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. 2023
  2. Published

    Environmental heterogeneity modulates the effect of plant diversity on the spatial variability of grassland biomass

    Daleo, P., Alberti, J., Chaneton, E. J., Iribarne, O., Tognetti, P. M., Bakker, J. D., Borer, E. T., Bruschetti, M., MacDougall, A. S., Pascual, J., Sankaran, M., Seabloom, E. W., Wang, S., Bagchi, S., Brudvig, L. A., Catford, J. A., Dickman, C. R., Dickson, T. L., Donohue, I., Eisenhauer, N., Gruner, D. S., Haider, S., Jentsch, A., Knops, J. M. H., Lekberg, Y., McCulley, R. L., Moore, J. L., Mortensen, B., Ohlert, T., Pärtel, M., Peri, P. L., Power, S. A., Risch, A. C., Rocca, C., Smith, N. G., Stevens, C., Tamme, R., Veen, G. F. C., Wilfahrt, P. A. & Hautier, Y., 12.2023, In: Nature Communications. 14, 1, 11 p., 1809.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Finding the Best Match — a Case Study on the (Text‑) Feature and Model Choice in Digital Mental Health Interventions

    Zantvoort, K., Scharfenberger, J., Boß, L., Lehr, D. & Funk, B., 12.2023, In: Journal of Healthcare Informatics Research. 7, 4, p. 447-479 33 p., 00148.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Future-proofing ecosystem restoration through enhancing adaptive capacity

    Frietsch, M., Loos, J., Löhr, K., Sieber, S. & Fischer, J., 12.2023, In: Communications Biology. 6, 1, 9 p., 377.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  5. Published

    „Protonen bei chemischen Reaktionen?“ – didaktische Rekonstruktion des Säure-Base-Konzepts nach Brønsted für die Sekundarstufe II

    Krebs, R. E., Hofer, E. & Lembens, A., 12.2023, In: ChemKon. 30, 8, p. 334-340 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Spatial characterization of social-ecological systems units for management in Tropical Dry Forests

    Santillán-Carvantes, P., Balvanera, P., Thomsen, S., Mora, F., Pérez-Cárdenas, N., Cohen-Salgado, D., Ramírez-Ramírez, R., Gavito, M. E. & Martín-López, B., 12.2023, In: Landscape Ecology. 38, 12, p. 4303-4323 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    “We are Rosas”: a case study on how identity matters in local food groups

    Pöggel, K. & Fischer, D., 27.11.2023, In: Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy. 19, 1, 17 p., 2278244.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Welche Faktoren bedingen die Akzeptanz von Technologien zum digital-gestützten Üben durch Lehrkräfte? Eine systematische Literaturübersicht

    Kahnbach, L. & Lehr, D., 21.11.2023, Digitales Lehren und Lernen im Fachunterricht : Aktuelle Entwicklungen, Gegenstände und Prozesse. Michael, A., Michael, B., Christion, H. & Poldi, K. (eds.). Weinheim: Beltz Juventa Verlag, p. 133-158 26 p.

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

  9. Published

    Lost in translation? Tanzanian students’ views on sustainability and language, and the implications for the pledge to leave no one behind

    Ulmer, N., Divine, N. & Wydra, K., 13.11.2023, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 24, 7, p. 1381-1397 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Substantial light woodland and open vegetation characterized the temperate forest biome before Homo sapiens

    Pearce, E. A., Mazier, F., Normand, S., Fyfe, R., Andrieu, V., Bakels, C., Balwierz, Z., Bińka, K., Boreham, S., Borisova, O. K., Brostrom, A., de Beaulieu, J. L., Gao, C., González-Sampériz, P., Granoszewski, W., Hrynowiecka, A., Kołaczek, P., Kuneš, P., Magri, D., Malkiewicz, M., Mighall, T., Milner, A. M., Möller, P., Nita, M., Noryśkiewicz, B., Pidek, I. A., Reille, M., Robertsson, A. M., Salonen, J. S., Schläfli, P., Schokker, J., Scussolini, P., Šeirienė, V., Strahl, J., Urban, B., Winter, H. & Svenning, J. C., 10.11.2023, In: Science Advances. 9, 45, 15 p., eadi9135.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Pathways towards sustainable and just futures with and for disabled populations: a leverage points perspective

    Kosanic, A., Petzold, J. & Martín-López, B., 05.11.2023, In: Ecosystems and People. 19, 1, 5 p., 2274590.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    An IAD framework analysis of minigrid institutions for sustainable rural electrification in East Africa: A comparative study of Uganda and Tanzania

    Namujju, L. D., Acquah-Swanzy, H. & Ngoti, I. F., 01.11.2023, In: Energy Policy. 182, 17 p., 113742.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Present generation’s negotiators realize their interests at the cost of future generations

    Treek, M., Majer, J. M., Zhang, H., Zhang, K. & Trötschel, R., 01.11.2023, In: Journal of Environmental Psychology. 91, 102126.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Within-individual leaf trait variation increases with phenotypic integration in a subtropical tree diversity experiment

    Castro Sánchez-Bermejo, P., Davrinche, A., Matesanz, S., Harpole, W. S. & Haider, S., 01.11.2023, In: New Phytologist. 240, 4, p. 1390-1404 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Governing Agricultural Biotechnologies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany: A Trans-decadal Study of Regulatory Cultures

    Ely, A., Friedrich, B., Glover, D., Fischer, K., Stone, G. D., Kingiri, A. & Schnurr, M. A., 11.2023, In: Science Technology and Human Values. 48, 6, p. 1292-1328 37 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Nile Red as a Fluorescence Marker and Antioxidant for Regenerative Fuels

    Lichtinger, A., Poller, M. J., Türck, J., Schröder, O., Garbe, T., Krahl, J., Singer, A., Jakob, M. & Albert, J., 11.2023, In: Energy Technology. 11, 11, 9 p., 2300260.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Nothing lasts forever: Dominant species decline under rapid environmental change in global grasslands

    Wilfahrt, P. A., Seabloom, E. W., Bakker, J. D., Biederman, L., Bugalho, M. N., Cadotte, M. W., Caldeira, M. C., Catford, J. A., Chen, Q., Donohue, I., Ebeling, A., Eisenhauer, N., Haider, S., Heckman, R. W., Jentsch, A., Koerner, S. E., Komatsu, K. J., Laungani, R., MacDougall, A., Martina, J. P., Martinson, H., Moore, J. L., Niu, Y., Ohlert, T., Venterink, H. O., Orr, D., Peri, P., Pos, E., Price, J., Raynaud, X., Ren, Z., Roscher, C., Smith, N. G., Stevens, C. J., Sullivan, L. L., Tedder, M., Tognetti, P. M., Veen, C., Wheeler, G., Young, A. L., Young, H. & Borer, E. T., 11.2023, In: Journal of Ecology. 111, 11, p. 2472-2482 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Exploring fruitful links between real-world laboratory and disciplinary research Introduction of the DKN Future Earth working group LinkLab

    Weiser, A., Wanner, M., Stelzer, F., Lang, D. J., Berger, H., Förster, A., Liedtke, C., Micklitz, H. W., Niewöhner, J., Parodi, O., Potthast, T., Schneider, F., Sörgel, F., Ziehl, M. & Ziemer, G., 27.10.2023, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 32, 3, p. 335-337 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Agriculture: reform the global food system

    Fischer, J., Bennett, E. & Pe’er, G., 19.10.2023, In: Nature. 622, 7983, p. 461 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  20. Published

    Valuing electronic devices? User narratives and their role for durability

    Hipp, T. & Fischer, D., 18.10.2023, Durable Economies: Organizing the Material Foundations of Society. Jaeger-Erben, M., Wiesner, H., Marwede, M. & Hoffmann, F. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 131-157 27 p. (Labor and Organization; vol. 10).

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

  21. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

    Michelsen, G. (Editor), Barth, M. (Editor) & Fischer, D. (Editor), 16.10.2023, Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich. 193 p. (Schriftenreihe Ökologie und Erziehungswissenschaft der Kommission Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung der DGfE)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  22. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

    Barth, M., Fischer, D. & Michelsen, G., 16.10.2023, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. Michelsen, G., Barth, M. & Fischer, D. (eds.). Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 9-12 4 p. (Schriftenreihe "Ökologie und Erziehungswissenschaft" der Kommission Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung der DGfE).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherResearch

  23. Published

    Disziplinäre Perspektiven erweitern: Nachhaltigkeit als Nebenfach (Minor Sustainability Science)

    Fischer, D., Martín-López, B. & Keding, G., 16.10.2023, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. Michelsen, G., Barth, M. & Fischer, D. (eds.). Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 99-114 16 p. (Schriftenreihe "Ökologie und Erziehungswissenschaft" der Kommission Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung der DGfE).

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

  24. Published

    Resümee: Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung – Impulse für die Hochschullandschaft

    Fischer, D., Michelsen, G. & Barth, M., 16.10.2023, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. Michelsen, G., Barth, M. & Fischer, D. (eds.). Leverkusen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 183-190 8 p. (Schriftenreihe "Ökologie und Erziehungswissenschaft" der Kommission Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung der DGfE).

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

  25. Published

    Veränderungen erlebbar machen – Lernen durch gesellschaftliches Engagement

    Halberstadt, J., Fischer, D. & Euler, M., 16.10.2023, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschule: Wege und Wirkungen am Beispiel der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg. Michelsen, G., Barth, M. & Fischer, D. (eds.). Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 67-80 14 p. (Schriftenreihe "Ökologie und Erziehungswissenschaft" der Kommission Bildung für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung der DGfE).

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

  26. Published

    Defining sustainable chemistry-an opportune exercise?

    Zuin Zeidler, V. G., 13.10.2023, In: Science. 382, 6667, eadk7430.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Modelling elephant corridors over two decades reveals opportunities for conserving connectivity across a large protected area network

    Giliba, R. A., Kiffner, C., Fust, P. & Loos, J., 13.10.2023, In: PLoS ONE. 18, 10, 22 p., e0292918.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published
  29. Published

    Tree diversity increases productivity through enhancing structural complexity across mycorrhizal types

    Ray, T., Delory, B., Beugnon, R., Bruelheide, H., Cesarz, S., Eisenhauer, N., Ferlian, O., Quosh, J., von Oheimb, G. & Fichtner, A., 06.10.2023, In: Science Advances. 9, 40, 11 p., eadi2362.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Algae Cultivation as Measure for the Sanitation of Organic Waste—A Case Study Based on the Alga Galdieria sulphuraria Grown on Food Waste Hydrolysate in a Continuous Flow Culture

    Pleissner, D. & Händel, N., 01.10.2023, In: Sustainability. 15, 19, 7 p., 14313.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Challenges and opportunities for grassland restoration: A global perspective of best practices in the era of climate change

    Lyons, K. G., Török, P., Hermann, J.-M., Kiehl, K., Kirmer, A., Kollmann, J., Overbeck, G. E., Tischew, S., Allen, E. B., Bakker, J. D., Brigham, C., Buisson, E., Crawford, K., Dunwiddie, P., Firn, J., Grobert, D., Hickman, K., Stradic, S. L. & Temperton, V. M., 01.10.2023, In: Global Ecology and Conservation. 46, 16 p., e02612.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published
  33. Published

    Constraint breeds creativity: A brainstorming method to jumpstart out-of-the-box thinking for sustainability science

    Gould, R. K., Saito, T., Allen, K. E., Bonn, A., Chapman, M., Droz, L., Herrmann, T. M., Himes, A., Ishihara, H., Coelho-Junior, M. G., Katsue, F., Kenter, J. O., Muraca, B., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Pearson, J., Tadaki, M., Rono, B. J. & Tamura, N., 01.10.2023, In: BioScience. 73, 10, p. 703-710 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Pathways to water sustainability? A global study assessing the benefits of integrated water resources management

    Bilalova, S., Newig, J., Tremblay-Lévesque, L.-C., Roux, J., Herron, C. & Crane, S., 01.10.2023, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 343, 10 p., 118179.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    SMARTPHONE APPS FOR TINNITUS: A REVIEW ON INTERVENTION COMPONENTS AND BEHAVIOR CHANGE TECHNIQUES USED IN TINNITUS APPS

    Rinn, A., Goetsch, S., Hannibal, S., Lehr, D. & Weise, C., 01.10.2023, In: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 30, 1 Supplement, p. 548-548 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Spatial imaginaries in flood risk management: insights from a managed retreat initiative in upper Bavaria

    Walsh, C., Lennon, M., Scott, M. & Tubridy, F., 01.10.2023, In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. 66, 13, p. 2668-2690 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Status quo on identified transformation products of organic ultraviolet filters and their persistence

    Jentzsch, F., Kümmerer, K. & Olsson, O., 01.10.2023, In: International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 45, S1, p. 101-126 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  38. Published

    Transdisciplinary learning as a key leverage for sustainability transformations

    Barth, M., Jimenez-Aceituno, A., Lam, D., Bürgener, L. & Lang, D. J., 01.10.2023, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 64, 8 p., 101361.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  39. Published

    Wildlife habitat association over a twelve-year period (2008-2020) in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, western Tanzania

    Thomsen, S., Loos, J., Stewart, F. A. & Piel, A. K., 01.10.2023, In: Journal for Nature Conservation. 75, 9 p., 126464.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  40. Published

    Leverage points and levers of inclusive conservation in protected areas

    Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., Palomo, I., Lo, V. B., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Filyushkina, A., Fischborn, M., Raymond, C. M. & Plieninger, T., 10.2023, In: Ecology and Society. 28, 4, 18 p., 7.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Management guidelines to address cultural challenges and facilitate values-based innovation through gamification

    Breuer, H., Ivanov, K. & Abril, C., 10.2023, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. 27, 3-4, p. 208-236 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Tree diversity effects on litter decomposition are mediated by litterfall and microbial processes

    Beugnon, R., Eisenhauer, N., Bruelheide, H., Davrinche, A., Du, J., Haider, S., Hähn, G., Saadani, M., Singavarapu, B., Sünnemann, M., Thouvenot, L., Wang, Y., Wubet, T., Xue, K. & Cesarz, S., 10.2023, In: Oikos. 2023, 10, 13 p., e09751.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Tree species identity, canopy structure and prey availability differentially affect canopy spider diversity and trophic composition

    Wildermuth, B., Dönges, C., Matevski, D., Penanhoat, A., Seifert, C. L., Seidel, D., Scheu, S. & Schuldt, A., 10.2023, In: Oecologia. 203, 1-2, p. 37-51 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Cross-case knowledge transfer in transformative research: enabling learning in and across sustainability-oriented labs through case reporting

    Bernert, P., Wahl, D., von Wehrden, H. & Lang, D. J., 30.09.2023, In: Urban Transformations. 5, 1, 19 p., 12.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Identification of structure-biodegradability relationships for ionic liquids - clustering of a dataset based on structural similarity

    Amsel, A. K., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 29.09.2023, In: Green Chemistry . 25, 22, p. 9226-9250 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Accounting for corporate environmental rebounds. A conceptual approach

    Egan, M. & Schaltegger, S., 20.09.2023, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 419, 8 p., 138175.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    What predicts the alleviation of Covid-related future anxiety in schoolchildren 6 to 9 months into the pandemic?

    Voltmer, K. & von Salisch, M., 20.09.2023, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 14, 8 p., 1230301.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Utilization of Brewer’s Spent Grains and Agricultural Residues in Pig Feed Formation

    Stahn, T., Storandt, R., Grebenteuch, S., Rohn, S., May, D., Dolsdorf, C. & Pleissner, D., 15.09.2023, In: Sustainability. 15, 18, 11 p., 13774.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. E-pub ahead of print

    A Multivariate Method for Dynamic System Analysis: Multivariate Detrended Fluctuation Analysis Using Generalized Variance

    Wallot, S., Irmer, J. P., Tschense, M., Kuznetsov, N., Højlund, A. & Dietz, M., 14.09.2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Topics in Cognitive Science. 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Extension of Biodiesel Aging Mechanism–the Role and Influence of Methyl Oleate and the Contribution of Alcohols Through the Use of Solketal

    Türck, J., Schmitt, F., Anthofer, L., Türck, R., Ruck, W. & Krahl, J., 08.09.2023, In: ChemSusChem. 16, 17, 10 p., e202300263.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Diverse values of nature shape human connection to dryland landscapes in Spain

    El Ghafraoui, Y., Quintas-Soriano, C., Pacheco-Romero, M., Murillo-López, B. E. & Castro, A. J., 01.09.2023, In: Journal of Arid Environments. 216, 10 p., 105023.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review