer, K. & von Salisch, M., 01.2024, In: Sustainability. 16, 1, 16 p., 134.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Räumliche Mixturen. (Stadt-)Räumliche Einschreibungen sozial-ökologischer Trennungs- und Vermittlungsverhältnisse in Zeiten der Corona-Pandemie

    Mölders, T. & Hofmeister, S., 01.2024, Urbane Mixturen : Städtebau und Stadtplanung als relationales Handlungsfeld. Peer, C. & Psenner, A. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 216-241 26 p. (Urban studies ).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Systematic distributions of interaction strengths across tree interaction networks yield positive diversity–productivity relationships

    Yu, W., Albert, G., Rosenbaum, B., Schnabel, F., Bruelheide, H., Connolly, J., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G., Trogisch, S., Rüger, N. & Brose, U., 01.2024, In: Ecology Letters. 27, 1, 11 p., e14338.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  5. Published

    Transformation von Schule durch inklusiven Nawi-Unterricht

    List, F. & Abels, S., 01.2024, Frühe naturwissenschaftliche Bildung: Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, Jahrestagung in Hamburg 2023. van Vorst, H. (ed.). Essen: Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, p. 714-717 4 p. (Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik; no. 50)(Tagungsband; vol. 44).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  6. Published

    §§ 1-18 Seeanlagengesetz (SeeAnlG)

    Schatz, V. J. & Bartmann, E., 2024, Das Deutsche Bundesrecht: Systematische Sammlung der Gesetze und Verordnungen mit Erläuterungen. 1 ed. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions in collection of commentariesResearch

  7. Published

    Angehende Lehrpersonen der Primar- und Sekundarstufe gestalten inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht – eine Videostudie mit dem Kategoriensystem inklusiver naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht (KinU)

    Brauns, S. & Abels, S., 2024, Videographische Forschung zu inklusivem Unterricht: Erziehungswissenschaftliche und fachdidaktische Perspektiven. Wilm, G., Koßmann, R., Böse, S., Fabel-Lamla, M. & Meyer-Jain, C. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 210-227 18 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Art. 9 VO (EU) 2020/852

    Schatz, V. J. & Köster, M., 2024, Frank Fellenberg & Martin Kment (Hrsg.), Taxonomie-VO: Kommentar. 1 ed. München: C.H. Beck Verlag, p. 165-174 10 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions in collection of commentariesResearch

  9. Published

    Assessing Knowledge Cumulation in Earth System Governance Research: Codebook and Aggregation Rules

    Newig, J. & Rose, M., 2024, SSRN Social Science Research Network, 14 p. (SSRN Electronic Journal).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  10. Published

    Chemie für alle: Diversität anerkennen – Barrieren erkennen – Partizipation ermöglichen im Chemieunterricht

    Rott, L., Abels, S., Nehring, A. & Menthe, J., 2024, In: Naturwissenschaft im Unterricht - Chemie. 35, 204, p. 2-9 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  11. E-pub ahead of print

    Defeminizing Sustainability: How to Boost Men’s Motivation for Proenvironmental Behavior

    Hällfritzsch, M., Volpi, L., Daniel, K. G., Somogyi, C., Kause, A., Reese, G. & Loschelder, D. D., 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Motivation Science.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Die Kluft zwischen Dringlichkeit und Umsetzbarkeit der Klimapolitik – am Beispiel des CO2-Preises

    Gerdes, R. & Kaiser, F. G., 2024, In: InMind. 2024, 1

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Editorial: Fostering the energy transition amidst geopolitical and climate risks in a post-COVID world

    D'Orazio, P., Kemfert, C. & Hoffart, F. M., 2024, In: Frontiers in Environmental Economics. 3, 3 p., 1449479.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  14. Published

    Evaluating A Teaching-Learning Sequence (TLS) About Acid-Base Reactions In Upper Secondary School

    Krebs, R., Rost, M., Hofer, E. & Lembens, A., 2024, The 15th Conference of the European Science Education Research Association (ESERA): ESERA 2023; Proceedings Book Series I. Sardag, M., Kaya, G. & Sogut, M. (eds.). Ankara: Nobel Academic Publishing, p. 546-558 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Exploring the “works with nature” pillar of food sovereignty: a review of empirical cases in academic literature

    Benavides-Frias, C., Ortiz Przychodzka, S., Díaz-Reviriego, I., Oteros-Rozas, E., Burke, L. & Hanspach, J., 2024, In: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. 48, 3, p. 332-356 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  16. Published

    Future ecosystem service provision under land-use change scenarios in southwestern Ethiopia

    Duguma, D. W., Brueck, M., Shumi, G., Law, E., Benra, F., Schultner, J., Nemomissa, S., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 2024, In: Ecosystems and People. 20, 1, 14 p., 2321613.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Grassroots relational approaches to agricultural transformation in Latin America

    Allen, K. E., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Coelho-Junior, M. G., Herrmann, T., Atchley, M., Benra, F., Chavez, V., Darvin, E., McCabe, J., Nahuelhual, L., Rodrigues, C. H. & Muraca, B., 2024, In: Ecosystems and People. 20, 1, 16 p., 2390470.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Inklusive Gestaltung einer Einheit offenen Forschenden Lernens

    Hofer, E., 2024, Frühe naturwissenschaftliche Bildung : Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, Jahrestagung 2023 . van Vorst, H. (ed.). Essen: Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, p. 110-113 4 p. (Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik; no. 50)(Tagungsband; vol. 44).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearch

  19. Published
  20. Published

    Kommunen als Adressat und Träger der Nachhaltigkeit

    Redenius, P. & Heinrichs, H., 2024, Kommunales Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement : Ein integrativer Ansatz mit Fokus Wirtschaft am Beispiel der Stadt Hannover. Butzer-Strothmann, K. & Ahlers, F. (eds.). 1 ed. Gabler Verlag, p. 41-62 22 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Kurzkommentierung: Seeanlagengesetz (SeeAnlG)

    Schatz, V. J. & Bartmann, E., 2024, Energierecht: 128. Ergänzungslieferung. Theobald, C. & Kühling, J. (eds.). München: C.H. Beck Verlag

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions in collection of commentariesResearch

  22. Published
  23. Published

    Leuphana Lernwerkstatt Lüneburg – multifunktionelle Ausrichtung eines inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Lehr-Lern-Raums

    Hofer, E. & Abels, S., 2024, Hochschullernwerkstätten im analogen und digitalen Raum: Perspektiven auf Didaktik und Forschung in innovativen Lernsettings. Weber, N., Moos, M. & Kucharz, D. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Klinkhardt, p. 254-262 9 p. (Lernen und Studieren in Lernwerkstätten).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Niemand hat die Absicht die Seenotrettung zu kriminalisieren… Einige Überlegungen zum „Rückführungsverbesserungsgesetz“ und seinen Folgen

    Epik, A. & Schatz, V. J., 2024, In: Neue Kriminalpolitik. 36, 1, p. 83-103 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Organizational Ethical Cultures and Social Embeddedness – A Research Framework for Investigating Externally Anchored Organizational Worldviews

    Beckmann, M. & Hörisch, J., 2024, In: Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts- und Unternehmensethik. 25, 2, p. 307-331 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Pflanzengesellschaft des Jahres 2025: Flechten-Kiefernwald (Cladino-Pinetum sylvestris)

    Horn, K., von Bracke, W., Ewald, J., Heinken, T., Becker, T., Bergmeier, E., Boch, S., Härdtle, W., Hölzel, N., Lütt, S., Remy, D., Schneider, S., Tischew, S. & Fischer, P., 2024, In: Tuexenia. 44, p. 177-213 37 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Port State Control of Civilian Search and Rescue Vessels before the European Court of Justice: The Sea Watch Cases

    Schatz, V. & Wissmann, S., 2024, In: International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law. 39, 1, p. 179-190 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Protokoll der 73. Jahresversammlung am 26. Juli 2024 in Oldenburg

    Horn, K. & Härdtle, W., 2024, In: Tuexenia. 44, p. 375-377 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  29. Published

    Student agency in a sustainability-oriented assessment process: exploring expansive learning in student-led rubric co-design

    King, J., Brundiers, K. & Fischer, D., 2024, In: Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education. 49, 6, p. 851-863 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Sustainable Development Goals als Rahmenbedingung einer transformativen Berufsbildung

    Hantke, H. & Hemkes, B., 2024, Datenreport zum Berufsbildungsbericht 2024: Informationen und Analysen zur Entwicklung der berufl ichen Bildung. Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 396-398 3 p. (Datenreport zum Berufsbildungsbericht; vol. 2024).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to scientific reportsResearch

  31. Published

    Teenagers performing research on climate change education in a fully integrated design-based research setting

    Parth, S., Schickl, M., Oberauer, K., Kubisch, S., Deisenrieder, V., Liebhaber, N., Frick, M., Michelsen, G., Stötter, J. & Keller, L., 2024, In: International Journal of Science Education. 46, 10, p. 978-1000 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Von Freihandelsabkommen zu Nachhaltigkeitsabkommen

    Bäumler, J., 2024, In: Neue Juristische Wochenschrift. 77, 42, p. 3037-3041 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  33. Published

    Welche Dienstleistungen benötigt die (große) Nachhaltigkeitstransformation

    Schaltegger, S., 2024, Sustainable Service Management: Band 2: Strategien und Umsetzung der Nachhaltigkeit. Bruhn, M. & Hadwich, K. (eds.). Gabler Verlag, p. 239-252 14 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  34. Published

    Wie treffen Gruppen gute Entscheidungen? "Holzbein Kiel" - eine Übung zur Entscheidungsfindung in Gruppen

    Mann, M., Warsitzka, M., Trötschel, R. & Hüffmeier, J., 2024, Planspiele – interdisziplinär vernetzt: Rückblick auf das 34. Europäische Planspielforum und den Deutschen Planspielpreis 2023. Alf, T., Hahn, S., Fischer, I., Zürn, B. & Trautwein, F. (eds.). Stuttgart: ZMS – Zentrum für Managementsimulation, DHBW Stuttgart, p. 8-19 12 p. (ZMS-Schriftenreihe; vol. 14).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsTransfer

  35. Published

    Zum transformativen Potenzial solidarischer Landwirtschaft

    Hartmann, E., 2024, Transformationsprozesse in Stadt und Land: Erkenntnisse, Strategien und Zukunftsperspektiven. Finger, A., Badelt, O., Dahmen, K., Heilen, L., Mai, N., Seegers, R., Seewald, E., Śnieg, F. & Wiemer, L. (eds.). Hannover: ARL – Akademie für Raumentwicklung in der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, p. 248-262 14 p. (Forschungsberichte der ARL; no. 23).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  36. 2023
  37. Published

    Methods in sustainability science

    von Wehrden, H., 29.12.2023, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 32, 4, p. 341-341 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  38. Published

    Relational Transdisciplinarity: Five Reflexive Steps for Embodying Relational Ontologies in Transdisciplinary Learning Contexts

    Tolksdorf, F., Grauer, C., Chilisa, B., Manuel-Navarrete, D., Sanusi, Z. A., Rühl, S. & Lang, D. J., 19.12.2023, In: Social Innovations Journal. 22, 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Anticipating and transforming futures: a literature review on transdisciplinary coastal research in the Global South

    Baumann, L., Riechers, M., Celliers, L. & Ferse, S. C. A., 17.12.2023, In: Ecosystems and People. 19, 1, 16 p., 2288957.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  40. Published

    Daily breath-based mindfulness exercises in a randomized controlled trial improve primary school children’s performance in arithmetic

    Voltmer, K., Hondrich, F. & von Salisch, M., 13.12.2023, In: Scientific Reports. 13, 1, 13 p., 22169.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Orban vs. Europäische Union: Europäische Außenpolitik als Druckmittel

    Bartmann, E. & Jacobs, C., 12.12.2023, 4 p. Hamburg : Junge Wissenschaft im Öffentlichen Recht e.V.

    Research output: other publicationsArticles in scientific forums or blogsResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    A framework for drivers fostering social-ecological restoration within forest landscape based on people’s participation. A systematic literature review

    Maniraho, L., Frietsch, M., Sieber, S. & Löhr, K., 01.12.2023, In: Discover Sustainability. 4, 13 p., 26.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  43. 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

  44. Published

    Effects of habitat heterogeneity on bird communities in forests of northeastern Germany

    Sommer, R. S. & Fichtner, A., 01.12.2023, In: Baltic Forestry. 29, 2, 10 p., 699.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Fachbezogene Interaktionen von Schüler*innen im Chemieunterricht während des Destillierens

    Koliander, B., Plotz, T. & Abels, S., 01.12.2023, In: Zeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften. 29, 1, 17 p., 1.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Gender Gap in Parental Leave Intentions: Evidence from 37 Countries

    Olsson, M. I. T., van Grootel, S., Block, K., Schuster, C., Meeussen, L., Van Laar, C., Schmader, T., Croft, A., Sun, M. S., Ainsaar, M., Aarntzen, L., Adamus, M., Anderson, J., Atkinson, C., Avicenna, M., Bąbel, P., Barth, M., Benson-Greenwald, T. M., Maloku, E., Berent, J., Bergsieker, H. B., Biernat, M., Bîrneanu, A. G., Bodinaku, B., Bosak, J., Bosson, J., Branković, M., Burkauskas, J., Čavojová, V., Cheryan, S., Choi, E., Choi, I., Contreras-Ibáñez, C. C., Coogan, A., Danyliuk, I., Dar-Nimrod, I., Dasgupta, N., de Lemus, S., Devos, T., Diab, M., Diekman, A. B., Efremova, M., Eisner, L., Eller, A., Erentaite, R., Fedáková, D., Franc, R., Gartzia, L., Gavreliuc, A., Gavreliuc, D., Gecaite-Stonciene, J., Germano, A. L., Giovannelli, I., Diaz, R. G., Gitikhmayeva, L., Gizaw, A. M., Gjoneska, B., González, O. M., González, R., Grijalva, I. D., Güngör, D., Sendén, M. G., Hall, W., Harb, C., Hassan, B., Hässler, T., Hawi, D. R., Henningsen, L., Hoppe, A., Ishii, K., Jakšić, I., Jasini, A., Jurkevičienė, J., Kelmendi, K., Kirby, T. A., Kitakaji, Y., Kosakowska-Berezecka, N., Kozytska, I., Kulich, C., Kundtová-Klocová, E., Kunuroglu, F., Aidy, C. L., Lee, A., Lindqvist, A., López-López, W., Luzvinda, L., Maricchiolo, F., Martinot, D., McNamara, R. A., Meister, A., Melka, T. L., Mickuviene, N., Miranda-Orrego, M. I., Mkamwa, T., Morandini, J., Morton, T., Mrisho, D., Nikitin, J., Otten, S., Pacilli, M. G., Page-Gould, E., Perandrés, A., Pizarro, J., Pop-Jordanova, N., Pyrkosz-Pacyna, J., Quta, S., Ramis, T. S., Rani, N., Redersdorff, S., Régner, I., Renström, E. A., Rivera-Rodriguez, A., Rocha, S. T. E., Ryabichenko, T., Saab, R., Sakata, K., Samekin, A., Sánchez-Pachecho, T., Scheifele, C., Schulmeyer, M. K., Sczesny, S., Sirlopú, D., Smith-Castro, V., Soo, K., Spaccatini, F., Steele, J. R., Steffens, M. C., Sucic, I., Vandello, J., Velásquez-Díaz, L. M., Vink, M., Vives, E., Warkineh, T. Z., Žeželj, I., Zhang, X., Zhao, X. & Martiny, S. E., 01.12.2023, In: Political Psychology. 44, 6, p. 1163-1192 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Individual change agents for corporate sustainability transformation: a systematic literature review

    Buhr, M., Harms, D. & Schaltegger, S., 01.12.2023, In: Benchmarking: An International Journal. 30, 10, p. 4221–4247 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    Learning to spend time in unusual times: An inquiry into the potential for sustainability learning during COVID-19-induced school closures

    Grauer, C., Frank, P. & Fischer, D., 01.12.2023, In: International Review of Education. 69, 6, p. 823-849 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    The positive effect of plant diversity on soil carbon depends on climate

    Spohn, M., Bagchi, S., Biederman, L. A., Borer, E. T., Bråthen, K. A., Bugalho, M. N., Caldeira, M. C., Catford, J. A., Collins, S. L., Eisenhauer, N., Hagenah, N., Haider, S., Hautier, Y., Knops, J. M. H., Koerner, S. E., Laanisto, L., Lekberg, Y., Martina, J. P., Martinson, H., McCulley, R. L., Peri, P. L., Macek, P., Power, S. A., Risch, A. C., Roscher, C., Seabloom, E. W., Stevens, C., Veen, G. F., Virtanen, R. & Yahdjian, L., 01.12.2023, In: Nature Communications. 14, 1, 10 p., 6624.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    A Matter of Framing: Analyzing Value Communication in Sustainable Business Models

    Norris, S., 12.2023, In: Organization & Environment. 36, 4, p. 503–528 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Assessing protected area effectiveness in western Tanzania: Insights from repeated line transect surveys

    Kiffner, C., Giliba, R. A., Fust, P., Loos, J. & Waltert, M., 12.2023, In: African Journal of Ecology. 61, 4, p. 966-979 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  52. Published

    Can we have it all? The role of grassland conservation in supporting forage production and plant diversity

    Kachler, J., Benra, F., Bolliger, R., Isaac, R., Bonn, A. & Felipe-Lucia, M. R., 12.2023, In: Landscape Ecology. 38, 12, p. 4451-4465 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review