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. 2021
  2. Published

    Effects of local neighbourhood diversity on crown structure and productivity of individual trees in mature mixed-species forests

    Georgi, L., Kunz, M., Fichtner, A., Reich, K. F., Bienert, A., Maas, H.-G. & von Oheimb, G., 26.04.2021, In: Forest Ecosystems. 8, 1, 12 p., 26.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Key advantages of the leverage points perspective to shape human-nature relations

    Riechers, M., Loos, J., Balázsi, Á., García-Llorente, M., Bieling, C., Burgos-Ayala, A., Chakroun, L., Mattijssen, T. J. M., Muhr, M. M., Pérez-Ramírez, I., Raatikainen, K. J., Rana, S., Richardson, M., Rosengren, L. & West, S., 25.04.2021, In: Ecosystems and People. 17, 1, p. 205-214 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    A review of fire effects across South American ecosystems: the role of climate and time since fire

    Giorgis, M. A., Zeballos, S. R., Carbone, L., Zimmermann, H., von Wehrden, H., Aguilar, R., Ferreras, A. E., Tecco, P. A., Kowaljow, E., Barri, F., Gurvich, D. E., Villagra, P. & Jaureguiberry, P., 23.04.2021, In: Fire Ecology. 17, 1, 20 p., 11.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  5. Published

    Sustainability in Higher Education

    Barth, M., 21.04.2021, Oxford Bibliographies in "Education". Hynds, A. & Meyer, L. (eds.). Oxford University Press, (Oxford Bibliographies in "Education").

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  6. Published

    Hybrid life cycle assessment of an onshore wind farm including direct and indirect services: A case study in Guajira, Colombia

    Vélez-Henao, J. A. & Vivanco, D. F., 15.04.2021, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 284, 112058.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published
  8. Published
  9. Published

    Integrating Sustainability into Learning in Chemistry

    Wissinger, J. E., Visa, A., Saha, B. B., Matlin, S. A., Mahaffy, P. G., Kümmerer, K. & Cornell, S., 13.04.2021, In: Journal of Chemical Education. 98, 4, p. 1061-1063 3 p.

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

  10. Published

    Perspectivas urbano-rurales sobre la circulación de dos frutos silvestres del Bosque Altoandino en sistemas agroalimentarios de Bogotá, Colombia

    Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Consuegra, C., van der Hammen, M. C. & Pérez, D., 13.04.2021, In: Revista Etnobiología. 19, 1, p. 81-95 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Corporate contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals: An empirical analysis informed by legitimacy theory

    Silva, S., 10.04.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 292, 125962.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    A change of values is in the air

    Fischer, J., 01.04.2021, In: Nature Sustainability. 4, 4, p. 292-293 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  13. Published

    Contextualizing certification and auditing: Soy certification and access of local communities to land and water in Brazil

    Schilling-Vacaflor, A., Lenschow, A., Challies, E., Cotta, B. & Newig, J., 01.04.2021, In: World Development. 140, 12 p., 105281.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Controller als Partner im Nachhaltigkeits-Management

    Petersen, H., Lühn, M., Nuzum, A.-K., Schaltegger, S. & Wenzig, J., 01.04.2021, In: Controlling & Management Review. 65, 3, p. 8-15 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Corridors as a tool for linking habitats – Shortcomings and perspectives for plant conservation

    Travers, E., Härdtle, W. & Matthies, D., 01.04.2021, In: Journal for Nature Conservation. 60, 125974.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Corrigendum to “Flexible electricity generation, grid exchange and storage for the transition to a 100% renewable energy system in Europe” [Renew. Energy 139 (2019) 80-101]

    Child, M., Kemfert, C., Bogdanov, D. & Breyer, C., 01.04.2021, In: Renewable Energy. 167, p. 960 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  17. Published

    Die "Energiewende" im Bundestag: ein politisches Transformationsprojekt? Eine Diskursanalyse aus feministischer und sozial-ökologischer Perspektive

    Amri-Henkel, A., 01.04.2021, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 364 p. (Edition Politik; vol. 106)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  18. Published

    Ecosystem service mapping needs to capture more effectively the biodiversity important for service supply

    Ceausu, S., Apaza-Quevedo, A., Schmid, M., Martín-López, B., Cortés-Avizanda, A., Maes, J., Brotons, L., Queiroz, C. & Pereira, H. M., 01.04.2021, In: Ecosystem Services. 48, 10 p., 101259.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Ecosystem services from forest and farmland: Present and past access separates beneficiaries in rural Ethiopia

    Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I., Manlosa, A. O., von Wehrden, H., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 01.04.2021, In: Ecosystem Services. 48, 101263.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Effect of an internet- and app-based stress intervention compared to online psychoeducation in university students with depressive symptoms: Results of a randomized controlled trial

    Harrer, M., Apolinário-Hagen, J., Fritsche, L., Salewski, C., Zarski, A. C., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Cuijpers, P. & Ebert, D. D., 01.04.2021, In: Internet Interventions. 24, 11 p., 100374.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Interactions between species richness, herbivory and precipitation affect standing biomass in Mongolian rangelands

    Ahlborn, J., Wesche, K., Lang, B., Oyunbileg, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Römermann, C., French Collier, N. & von Wehrden, H., 01.04.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 2, 12 p., e12581.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Plant intraspecific competition and growth stage alter carbon and nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere

    Sun, Y., Zang, H., Splettstößer, T., Kumar, A., Xu, X., Kuzyakov, Y. & Pausch, J., 01.04.2021, In: Plant, Cell and Environment. 44, 4, p. 1231-1242 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Predicting the impacts of human population growth on forest mammals in the highlands of southwestern Ethiopia

    Rodrigues, P., Dorresteijn, I., Guilherme, J. L., Hanspach, J., De Beenhouwer, M., Hylander, K., Bekele, B., Senbeta, F., Fischer, J. & Nimmo, D., 01.04.2021, In: Biological Conservation. 256, 109046.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    What the eyes reveal about (reading) poetry

    Menninghaus, W. & Wallot, S., 01.04.2021, In: Poetics. 85, 15 p., 101526.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    A systematic literature review of crowdfunding and sustainability: highlighting what really matters

    Böckel, A., Hörisch, J. & Tenner, I. M., 04.2021, In: Management Review Quarterly. 71, 2, p. 433-453 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Governance Challenges at the Interface of Food Security and Biodiversity Conservation: A Multi-Level Case Study from Ethiopia

    Jiren, T. S., Leventon, J., Jager, N. W., Dorresteijn, I., Schultner, J., Senbeta, F., Bergsten, A. & Fischer, J., 04.2021, In: Environmental Management. 67, 4, p. 717-730 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Soil chemical legacies trigger species-specific and context-dependent root responses in later arriving plants

    Delory, B. M., Schempp, H., Spachmann, S. M., Störzer, L., van Dam, N. M., Temperton, V. M. & Weinhold, A., 04.2021, In: Plant, Cell and Environment. 44, 4, p. 1215-1230 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Materials and Energy Accounting

    Burritt, R., Christ, K. & Schaltegger, S., 31.03.2021, Routledge Handbook of Environmental Accounting. Bebbington, J., Larrinaga, C., O'Dwyer, B. & Thomson, I. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 207-223 17 p.

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

  29. Published

    Urban storm water infiltration systems are not reliable sinks for biocides: evidence from column experiments

    Bork, M., Lange, J., Graf-Rosenfellner, M., Hensen, B., Olsson, O., Hartung, T., Fernández-Pascual, E. & Lang, F., 31.03.2021, In: Scientific Reports. 11, 1, 12 p., 7242.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Contextualising urban experimentation: Analysing the utopiastadt campus case with the theory of strategic action fields

    Wanner, M., Bachmann, B. & Von Wirth, T., 26.03.2021, In: Urban Planning. 6, 1, p. 235-248 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    12 Fragen an Sabine Hofmeister

    Hofmeister, S., 25.03.2021, In: GAIA. 30, 1, p. 4-5 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  32. Published

    Crowdfunding sustainable entrepreneurship: What are the characteristics of crowdfunding investors?

    Tenner, I. M. & Hörisch, J., 25.03.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 290, 9 p., 125667.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Seven years of the GAIA Masters Student Paper Award

    Fischer, D., 25.03.2021, In: GAIA. 30, 1, p. 1-1 1 p.

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

  34. Published

    The knowledge transfer potential of online data pools on nature-based solutions

    Schröter, B., Zingraff-Hamed, A., Ott, E., Huang, J., Hüesker, F., Nicolas, C. & Schröder, N. J. S., 25.03.2021, In: Science of the Total Environment. 762, 11 p., 143074.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  35. Published

    Transdisziplinäre Forschung mit transformativem Anspruch Zehn Jahre NaWis: Rückblick und Vorausschau

    Lang, D. J., Renn, O., Rehm, A. & Ernst, A., 25.03.2021, In: GAIA. 30, 1, p. 51-53 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  36. Published

    Education and Training

    Bäumler, J. & Schomerus, T., 23.03.2021, The Paris Agreement on Climate Change: A Commentary. Calster, G. V. & Reins, L. (eds.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 284-301 18 p. (Elgar Commentaries series).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  37. Published

    Modification of the Lipid Profile of the Initial Oral Biofilm In Situ Using Linseed Oil as Mouthwash

    Kensche, A., Reich, M., Hannig, C., Kümmerer, K. & Hannig, M., 19.03.2021, In: Nutrients. 13, 3, p. 1-13 13 p., 989.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Drivers and Barriers of Implementing Sustainability Curricula in Higher Education - Assumptions and Evidence

    Weiß, M., Barth, M., Wiek, A. & Wehrden, H., 12.03.2021, In: Higher Education Studies. 11, 2, p. 42 - 64 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  39. Published

    Tree species richness modulates water supply in the local tree neighbourhood: evidence from wood δ13C signatures in a large-scale forest experiment

    Jansen, K., von Oheimb, G., Bruelheide, H., Härdtle, W. & Fichtner, A., 10.03.2021, In: Proceedings of the Royal Society B . 288, 1946, 8 p., 3100.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Seasonal and Spatial Detection of Pesticide Residues Under Various Weather Conditions of Agricultural Areas of the Kilombero Valley Ramsar Site, Tanzania

    Materu, S. F., Heise, S. & Urban, B., 09.03.2021, In: Frontiers in Environmental Science. 9, 16 p., 599814.

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

  41. Published

    'Climate neutral' is a lie - abandon it as a goal

    Kemfert, C., 04.03.2021, In: Nature. 591, 7848, p. 34 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  42. Published

    Creating leadership collectives for sustainability transformations

    Care, O., Bernstein, M. J., Chapman, M., Diaz Reviriego, I., Dressler, G., Felipe-Lucia, M. R., Friis, C., Graham, S., Hänke, H., Haider, L. J., Hernández-Morcillo, M., Hoffmann, H., Kernecker, M., Nicol, P., Piñeiro, C., Pitt, H., Schill, C., Seufert, V., Shu, K., Valencia, V. & Zaehringer, J. G., 04.03.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 2, p. 703-708 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Evaluating a hybrid web-based training program for panic disorder and agoraphobia: Randomized controlled trial

    Ebenfeld, L., Lehr, D., Ebert, D. D., Stegemann, S. K., Riper, H., Funk, B. & Berking, M., 04.03.2021, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 23, 3, 14 p., e20829.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published
  45. Published

    Akzeptanz und Nutzung der FDS-Methoden durch die Fachkräfte

    Wübker, M. & Salisch, M., 01.03.2021, Fühlen Denken Sprechen: Alltagsintegrierte Sprachbildung in Kindertageseinrichtungen. von Salisch, M., Hormann, O., Cloos, P., Koch, K. & Mähler, C. (eds.). Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 69-80 12 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  46. Published

    Aufbau der Evaluation

    Wübker, M., Voltmer, K., Cloos, P. & Salisch, M., 01.03.2021, Fühlen Denken Sprechen: Alltagsintegrierte Sprachbildung in Kindertageseinrichtungen. von Salisch, M., Hormann, O., Cloos, P., Koch, K. & Mähler, C. (eds.). Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 53-68 16 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  47. Published

    Characterization of selected microalgae and cyanobacteria as sources of compounds with antioxidant capacity

    Almendinger, M., Saalfrank, F., Rohn, S., Kurth, E., Springer, M. & Pleissner, D., 01.03.2021, In: Algal Research. 53, 102168.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Das Konzept

    Salisch, M. & Cloos, P., 01.03.2021, Fühlen Denken Sprechen: Alltagsintegrierte Sprachbildung in Kindertageseinrichtungen. von Salisch, M., Hormann, O., Cloos, P., Koch, K. & Mähler, C. (eds.). Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 7-12 6 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  49. Published

    Die FDS-Förderkonzeption: Über Sprache wissenschaftliches Denken und Emotionswissen aufbauen

    Voltmer, K., Skowronek, M., Salisch, M. & Koch, K., 01.03.2021, Fühlen Denken Sprechen: Alltagsintegrierte Sprachbildung in Kindertageseinrichtungen. von Salisch, M., Hormann, O., Cloos, P., Koch, K. & Mähler, C. (eds.). Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 41-51 11 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  50. Published

    Gender differences in knowledge, use, and collection of wild edible plants in three spanish areas

    Acosta-Naranjo, R., Rodríguez-Franco, R., Guzmán-Troncoso, A. J., Pardo-De-santayana, M., Aceituno-Mata, L., Gómez-Melara, J., Domínguez-Gregorio, P., Díaz-Reviriego, I., González-Nateras, J. & Reyes-García, V., 01.03.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 5, p. 1-16 16 p., 2639.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Plastics in our ocean as transdisciplinary challenge

    Riechers, M., Fanini, L., Apicella, A., Galván, C. B., Blondel, E., Espiña, B., Kefer, S., Keroullé, T., Klun, K., Pereira, T. R., Ronchi, F., Rodríguez, P. R., Sardon, H., Silva, A. V., Stulgis, M. & Ibarra-González, N., 01.03.2021, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 164, 5 p., 112051.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review