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. 2018
  2. Published

    Embedding higher education into a Real-World Lab: A process-oriented analysis of Six Transdisciplinary Project Courses

    Beecroft, R., 20.10.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 10, 3798.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    The Project Schöningen from an ecological and cultural perspective

    Serangeli, J., Rodríguez-Álvarez, B., Tucci, M., Verheijen, I., Bigga, G., Böhner, U., Urban, B., van Kolfschoten, T. & Conard, N. J., 15.10.2018, In: Quaternary Science Reviews. 198, p. 140-155 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    A Social–Ecological Systems Framework as a Tool for Understanding the Effectiveness of Biosphere Reserve Management

    Ferreira, A. F., Zimmermann, H., Santos, R. & Wehrden, H., 10.10.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 10, 26 p., 3608.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  5. Published

    Collaborative energy visioning under conditions of illiberal democracy: Results and recommendations from Ecuador

    Noboa, E., Upham, P. J. & Heinrichs, H., 08.10.2018, In: Energy, Sustainability and Society. 8, 1, 17 p., 31.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Impacts of species richness on productivity in a large-scale subtropical forest experiment

    Huang, Y., Chen, Y., Castro-Izaguirre, N., Baruffol, M., Brezzi, M., Lang, A., Li, Y., Härdtle, W., Von Oheimb, G., Yang, X., Liu, X., Pei, K., Both, S., Yang, B., Eichenberg, D., Assmann, T., Bauhus, J., Behrens, T., Buscot, F., Chen, X. Y., Chesters, D., Ding, B. Y., Durka, W., Erfmeier, A., Fang, J., Fischer, M., Guo, L. D., Guo, D., Gutknecht, J. L. M., He, J. S., He, C.-L., Hector, A., Hönig, L., Hu, R. Y., Klein, A. M., Kühn, P., Liang, Y., Li, S., Michalski, S., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Schmidt, K., Scholten, T., Schuldt, A., Shi, X., Tan, M. Z., Tang, Z., Trogisch, S., Wang, Z., Welk, E., Wirth, C., Wubet, T., Xiang, W., Yu, M., Yu, X.-D., Zhang, J., Zhang, S., Zhang, N., Zhou, H.-Z., Zhu, C.-D., Zhu, L., Bruelheide, H., Ma, K., Niklaus, P. A. & Schmid, B., 05.10.2018, In: Science. 362, 6410, p. 80-83 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Mindfulness training at school: A way to engage adolescents with sustainable consumption?

    Böhme, T., Stanszus, L. S., Geiger, S. M., Fischer, D. & Schrader, U., 04.10.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 10, 22 p., 3557.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Reduced nitrate leaching from an Irish cropland soil under non-inversion tillage with cover cropping greatly outweighs increased dissolved organic nitrogen leaching

    Walmsley, D. C., Siemens, J., Kindler, R., Kaiser, K., Saunders, M., Fichtner, A., Kaupenjohann, M. & Osborne, B. A., 01.10.2018, In: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 265, p. 340-349 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Usability and naturalness of videoconference-based exposure and response prevention for obsessive- compulsive disorder at the patients' homes: A pilot study

    Netter, A. L., Hessler, J. B., Diedrich, A., Lehr, D., Berking, M., Pfeuffer, S. & Voderholzer, U., 01.10.2018, In: Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. 32, 4, p. 303-314 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    A comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services: Integrating supply, demand and interest in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

    Castillo-Eguskitza, N., Martín-López, B. & Onaindia, M., 10.2018, In: Ecological Indicators. 93, p. 1176-1189 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Recycling and reuse of food waste

    Pleißner, D., 10.2018, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 13, October 2018, p. 39-43 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  12. Published

    Technical and economic assessment of food waste valorization through a biorefinery chain

    Demichelis, F., Fiore, S., Pleißner, D. & Venus, J., 10.2018, In: Renewable & Sustainble Energy Reviews. 94, p. 38-48 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Assessing the Sustainability Performance of Sustainability Management Software

    Kern, E., Silva, S. L. & Guldner, A., 19.09.2018, In: Technologies. 6, 3, 15 p., 88.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    The new spirit of capitalism in European Liberal Arts programs*

    Claus, J., Meckel, T. & Pätz, F., 19.09.2018, In: Educational Philosophy and Theory. 50, 11, p. 1011-1019 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Setting the research agenda for measuring sustainability performance: systematic application of the world café method

    Silva, S. L. & Günther, E., 18.09.2018, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 9, 4, p. 455-469 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  16. Published

    How can sustainable chemistry contribute to a circular economy?

    Pleißner, D., 06.09.2018, In: Detritus - Multidisciplinary Journal for Waste Resource & Residues. 3, September, p. 4-6 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Harnessing place attachment for local climate mitigation? Hypothesising connections between broadening representations of place and readiness for change

    Upham, P., Johansen, K., Bögel, P. M., Axon, S., Garard, J. & Carney, S., 02.09.2018, In: Local Environment. 23, 9, p. 912-919 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  18. Published

    From disagreements to dialogue: unpacking the Golden Rice debate

    Kettenburg, A. J., Hanspach, J., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 01.09.2018, In: Sustainability Science. 13, 5, p. 1469-1482 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  19. Published

    Human–nature connectedness as a ‘treatment’ for pro-environmental behavior: making the case for spatial considerations

    Klaniecki, K., Leventon, J. & Abson, D. J., 01.09.2018, In: Sustainability Science. 13, 5, p. 1375-1388 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Nitrogen cycling and storage in Gagea spathacea (Liliaceae): ecological insights for protecting a rare woodland species

    Fichtner, A., Matthies, D., Armbrust, M., Jansen, D., Sturm, K., Walmsley, D., von Oheimb, G. & Härdtle, W., 01.09.2018, In: Plant Ecology. 219, 9, p. 1117–1126 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Reconnecting with nature for sustainability

    Ives, C. D., Abson, D. J., von Wehrden, H., Dorninger, C., Klaniecki, K. & Fischer, J., 01.09.2018, In: Sustainability Science. 13, 5, p. 1389-1397 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Sustainable software products—Towards assessment criteria for resource and energy efficiency

    Kern, E., Hilty, L. M., Guldner, A., Maksimov, Y. V., Filler, A., Gröger, J. & Naumann, S., 01.09.2018, In: Future Generation Computer Systems. 86, p. 199-210 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Temporal Dynamics of Ecosystem Services

    Rau, A. L., von Wehrden, H. & Abson, D. J., 01.09.2018, In: Ecological Economics. 151, p. 122-130 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    The future of health debates? A design thinking sketch of the VR Health Arena

    Fischer, M., 01.09.2018, In: Health and Technology. 8, 4, p. 281-290 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Neon ist ein Gas und hat zwei Ringe – Zur Trennung der makroskopischen und submikroskopischen Ebene des Periodensystems

    Abels, S., Koliander, B., Plotz, T. & Heidinger, C., 09.2018, In: ChemKon. 25, 6, p. 238-242 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  26. Published

    Post Hoc Assessment of Stand Structure Across European Wood-Pastures: Implications for Land Use Policy

    Roellig, M., Costa, A., Garbarino, M., Hanspach, J., Hartel, T., Jakobsson, S., Lindborg, R., Mayr, S., Plieninger, T., Sammul, M., Varga, A. & Fischer, J., 09.2018, In: Rangeland Ecology and Management. 71, 5, p. 526-535 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Rethinking biodiversity governance in European agricultural landscapes: Acceptability of alternative governance scenarios

    Velten, S., Schaal, T., Mildorfová-Leventon, J., Hanspach, J., Fischer, J. & Newig, J., 09.2018, In: Land Use Policy. 77, p. 84-93 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Role of psychology in sociotechnical transitions studies: Review in relation to consumption and technology acceptance

    Bögel, P. M. & Upham, P., 09.2018, In: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. 28, p. 122-136 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Transferring sustainability solutions across contexts through city-university partnerships

    Keeler, L. W., Beaudoin, F. D., Lerner, A. M., John, B., Beecroft, R., Tamm, K., Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 09.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 9, 17 p., 2966.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Unterricht zum Thema "Flucht und Flüchtlinge"? eine Analyse von Lehrmaterialien aus dem Internet

    Kater-Wettstädt, L., 09.2018, In: Zeitschrift für Bildungsforschung. 8, 2, p. 137 - 152 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Maschinelles Lernen als bildungspolitischer Kontrollverlust: Eine spekulative Kontrollgeschichte der Bildungsplanung

    Herberg, J. A., 31.08.2018, Machine Learning : Medien, Infrastrukturen und Technologien der Künstlichen Intelligenz. Engemann, C. & Sudmann, A. (eds.). Bielefeld: transcript Verlag, p. 143-166 24 p.

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

  32. Published

    Hydrolyzed organic residues as sources of secondary raw materials

    Pleißner, D. & Peinemann, J. C., 29.08.2018, In: Chemie Ingenieur Technik. 90, 9, p. 1161-1161 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  33. Published
  34. Published

    More than Yield: Ecosystem Services of Traditional versus Modern Crop Varieties Revisited

    Ficiciyan, A., Loos, J., Sievers-Glotzbach, S. & Tscharntke, T., 09.08.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 8, 15 p., 2834.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  35. Published

    Effects of forest management intensity on herb layer plant diversity and composition of deciduous forest communities in Northern Germany

    Petzold, J., Dittrich, S., Fichtner, A., Härdtle, W., Naumann, B. & von Oheimb, G., 01.08.2018, In: Tuexenia. 38, p. 79-96 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  36. Published

    Fragrance allergens in household detergents

    Wieck, S., Olsson, O., Kümmerer, K. & Klaschka, U., 01.08.2018, In: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP. 97, p. 163-169 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Land use legacy effects on woody vegetation in agricultural landscapes of south-western Ethiopia

    Shumi, G., Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I., Rodrigues, P., Hanspach, J., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 01.08.2018, In: Diversity and Distributions. 24, 8, p. 1136-1148 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Multiple streams, resistance and energy policy change in Paraguay (2004–2014)

    Llamosas, C., Upham, P. & Blanco, G., 01.08.2018, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 42, August 2018, p. 226-236 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Journal of Public Affairs, Special issue: “The marketing and public affairs of sustainability”

    Breitbarth, T. (Editor), Schaltegger, S. (Editor) & Mahon, J. (Editor), 08.2018, John Wiley & Sons Inc. (Journal of Public Affairs: an International Journal; vol. 18, no. 3)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  40. Published

    Langfristige Strategien zur Entfrachtung des aquatischen Kreislaufs von Mikroverunreinigungen

    Kümmerer, K. & Olsson, O., 08.2018, In: KA - Korrespondenz Abwasser, Abfall. 65, 8, p. 686-693 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Spillover systems in a telecoupled Anthropocene: typology, methods, and governance for global sustainability

    Liu, J., Dou, Y., Batistella, M., Challies, E., Connor, T., Friis, C., Millington, J. D. A., Parish, E., Romulo, C. L., Silva, R. F. B., Triezenberg, H., Yang, H., Zhao, Z., Zimmerer, K. S., Huettmann, F., Treglia, M. L., Basher, Z., Chung, M. G., Herzberger, A., Lenschow, A., Mechiche-Alami, A., Newig, J., Roche, J. & Sun, J., 08.2018, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 33, p. 58-69 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  42. Published

    The marketing and public affairs of sustainability

    Breitbarth, T., Schaltegger, S. & Mahon, J., 08.2018, In: Journal of Public Affairs. 18, 3, 3 p., e1854.

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

  43. Published

    Using latent class analysis to produce a typology of environmental concern in the UK

    Rhead, R., Elliot, M. & Upham, P., 08.2018, In: Social Science Research. 74, p. 210-222 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Coming late for dinner: Localized digestate depot fertilization for extensive cultivation of marginal soil with Sida hermaphrodita

    Nabel, M., Schrey, S., Poorter, H., Koller, R., Nagel, K. A., Temperton, V. M., Dietrich, C. C., Briese, C. & Jablonowski, N. D., 30.07.2018, In: Frontiers in Plant Science. 9, 14 p., 1095.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    How to Integrate Refugees Into the Workforce - Different Opportunities for (Social) Entrepreneurship

    Freudenberg, J. & Halberstadt, J., 30.07.2018, In: Problemy zarządzania - Management issues. 16, 1, p. 40-60 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published
  47. Published

    A path to clean water: Reduced chemicals input must complement wastewater treatment to ensure the safety of water resources

    Kümmerer, K., Dionysiou, D. D., Olsson, O. & Fatta-Kassinos, D., 20.07.2018, In: Science. 361, 6399, p. 222 - 224 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published
  49. Published

    Does SMS-support make a difference? Effectiveness of a two-week online-training to overcome procrastination. A randomized controlled trial

    Eckert, M., Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Sieland, B. & Berking, M., 05.07.2018, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 9, JUL, 13 p., 1103.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Kita und Kommune - Partner für eine nachhaltige Energiewende: oder: Was hat Bildung mit der Energiewende zu tun?

    Stoltenberg, U., 04.07.2018, Kulmbach: Mediengruppe Oberfranken. 82 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsTransfer

  51. Published

    Technological response options after the VW diesel scandal: Implications for engine CO2 emissions

    Andersen, O., Upham, P. & Aall, C., 04.07.2018, In: Sustainability. 10, 7, 18 p., 2313.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review