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. 2020
  2. Published

    Green and sustainable chemistry in Latin America: Which type of research is going on? And for what?

    Zuin, V. G., Stahl, A. M., Zanotti, K. & Segatto, M. L., 01.10.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 25, 100379.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    How does collaborative governance evolve? Insights from a medium-n case comparison

    Ulibarri, N., Emerson, K., Imperial, M. T., Jager, N. W., Newig, J. & Weber, E., 01.10.2020, In: Policy and Society. 39, 4, p. 617-637 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Impacts of alternative land-use policies on water ecosystem services in the Río Grande de Comitán-Lagos de Montebello watershed, Mexico

    Ávila-García, D., Morató, J., Pérez-Maussán, A. I., Santillán-Carvantes, P., Alvarado, J. & Comín, F. A., 01.10.2020, In: Ecosystem Services. 45, 14 p., 101179.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Participation in River Basin Planning Under the Water Framework Directive – Has it Benefitted Good Water Status?

    Rimmert, M., Baudoin, L., Cotta, B., Kochskämper, E. & Newig, J., 01.10.2020, In: Water Alternatives. 13, 3, p. 484-512 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Role of scavengers in providing non-material contributions to people

    Aguilera-Alcalá, N., Morales-Reyes, Z., Martín-López, B., Moleón, M. & Sánchez-Zapata, J. A., 01.10.2020, In: Ecological Indicators. 117, 11 p., 106643.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Towards a more sustainable metal use – Lessons learned from national strategy documents

    Weiser, A., Bickel, M., Kümmerer, K. & Lang, D. J., 01.10.2020, In: Resources Policy. 68, 12 p., 101770.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Opening the black box: How social interaction contributes to entrepreneurial intentions among deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals

    Jasniak, M., Baierl, R. & Halberstadt, J., 10.2020, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. 41, 1, p. 74-95 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published
  10. Published

    Development and application of green and sustainable analytical methods for flavonoid extraction from Passiflora waste

    Da Silva Francischini, D., Lopes, A. P., Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A. M. & Zuin, V. G., 18.09.2020, In: BMC Chemistry. 14, 1, 11 p., 56.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Local perceptions of ecosystem services across multiple ecosystem types in Spain

    García-Llorente, M., J. Castro, A., Quintas-Soriano, C., Oteros-Rozas, E., Iniesta-Arandia, I., González, J. A., García del Amo, D., Hernández-Arroyo, M., Casado-Arzuaga, I., Palomo, I., Gómez-Baggethun, E., Onaindia, M., Montes, C. & Martín-López, B., 18.09.2020, In: Land. 9, 9, 20 p., 0330.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Interview mit Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Thomas Schomerus

    Schomerus, C.-T., 15.09.2020, In: Fachzeitschrift für Energierecht. 9, 5, p. 199-201 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsTransfer

  13. Published

    Predicting suitable habitats of the African cherry (Prunus africana) under climate change in Tanzania

    Giliba, R. A. & Yengoh, G. T., 15.09.2020, In: Atmosphere. 11, 9, 17 p., 988.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Researching collaborative interdisciplinary teams: practices and principles for navigating researcher positionality

    Freeth, R. C. & Vilsmaier, U., 15.09.2020, In: Science & Technology Studies. 33, 3, p. 57-72 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Probing alignment of personal and organisational values for sustainability: An assessment of barrett's organisational consciousness model

    Klapper, R., Berg, L. & Upham, P., 14.09.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 18, 20 p., 7584.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    “Hunting Otherwise”: Women’s Hunting in Two Contemporary Forager-Horticulturalist Societies

    Reyes-García, V., Díaz Reviriego, I., Duda, R., Fernández-Llamazares, Á. & Gallois, S., 11.09.2020, In: Human Nature. 31, 3, p. 203-221 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Cumulating evidence in environmental governance, policy and planning research: towards a research reform agenda

    Newig, J. & Rose, M., 02.09.2020, In: Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning. 22, 5, p. 667-681 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Learning in environmental governance: opportunities for translating theory to practice

    Gerlak, A. K., Heikkila, T. & Newig, J., 02.09.2020, In: Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning. 22, 5, p. 653-666 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    A stakeholder theory perspective on business models: Value creation for sustainability

    Freudenreich, B., Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Schaltegger, S., 01.09.2020, In: Journal of Business Ethics. 166, 1, p. 3-18 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Common opossum population density in an agroforestry system in Bolivia

    Benavides, C., Arce, A. & Pacheco, L. F., 01.09.2020, In: Acta Amazonica. 50, 3, p. 246-251 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Design of a Master of Science Sustainable Chemistry

    Elschami, M. & Kümmerer, K., 01.09.2020, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 17, 10 p., 100270.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Global and regional probabilities of major nuclear reactor accidents

    Engler, J. O., 01.09.2020, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 269, 7 p., 110780.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Malt and beer-related by-products as potential antioxidant skin-lightening agents for cosmetics

    Almendinger, M., Rohn, S. & Pleissner, D., 01.09.2020, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 17, 9 p., 100282.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Material circularity and the role of the chemical sciences as a key enabler of a sustainable post-trash age

    Matlin, S. A., Mehta, G., Hopf, H., Krief, A., Keßler, L. & Kümmerer, K., 01.09.2020, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 17, 11 p., 100312.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  25. Published

    Sustainability entrepreneurship to address large distances in international food supply

    Weber, H., Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 01.09.2020, In: Business Strategy and Development. 3, 3, p. 318-331 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    The influence of landscape change on multiple dimensions of human–nature connectedness

    Riechers, M., Balázsi, Á., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 01.09.2020, In: Ecology and Society. 25, 3, p. 1-12 12 p., 3.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Three principles for co-designing sustainability intervention strategies: Experiences from Southern Transylvania

    Lam, D. P. M., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Fischer, J., Peukert, D. & Lang, D. J., 01.09.2020, In: Ambio. 49, 9, p. 1451-1465 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Toward a better understanding of the mindsets of negotiators: Development and construct validation of the Scale for the Integrative Mindset (SIM)

    Ade, V., Dantlgraber, M., Schuster, C. & Trötschel, R., 01.09.2020, In: European Journal of Psychological Assessment. 36, 5, p. 740-747 8 p., a000548.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published
  30. Published

    Assessment of the biotic and abiotic elimination processes of five micropollutants during cultivation of the green microalgae Acutodesmus obliquus

    Reymann, T., Kerner, M. & Kümmerer, K., 09.2020, In: Bioresource Technology Reports. 11, 100512.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Biocultural approaches to sustainability: A systematic review of the scientific literature

    Hanspach, J., Jamila Haider, L., Oteros-Rozas, E., Stahl Olafsson, A., Gulsrud, N. M., Raymond, C. M., Torralba, M., Martín-López, B., Bieling, C., García-Martín, M., Albert, C., Beery, T. H., Fagerholm, N., Díaz-Reviriego, I., Drews-Shambroom, A. & Plieninger, T., 09.2020, In: People and Nature. 2, 3, p. 643-659 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  32. Published

    Innovation for Sustainability: Business Transformations Towards a Better World

    Upham, P., 09.2020, In: R&D Management. 50, 4, p. 431-431 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsResearch

  33. Published

    Open to Offers, but Resisting Requests: How the Framing of Anchors Affects Motivation and Negotiated Outcomes

    Majer, J. M., Trötschel, R., Galinsky, A. & Loschelder, D. D., 09.2020, In: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 119, 3, p. 582-599 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Reconciling food security and biodiversity conservation: participatory scenario planning in southwestern Ethiopia

    Jiren, T. S., Hanspach, J., Schultner, J., Fischer, J., Bergsten, A., Senbeta, F., Hylander, K. & Dorresteijn, I., 09.2020, In: Ecology and Society. 25, 3, p. 1-16 16 p., 24.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system

    Dajka, J. C., Woodhead, A. J., Norström, A. V., Graham, N. A. J., Riechers, M. & Nyström, M., 09.2020, In: People and Nature. 2, 3, p. 608-618 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Management von Innovationsprozessen für nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Schäfer, M., König, B., Kuntosch, A., Richter, B. & Schaal, T., 27.08.2020, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 33, 3, p. 40-46 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Efficacy of a smartphone-based intervention - "holidaily" - promoting recovery behaviour in workers after a vacation: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

    Smyth, A., De Bloom, J., Syrek, C., Domin, M., Janneck, M., Reins, J. A. & Lehr, D., 26.08.2020, In: BMC Public Health. 20, 1, 17 p., 1286.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    BIOLOGISCH ABBAUBARE CHINOLON-ANTIBIOTIKA

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Menz, J., 19.08.2020, IPC No. A61K31/4709 , A61P31/04 , C07D401/12, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. EP3694516A1, 10.10.2018, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218114A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  39. Published

    Teaching about sustainability through inquiry-based science in Irish primary classrooms: the impact of a professional development programme on teacher self-efficacy, competence and pedagogy

    Murphy, C., Smith, G., Mallon, B. & Redman, E., 02.08.2020, In: Environmental Education Research. 26, 8, p. 1112-1136 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    A cognitive mess: Mixed feelings about wind farms on the Danish coast and the emotions of energy infrastructure opposition

    Upham, P. & Johansen, K., 01.08.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 66, 10 p., 101489.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Barley shoot biomass responds strongly to N:P stoichiometry and intraspecific competition, whereas roots only alter their foraging

    Kumar, A., van Duijnen, R., Delory, B., Reichel, R., Brüggemann, N. & Temperton, V. M., 01.08.2020, In: Plant and Soil. 453, 1-2, p. 515-528 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Ensuring tests of conservation interventions build on existing literature

    Sutherland, W. J., Alvarez-Castañeda, S. T., Amano, T., Ambrosini, R., Atkinson, P., Baxter, J. M., Bond, A. L., Boon, P. J., Buchanan, K. L., Barlow, J., Bogliani, G., Bragg, O. M., Burgman, M., Cadotte, M. W., Calver, M., Cooke, S. J., Corlett, R. T., Devictor, V., Ewen, J. G., Fisher, M., Freeman, G., Game, E., Godley, B. J., Gortázar, C., Hartley, I. R., Hawksworth, D. L., Hobson, K. A., Lu, M. L., Martín-López, B., Ma, K., Machado, A., Maes, D., Mangiacotti, M., McCafferty, D. J., Melfi, V., Molur, S., Moore, A. J., Murphy, S. D., Norris, D., van Oudenhoven, A. P. E., Powers, J., Rees, E. C., Schwartz, M. W., Storch, I. & Wordley, C., 01.08.2020, In: Conservation Biology. 34, 4, p. 781-783 3 p.

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

  43. Published

    Temporal patterns in ecosystem services research: A review and three recommendations

    Rau, A.-L., Burkhardt, V., Dorninger, C., Hjort, C., Ibe, K., Keßler, L., Kristensen, J. A., McRobert, A., Sidemo-Holm, W., Zimmermann, H., Abson, D., Wehrden, H. & Ekroos, J., 01.08.2020, In: Ambio. 49, 8, p. 1377-1393 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  44. Published

    Aportes de la agrobiodiversidad a la sustentabilidad de la agricultura familiar en Colombia

    Acevedo Osorio, Á., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S. & Ortiz-Pinilla, J., 08.2020, In: Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems. 23, 2, 18 p., 35.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Recent developments in microalgal conversion of organic-enriched waste streams

    Solovchenko, A., Lukyanov, A., Aswathanarayana, R. G., Pleissner, D. & Ambati, R. R., 08.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 24, p. 61-66 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  46. Published

    Naturwissenschaftliche Kompetenzen und Inklusion – Inklusion durch Kompetenzorientierung?

    Abels, S., 24.07.2020, Naturwissenschaftliche Kompetenzen in der Gesellschaft von morgen. : Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, Jahrestagung in Wien 2019. Habig, S. (ed.). Essen: Universität Duisburg-Essen, p. 20-29 10 p.

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

  47. Published

    Neue Formate transdisziplinärer Forschung: Ausdifferenzierte Brücken zwischen Wissenschaft und Praxis

    Grunwald, A., Schäfer, M. & Bergmann, M., 22.07.2020, In: GAIA. 29, 2, p. 106-114 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Design rules for environmental biodegradability of phenylalanine alkyl ester linked ionic liquids

    Suk, M., Haiß, A., Westphal, J., Jordan, A., Kellett, A., Kapitanov, I. V., Karpichev, Y., Gathergood, N. & Kümmerer, K., 21.07.2020, In: Green Chemistry . 22, 14, p. 4498-4508 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Transformative learning in the field of sustainability: a systematic literature review (1999-2019)

    Rodriguez Aboytes, J. G. & Barth, M., 17.07.2020, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 21, 5, p. 993-1013 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  50. Published

    Farmers’ perceptions and knowledge of natural enemies as providers of biological control in cider apple orchards

    Martínez-Sastre, R., García, D., Miñarro, M. & Martín-López, B., 15.07.2020, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 266, 11 p., 110589.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Climate Change Litigation: German Family Farmers and Urgenda - Similar Cases, Differing Judgments

    Schomerus, T., 10.07.2020, In: Journal for European Environmental & Planning Law. 17, 3, p. 322-332 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review