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. 2022
  2. Published

    Mythos: Unternehmen sind angesichts der steigenden Anforderungen aus Gesellschaft und Politik überfordert und müssen sich entscheiden: Circular Economy oder menschenrechtliche Sorgfaltspflichten?

    Moser, C. & Buhr, M., 12.07.2022, Mythen der Circular Economy. Böckel, A., Quaing, J., Weissbrod, I. & Böhm, J. (eds.). Dresden: TU Dresden, p. 109 - 114 16 p.

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

  3. Published

    VALUES-BASED BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION-THE CASE OF ECOSIA AND ITS BUSINESS MODEL

    Ivanov, K., 09.07.2022, In: International Journal of Innovation Management. 26, 5, 41 p., 2240002.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    The Adaptive Test of Emotion Knowledge for 3-to 9-Year-Olds: Psychometric Properties and Validity

    Voltmer, K. & Salisch, M., 08.07.2022, In: Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13, 19 p., 901304.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  5. Published

    European Yearbook of International Economic Law 2021

    Bäumler, J. (Editor), Binder, C. (Editor), Bungenberg, M. (Editor), Krajewski, M. (Editor), Rühl, G. (Editor), Tams, C. J. (Editor), Terhechte, J. (Editor) & Ziegler, A. R. (Editor), 06.07.2022, Cham: Springer International Publishing AG. 369 p. (European Yearbook of International Economic Law; vol. 12)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  6. Published

    Adaption der Dokumentarischen Methode zur Bearbeitung von naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Fragestellungen

    Plotz, T., Koliander, B. & Abels, S., 01.07.2022, Dokumentarische Unterrichtsforschung in den Fachdidaktiken : Theoretische Grundlagen und Forschungspraxis. Martnes, M., Asbrand, B., Buchborn, T. & Menthe, J. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer, p. 155-175 21 p. (Rekonstruktive Bildungsforschung; vol. 31).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  7. Published

    Blue-green light is required for a maximized fatty acid unsaturation and pigment concentration in the microalga Acutodesmus obliquus

    Helamieh, M., Reich, M., Bory, S., Rohne, P., Riebesell, U., Kerner, M. & Kümmerer, K., 01.07.2022, In: Lipids. 57, 4-5, p. 221-232 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Characterising and identifying gaps in sustainability assessments of tourism - a review

    Balas, M. & Abson, D. J., 01.07.2022, In: Tourism Management Perspectives. 43, 101004.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. Published

    Confidence levels and likelihood terms in IPCC reports: a survey of experts from different scientific disciplines

    Kause, A., Bruine de Bruin, W., Persson, J., Thorén, H., Olsson, L., Wallin, A., Dessai, S. & Vareman, N., 01.07.2022, In: Climatic Change. 173, 1-2, 18 p., 2.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    From negative to positive sustainability performance measurement and assessment? A qualitative inquiry drawing on framing effects theory

    Kühnen, M., Silva, S. & Hahn, R., 01.07.2022, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 31, 5, p. 1985-2001 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Inventory of biodegradation data of ionic liquids

    Amsel, A. K., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.07.2022, In: Chemosphere. 299, 134385.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Mythen der Circular Economy

    Böckel, A. (Editor), Quaing, J. (Editor), Weissbrod, I. (Editor) & Böhm, J. (Editor), 01.07.2022, Dresden: TU Dresden. 125 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  13. Published

    Promoting pro-environmental behavior through citizen science? A case study with Chilean schoolchildren on marine plastic pollution.

    Wichmann , C. S., Fischer, D., Geiger, S. M., Honorato-Zimmer , D., Kruse, K., Knickmeier, K., Sundermann, A. & Thiel , M., 01.07.2022, In: Marine Policy. 141, 105035.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Two degrees and the SDGs: a network analysis of the interlinkages between transnational climate actions and the Sustainable Development Goals

    Coenen, J., Glass, L.-M. & Sanderink, L., 01.07.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 17, 4, p. 1489–1510 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    What are mycorrhizal traits?

    Chaudhary, V. B., Holland, E. P., Charman-Anderson, S., Guzman, A., Bell-Dereske, L., Cheeke, T. E., Corrales, A., Duchicela, J., Egan, C., Gupta, M. M., Hannula, S. E., Hestrin, R., Hoosein, S., Kumar, A., Mhretu, G., Neuenkamp, L., Soti, P., Xie, Y. & Helgason, T., 01.07.2022, In: Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 37, 7, p. 573-581 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  16. Published

    Zeit nachhaltig gestalten lernen: Schulschließungenals verpasste Chance?

    Fischer, D., Grauer, C. & Frank, P., 01.07.2022, In: Das Zeitpolitische Magazin. 19, 40, p. 26-28 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsTransfer

  17. Published

    Assessing the contribution of products to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: a methodological proposal

    Eberle, U., Wenzig, J. & Mumm, N., 07.2022, In: The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. 27, 7, p. 959-977 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Interaktive Videoformate für den naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht: Vom Rezipieren zum Interagieren

    Meier, M., Stinken-Rösner, L. & Zeller, D., 07.2022, In: Unterricht Biologie. 475, p. 44-47 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  19. Published

    Sense of Place in Spatial Planning: Applying Instrumental and Deliberative Approaches at the River Lahn

    Gottwald, S., 30.06.2022, In: Landscape Online. 97, 13 p., 1100.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Forschendes Lernen in der angewandten Sozialpsychologie

    Schuster, C., 28.06.2022, Studentische Forschung im Praxissemester: Fallbeispiele aus der Lehrkräftebildung. Beckmann, T., Ehmke, T. & Besser, M. (eds.). Bad Heilbronn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 209-213 5 p.

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

  21. Published

    Projektband zum Forschenden Lernen im inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht

    Abels, S., 28.06.2022, Studentische Forschung im Praxissemester: Fallbeispiel aus der Lehrkräftebildung. Beckmann, T., Ehmke, T. & Besser, M. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 73-77 5 p.

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

  22. Published

    Videobasierte Professionalisierung von angehenden Lehrkräften für die Gestaltung inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Sachunterrichts

    Benthien, S., Brauns, S. & Abels, S., 28.06.2022, Studentische Forschung im Praxissemester: Fallbeispiele aus der Lehrkräftebildung. Beckmann, T., Ehmke, T. & Besser, M. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 78–98 21 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  23. Published

    Resource Allocation in Startup Teams: Exploring Entrepreneurial Coping with Radical Uncertainty during the Corona Pandemic

    Yahyaoui, Y., Farny, S., Jakob, E. & Steinmetz, H., 14.06.2022, Frontiers of entrepreneurship research 2021: proceedings. Zacharakis, A. (ed.). MDPI AG, p. 331-334 3 p. (Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research).

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

  24. Published

    Taxonomic revision of the African and Southwest Asian species of Platyderus Stephens, subg. Eremoderus Jeanne (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Sphodrini)

    Guéorguiev, B., Wrase, D. W., Assmann, T., Muilwijk, J. & Machard, P., 13.06.2022, In: Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 69, 1, p. 71-122 52 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Flavonoids as biopesticides – Systematic assessment of sources, structures, activities and environmental fate

    Schnarr, L., Segatto, M. L., Olsson, O., Zuin, V. G. & Kümmerer, K., 10.06.2022, In: Science of the Total Environment. 824, 153781.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  26. Published

    Fashion consumption during COVID-19: Comparative analysis of changing acquisition practices across nine countries and implications for sustainability

    Vladimirova, K., Henninger, C. E., Joyner-martinez, C., Iran, S., Diddi, S., Durrani, M., Iyer, K., Jestratijevic, I., Mccormick, H., Niinimäki, K., Thangavelu, P., Sauerwein, M., Singh, R., Simek, P. & Wallaschkowski, S., 01.06.2022, In: Cleaner and Responsible Consumption. 5, 13 p., 100056.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  27. Published

    Give and take frames in shared-resource negotiations

    Majer, J., Zhang, K., Zhang, H., Höhne, B. & Trötschel, R., 01.06.2022, In: Journal of Economic Psychology. 90, 20 p., 102492.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published
  29. Published

    Microbial nutrient limitation and catalytic adjustments revealed from a long‐term nutrient restriction experiment

    Kumar, A. & Pausch, J., 01.06.2022, In: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment. 1, 2, p. 142-148 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Multiple anthropogenic pressures challenge the effectiveness of protected areas in western Tanzania

    Giliba, R., Fust, P., Kiffner, C. & Loos, J., 01.06.2022, In: Conservation Science and Practice. 4, 6, 17 p., e12684.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Resilience and coastal governance: knowledge and navigation between stability and transformation

    Rölfer, L., Celliers, L. & Abson, D. J., 01.06.2022, In: Ecology and Society. 27, 2, 15 p., 40.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Sustainability-oriented technology exploration: managerial values, ambidextrous design, and separation drift

    Hansen, E. G., Wicki, S. & Schaltegger, S., 01.06.2022, In: International Journal of Innovation Management. 26, 5, 27 p., 2240004.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Experiences of i-Kiribati with labor mobility schemes

    Cornish, G., Pearson, J., McNamara, K., Alofa, P. & McMichael, C., 06.2022, In: Asian and Pacific Migration Journal. 31, 2, p. 162-175 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    From stories to maps: translating participatory scenario narratives into spatially explicit information

    Duguma, D. W., Schultner, J., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 06.2022, In: Ecology and Society. 27, 2, 26 p., 13.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Planning for Sea Spaces II: Towards an Agenda for Research

    Crawford, J., Walsh, C., Sielker, F. & Smith, G., 06.2022, In: Planning Practice and Research. 37, 3, p. 269-275 7 p.

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

  36. Published

    Wer fraß die Geburtstagstorte? Einen Kriminalfall mithilfe digitaler Mikroskopie lösen

    Rodenhauser, A., 06.2022, In: Digital unterrichten. Biologie. 2022, 6, p. 4-5 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  37. Published

    Emotionale Kompetenz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen: Entwicklung und Folgen

    Klinkhammer, J., Voltmer, K. & von Salisch, M., 24.05.2022, 2., erweiterte und überarbeitete Auflage ed. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer Verlag GmbH. 196 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    The European Forest Plant Species List (EuForPlant): Concept and applications

    Heinken, T., Diekmann, M., Liira, J., Orczewska, A., Schmidt, M., Brunet, J., Chytrý, M., Chabrerie, O., Decocq, G., De Frenne, P., Drevojan, P., Dzwonko, Z., Ewald, J., Feilberg, J., Graae, B. J., Grytnes, J. A., Hermy, M., Kriebitzsch, W.-U., Laivins, M., Lenoir, J., Lindmo, S., Marage, D., Marozas, V., Niemeyer, T., Paal, J., Pyšek, P., Roosaluste, E., Sadlo, J., Schaminée, J. H. J., Tyler, T., Verheyen, K., Wulf, M. & Vanneste, T., 16.05.2022, In: Journal of Vegetation Science. 33, 3, 16 p., e13132.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Von Handelskonflikten zu Wirtschaftskriegen – über die fließenden ethischen Grenzen im Umgang mit Autokratien

    Oermann, N. O., 16.05.2022, Wie soll die Wirtschaft mit Autokratien umgehen?. Russwurm, S. & Lang, J. (eds.). Freiburg i. Brsg. : Verlag Herder GmbH, p. 37-60 24 p. (Wirtschaft ist Gesellschaft; vol. 2).

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

  40. Published

    Neanderthals in changing environments from MIS 5 to early MIS 4 in northern Central Europe – Integrating archaeological, (chrono)stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental evidence at the site of Lichtenberg

    Weiss, M., Hein, M., Urban, B., Stahlschmidt, M. C., Heinrich, S., Hilbert, Y. H., Power, R. C., von Suchodoletz, H., Terberger, T., Böhner, U., Klimscha, F., Veil, S., Breest, K., Schmidt, J., Colarossi, D., Tucci, M., Frechen, M., Tanner, D. C. & Lauer, T., 15.05.2022, In: Quaternary Science Reviews. 284, 107519.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Disentangling Obstacles to Knowledge Co-Production for Early-Career Researchers in the Marine Sciences

    Rölfer, L., Elias Ilosvay, X. E., Ferse, S. C. A., Jung, J., Karcher, D. B., Kriegl, M., Nijamdeen, T. M., Riechers, M. & Walker, E. Z., 13.05.2022, In: Frontiers in Marine Science. 9, 8 p., 893489.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Plural valuation in space: mapping values of grasslands and their ecosystem services

    Schmitt, T. M., Riebl, R., Martín-López, B., Hänsel, M. & Koellner, T., 12.05.2022, In: Ecosystems and People. 18, 1, p. 258-274 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Developing key competencies in sustainability through project-based learning in graduate sustainability programs

    Birdman, J., Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 10.05.2022, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 23, 5, p. 1139-1157 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    The analytical competency model to investigate the video-stimulated analysis of inclusive sciene education

    Egger, D. & Abels, S., 10.05.2022, In: Progress in science education (PriSE). 5, 2, p. 48-63 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published
  46. Published

    Conflict strength: Measuring the tension between cooperative and competitive incentives in experimental negotiation tasks

    Majer, J., Schweinsberg, M., Zhang, H. & Trötschel, R., 06.05.2022, In: Collabra: Psychology. 8, 1, 17 p., 35330.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    A scale-up procedure to dialkyl carbonates; evaluation of their properties, biodegradability, and toxicity

    Trapasso, G., Salaris, C., Reich, M., Logunova, E., Salata, C., Kümmerer, K., Figoli, A. & Aricò, F., 01.05.2022, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 26, 100639.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Conservation value of semi-open habitats for ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae) in Central Europe

    Boutaud, E., Nolte, D., Harry, I., Aßmann, T. & Drees, C., 01.05.2022, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 31, 5-6, p. 1469-1489 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    From Claiming to Creating Value: The Psychology of Negotiations on Common Resource Dilemmas

    Trötschel, R., Treek, M., Heydenbluth, C., Zhang, K. & Majer, J. M., 01.05.2022, In: Sustainability. 14, 9, 26 p., 5257.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published
  51. Published

    Improved models, improved information? Exploring how climate change impacts pollen, influenza, and mold in Berlin and its surroundings

    Langendijk, G. S., Rechid, D. & Jacob, D., 01.05.2022, In: Urban Climate. 43, 21 p., 101159.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review