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

    Sprache und Emotionswissen

    Salisch, M. & Wübker, 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. 33-40 8 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  3. Published

    The concept of resilience in recent sustainability research

    Nüchter, V., Abson, D. J., von Wehrden, H. & Engler, J. O., 01.03.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 5, p. 1-21 21 p., 2735.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Transdisciplinary sustainability research in real-world labs: success factors and methods for change

    Bergmann, M., Schäpke, N., Marg, O., Stelzer, F., Lang, D. J., Bossert, M., Gantert, M., Häußler, E., Marquardt, E., Piontek, F. M., Potthast, T., Rhodius, R., Rudolph, M., Ruddat, M., Seebacher, A. & Sußmann, N., 01.03.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 2, p. 541-564 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Wie wirkt die FDS-Intervention auf die Entwicklung des Emotionswissens der Kinder?

    Salisch, M. & Voltmer, 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. 159-170 12 p. (Sprachliche Bildung; vol. 7).

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

  6. Published

    Does money "buy" tolerance toward damage-causing wildlife?

    Kansky, R., Kidd, M. & Fischer, J., 03.2021, In: Conservation Science and Practice. 3, 3, 16 p., e262.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Editorial

    Hofer, E. & Lembens, A., 03.2021, In: PLUS LUCIS. 2021, 1, p. 3 1 p.

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

  8. Published

    Forschendes Lernen: Eine Einführung

    Hofer, E. & Lembens, A., 03.2021, In: PLUS LUCIS. 2021, 1, p. 4-7 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  9. Published

    Forschendes Lernen: Beiträge aus dem Chemie- und Sachunterricht

    Hofer, E. (Editor) & Lembens, A. (Editor), 03.2021, Wien: Verein zur Förderung des physikalischen und chemischen Unterrichts. 40 p. (Plus Lucis; vol. 2021, no. 1)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueTransfer

  10. Published

    Kommentar der Herausgeberinnen: Was ist drin, wenn Forschendes Lernen draufsteht?

    Hofer, E. & Lembens, A., 03.2021, In: PLUS LUCIS. 1/2021, p. 29 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsTransfer

  11. Published

    Systematic learning in water governance: insights from five local adaptive management projects for water quality innovation

    Kochskämper, E., Koontz, T. M. & Newig, J., 03.2021, In: Ecology and Society. 26, 1, 13 p., 22.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    The early bird catches the worm: an empirical analysis of imprinting in social entrepreneurship

    Dickel, P., Sienknecht, M. & Hörisch, J., 03.2021, In: Journal of Business Economics : JBE. 91, 2, p. 127-150 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Utilization of digested sewage sludge in lactic acid fermentation

    Pleissner, D., Krieg, C. & Peinemann, J. C., 03.2021, In: Detritus - Multidisciplinary Journal for Waste Resource & Residues. 14, p. 48-53 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Virtuelles Experimentieren mit PhET Simulationen

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 03.2021, In: Digital unterrichten. Biologie. 2021, 3, p. 2-2 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsEducation

  15. Published
  16. Published

    Education in green chemistry and in sustainable chemistry: perspectives towards sustainability

    Zuin, V. G., Eilks, I., Elschami, M. & Kümmerer, K., 21.02.2021, In: Green Chemistry . 23, 4, p. 1594-1608 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Diversity lost: COVID-19 as a phenomenon of the total environment

    Cazzolla Gatti, R., Menéndez, L. P., Laciny, A., Bobadilla Rodríguez, H., Bravo Morante, G., Carmen, E., Dorninger, C., Fabris, F., Grunstra, N. D. S., Schnorr, S. L., Stuhlträger, J., Villanueva Hernandez, L. A., Jakab, M., Sarto-Jackson, I. & Caniglia, G., 20.02.2021, In: Science of the Total Environment. 756, 14 p., 144014.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  18. Published

    Regional electricity models for community energy in germany: The role of governance structures

    Ehrtmann, M., Holstenkamp, L. & Becker, T., 19.02.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 4, p. 1-24 24 p., 2241.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Similar yield benefits of hybrid, conventional, and organic tomato and sweet pepper varieties under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions

    Ficiciyan, A. M., Loos, J. & Tscharntke, T., 19.02.2021, In: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5, 11 p., 628537.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Aesthetic Expertise for Sustainable Development: Envisioning Artful Scientific Policy Advice

    Heinrichs, H., 10.02.2021, In: World. 2, 1, p. 92-104 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  21. Published
  22. Published

    Nachhaltigkeit erzählen: Durch Storytelling besser kommunizieren?

    Fischer, D. (Editor), Fücker, S. (Editor), Selm, H. (Editor) & Sundermann, A. (Editor), 04.02.2021, München : oekom verlag GmbH. 180 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesTransfer

  23. Published

    Solid Sorption Refrigeration With Calcium Chloride Methanolates on Technical Scale

    Neumann, K., Wiegand, M., Opel, O. & Korhammer, K., 04.02.2021, Proceedings of the 14th International Renewable Energy Storage Conference 2020 (IRES 2020). Stadler, I., Droege, P. & Trimborn, C. (eds.). Atlantis Press, p. 142-149 8 p. (Atlantis Highlights in Engineering; vol. 6).

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

  24. Published

    Pesticide peak concentration reduction in a small vegetated treatment system controlled by chemograph shape

    Greiwe, J., Olsson, O., Kümmerer, K. & Lange, J., 02.02.2021, In: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. 25, 2, p. 497-509 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  25. Published

    Impact of high carbon amendments and pre-crops on soil bacterial communities

    Kamau, C. W., van Duijnen, R., Schmid, C. A. O., Balàzs, H. E., Roy, J., Rillig, M., Schröder, P., Radl, V., Temperton, V. M. & Schloter, M., 01.02.2021, In: Biology and Fertility of Soils. 57, 2, p. 305-317 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Towards more sustainable curricula

    Zuin, V. G. & Kümmerer, K., 01.02.2021, In: Nature Reviews Chemistry. 5, 2, p. 76-77 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  27. Published

    Tree phylogenetic diversity structures multitrophic communities

    Staab, M., Liu, X., Assmann, T., Bruelheide, H., Buscot, F., Durka, W., Erfmeier, A., Klein, A. M., Ma, K., Michalski, S., Wubet, T., Schmid, B. & Schuldt, A., 01.02.2021, In: Functional Ecology. 35, 2, p. 521-534 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Tree-tree interactions and crown complementarity: the role of functional diversity and branch traits for canopy packing

    Hildebrand, M., Perles García, M. D., Kunz, M., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G. & Fichtner, A., 01.02.2021, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 50, p. 217-227 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Understanding drivers of human tolerance towards mammals in a mixed-use transfrontier conservation area in southern Africa

    Kansky, R., Kidd, M. & Fischer, J., 01.02.2021, In: Biological Conservation. 254, 10 p., 108947.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    University-linked programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development: how, and with what impact?

    Wagner, M., Hansen, E., Schaltegger, S. & Fichter, K., 01.02.2021, In: Small Business Economics. 56, 3, p. 1141-1158 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Woody plant species diversity as a predictor of ecosystem services in a social–ecological system of southwestern Ethiopia

    Shumi, G., Rodrigues, P., Hanspach, J., Härdtle, W., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F., Fischer, J. & Schultner, J., 01.02.2021, In: Landscape Ecology. 36, 2, p. 373-391 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    A pluralistic and integrated approach to action-oriented knowledge for sustainability

    Caniglia, G., Lüderitz, C., von Wirth, T., Fazey, I., Martín-López, B., Hondrila, K., König, A., Wehrden, H., Schäpke, N., Laubichler, M. D. & Lang, D. J., 02.2021, In: Nature Sustainability. 4, 2, p. 93-100 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  33. Published

    Efficacy and Moderators of Internet-Based Interventions in Adults with Subthreshold Depression: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    Reins, J. A., Buntrock, C., Zimmermann, J., Grund, S., Harrer, M., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Weisel, K., Domhardt, M., Imamura, K., Kawakami, N., Spek, V., Nobis, S., Snoek, F., Cuijpers, P., Klein, J. P., Moritz, S. & Ebert, D. D., 02.2021, In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 90, 2, p. 94-106 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model

    Kujanpaa, M., Syrek, C., Lehr, D., Kinnunen, U., Reins, J. A. & de Bloom, J., 02.2021, In: Journal of Happiness Studies. 22, 2, p. 681-707 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Business experimentation for sustainability: Emerging perspectives

    Bocken, N. M. P., Weissbrod, I. & Antikainen, M., 25.01.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 281, 6 p., 124904.

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

  36. Published

    The role of semi‐open habitats as dispersal corridors for plant species of woodlands and open habitats

    Travers, E., Pitz, W., Fichtner, A., Matthies, D. & Härdtle, W., 24.01.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 1, 12 p., e12526.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Pushing the Boundaries: Experience-Based Learning in Early Phases of Graduate Sustainability Curricula

    Birdman, J. M., Redman, A. & Lang, D. J., 22.01.2021, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 22, 2, p. 237-253 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Scientists’ Responsibility for Global Futures

    Caniglia, G., Zenk, L., Schernhammer, E., Bertau, M., Steiner, G., Kainz, M., Jaeger, C., Schlosser, P. & Laubichler, M. D., 22.01.2021, In: Science & Diplomacy. 2021, Special Issue Januar/2021, p. online

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Sustainable Entrepreneurship

    Farny, S. & Binder, J., 19.01.2021, World Encyclopedia of Entrepreneurship. Dana, L. P. (ed.). 2 ed. Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 605-611 7 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  40. Published

    A new Parazuphium Jeannel, 1942 species (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from the Zagros Mountains in Iran

    Wrase, D. W. & Assmann, T., 18.01.2021, In: ZooKeys. 2021, 1011, p. 41-49 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published
  42. Published

    Sensory Perception of Non-Deuterated and Deuterated Organic Compounds

    Salthammer, T., Monegel, F., Schulz, N., Uhde, E., Grimme, S., Seibert, J., Hohm, U. & Palm, W. U., 13.01.2021, In: Chemistry - A European Journal. 27, 3, p. 1046-1056 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    A matter of connection: The 4 Cs of learning in pre-service teacher education for sustainability

    Brandt, J. O., Barth, M., Merritt, E. & Hale, A., 10.01.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 279, p. 1-13 13 p., 123749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Governing Transitions towards Sustainable Agriculture - Taking Stock of an Emerging Field of Research

    Melchior, I. C. & Newig, J., 08.01.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 2, p. 1-27 27 p., 528.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  45. Published

    Making education for sustainable development happen in elementary schools: the role of teachers

    Timm, J.-M. & Barth, M., 02.01.2021, In: Environmental Education Research. 27, 1, p. 50-66 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    A Real Chance for the Transatlantic Partnership on Climate Policy

    Kemfert, C., 01.01.2021, In: Intereconomics. 56, 1, p. 20-22 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  47. Published

    Blockchain for the Circular Economy: Analysis of the Research-Practice Gap

    Böckel, A., Nuzum, A.-K. & Weissbrod, I., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. 25, p. 525-539 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    Current practice of assessing students' sustainability competencies: a review of tools

    Redman, A., Wiek, A. & Barth, M., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 1, p. 117-135 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  49. Published

    Developmental plasticity of Brachypodium distachyon in response to P deficiency: Modulation by inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria

    Baudson, C., Delory, B. M., Spaepen, S., du Jardin, P. & Delaplace, P., 01.01.2021, In: Plant Direct. 5, 1, 17 p., e00296.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Environmental Governance of China's Belt and Road Initiative

    Coenen, J., Bager, S., Meyfroidt, P., Newig, J. & Challies, E., 01.01.2021, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 31, 1, p. 3-17 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Evaluating structural and compositional canopy characteristics to predict the light-demand signature of the forest understorey in mixed, semi-natural temperate forests

    Depauw, L., Perring, M. P., Landuyt, D., Maes, S. L., Blondeel, H., De Lombaerde, E., Brūmelis, G., Brunet, J., Closset-Kopp, D., Decocq, G., Den Ouden, J., Härdtle, W., Hédl, R., Heinken, T., Heinrichs, S., Jaroszewicz, B., Kopecký, M., Liepiņa, I., Macek, M., Máliš, F., Schmidt, W., Smart, S. M., Ujházy, K., Wulf, M. & Verheyen, K., 01.01.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 1, 13 p., e12532.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review