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. 2013
  2. Published

    A review of transdisciplinary research in sustainability science

    Brandt, P., Ernst, A., Gralla, F., Lüderitz, C., Lang, D., Newig, J., Reinert, F., Abson, D. & von Wehrden, H., 08.2013, In: Ecological Economics. 92, August, p. 1-15 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Braucht Nachhaltigkeit die Geschlechterperspektive?

    Katz, C. & Thiem, A., 08.2013, Zukunftsfähige Berufe: Umweltberufe - modern und vielfältig. Büro für nachhaltige Kompetenz (ed.). Wien: FORUM Umweltbildung im Umweltdachverband, p. 72-83 12 p. (forum exkurse; vol. 10).

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

  4. Published

    Dezentral und partizipativ? Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Bürgerbeteiligung zur Umsetzung der Energiewende

    Heinrichs, H., 08.2013, Die deutsche "Energiewende" nach Fukushima: Der wissenschaftliche Diskurs zwischen Atomausstieg und Wachstumsdebatte. Hennig, B. & Radtke, J. (eds.). Marburg: Metropolis Verlag, p. 119-138 20 p. (Beiträge zur sozialwissenschaftlichen Nachhaltigkeitsforschung; vol. 8).

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

  5. Published

    Effect of Planning for Connectivity on Linear Reserve Networks

    Lentini, P. E., Gibbons, P., Carwardine, J., Fischer, J., Drielsma, M. & Martin, T. G., 08.2013, In: Conservation Biology. 27, 4, p. 796-807 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Emotion understanding and cognitive abilities in young children

    von Salisch, M., Hänel, M. & Freund, P. A., 08.2013, In: Learning and Individual Differences. 26, p. 15-19 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Hollow futures? Tree decline, lag effects and hollow-dependent species

    Manning, A. D., Gibbons, P. G., Fischer, J., Oliver, D. L. & Lindenmayer, D. B., 08.2013, In: Animal Conservation. 16, 4, p. 395-403 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    In situ air-water and particle-water partitioning of perfluorocarboxylic acids, perfluorosulfonic acids and perfluorooctyl sulfonamide at a wastewater treatment plant

    Vierke, L., Ahrens, L., Shoeib, M., Palm, W.-U., Webster, E. M., Ellis, D. A., Ebinghaus, R. & Harner, T., 08.2013, In: Chemosphere. 92, 8, p. 941-948 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Multiscale performance of landscape metrics as indicators of species richness of plants, insects and vertebrates

    Schindler, S., von Wehrden, H., Poirazidis, K., Wrbka, T. & Kati, V., 08.2013, In: Ecological Indicators. 31, p. 41-48 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published
  11. Published

    Biomass derived ionic liquids: synthesis from natural organic acids, characterization, toxicity, biodegradation and use as solvents for catalytic hydrogenation processes

    Ferlin, N., Courty, M., Gatard, S., Spulak, M., Quilty, B., Beadham, I. G., Ghavre, M., Haiß, A., Kümmerer, K., Gathergood, N. & Bouquillon, S., 29.07.2013, In: Tetrahedron. 69, 30, p. 6150 - 6161 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Atmospheric mercury over sea ice during the OASIS-2009 campaign

    Steffen, A., Bottenheim, J., Cole, A., Douglas, T. A., Ebinghaus, R., Friess, U., Netcheva, S., Nghiem, S., Sihler, H. & Staebler, R., 24.07.2013, In: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 13, 14, p. 7007-7021 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Integrating Life Stages into Ecological Niche Models: A Case Study on Tiger Beetles

    Taboada Palomares, A., von Wehrden, H. & Assmann, T., 23.07.2013, In: PLoS ONE. 8, 7, 13 p., e70038.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Modeling approach of thermal decomposition of salt-hydrates for heat storage systems

    Fopah Lele, A., Kuznik, F., Rammelberg, H., Schmidt, T. & Ruck, W., 14.07.2013, ASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conference collocated with the ASME 2013 7th International Conference on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology: Heat Transfer in Energy Systems; Thermophysical Properties; Theory and Fundamental Research in Heat Transfer. A. (ed.). The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Vol. 1. p. Paper No. HT2013-17022, pp. V001T01A010; 10 pages 10 p. V001T01A010. (ASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conference collocated with the ASME 2013 7th International Conference on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology; vol. 1).

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

  15. Published

    Communication Regarding Sustainability: Conceptual Perspectives and Exploration of Societal Subsystems

    Newig, J., Schulz, D., Fischer, D., Hetze, K., Laws, N., Lüdecke, G. & Rieckmann, M., 09.07.2013, In: Sustainability. 5, 7, p. 2976-2990 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Rainfall and temperature variation does not explain arid species diversity in outback Australia

    Traill, L., Brook, B. W., Wanger, T. C. & de Little, S. C., 08.07.2013, In: Research and Reports in Biodiversity Studies. 3, p. 1-8 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Genes versus environment: Geography and phylogenetic relationships shape the chemical profiles of stingless bees on a global scale

    Leonhardt, S. D., Rasmussen, C. & Schmitt, T., 07.07.2013, In: Proceedings of the Royal Society B . 280, 1762, 11 p., 20130680.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Concentrations in ambient air and emissions of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in Zurich, Switzerland

    Buser, A. M., Kierkegaard, A., Bogdal, C., MacLeod, M., Scheringer, M. & Hungerbühler, K., 02.07.2013, In: Environmental Science & Technology. 47, 13, p. 7045-7051 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Complementarity, impatience, and the resilience of natural-resource-dependent economies

    Quaas, M. F., van Soest, D. P. & Baumgärtner, S., 01.07.2013, In: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. 66, 1, p. 15-32 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development: Need for a Paradigmatic Shift

    Kumar, V., Chand, V. S., Zhang, L., Hoppers, C. A. O., Zhang, W., Esders, M. & Gupta, A. K., 01.07.2013, In: Vikalpa. 38, 3, p. 103-122 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  21. Published

    Temporal variations of perfluoroalkyl substances and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in alpine snow

    Kirchgeorg, T., Dreyer, A., Gabrieli, J., Kehrwald, N., Sigl, M., Schwikowski, M., Boutron, C., Gambaro, A., Barbante, C. & Ebinghaus, R., 01.07.2013, In: Environmental Pollution. 178, p. 367-374 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Education for Sustainability, Graduate Capabilities, Professional Employment: How they all connect

    Thomas, I., Barth, M. & Day, T., 07.2013, In: Australian Journal of Environmental Education. 29, 1, p. 33-51 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  23. Published

    Elution of monomers from three different bonding systems and their antibacterial effect

    Polydorou, O., Rogatti, P., Bolek, R., Wolkewitz, M., Kümmerer, K. & Hellwig, E., 07.2013, In: Odontology / the Society of the Nippon Dental University. 101, 2, p. 170-176 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Establishment success in a forest biodiversity and ecosystem functioning experiment in subtropical China (BEF-China)

    Yang, X., Bauhus, J., Both, S., Fang, T., Härdtle, W., Kröber, W., Ma, K., Nadrowski, K., Pei, K., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Scholten, T., Seidler, G., Schmid, B., von Oheimb, G. & Bruelheide, H., 07.2013, In: European Journal of Forest Research. 132, 4, p. 593-606 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    German Utilities and distributed PV: How to overcome Barriers to Business Model Innovation

    Richter, M., 07.2013, In: Renewable Energy. 55, 7, p. 456-466 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published
  27. Published
  28. Published

    Impact of rhizobacterial volatiles on Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv. growth and response to abiotic stresses

    Baudson, C., Mendaluk - Saunier de Cazenave, M., Blondiaux, A., Delory, B., du Jardin, P. & Delaplace, P., 21.06.2013, 1st International Brachypodium Conference: Abstract book. Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, p. S6.3 1 p.

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

  29. Published

    Thermal Conductivity Measurement of Salt Hydrates as Porous Material using Calorimetric (DSC) Method

    Fopah Lele, A., Korhammer, K., Wegscheider, N., Rammelberg, H., Schmidt, T. & Ruck, W., 20.06.2013, 8th World Conference on Experimental Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics. Coelho, P. J. & Costa, M. (eds.). June 2013 ed. A. Faria - Edicia Electronica Lda, Vol. Proceedings ExHFT8. 5 p.

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

  30. Published

    The Conservation Value of Traditional Rural Landscapes: The Case of Woodpeckers in Transylvania, Romania

    Dorresteijn, I., Hartel, T., Hanspach, J., von Wehrden, H. & Fischer, J., 19.06.2013, In: PLoS ONE. 8, 6, 7 p., e65236.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Adding the “e-” to Learning for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Innovation

    Barth, M. & Burandt, S., 13.06.2013, In: Sustainability. 5, 6, p. 2609-2622 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Differential responses of ecosystem components to a low-intensity fire in a Mediterranean forest: A three-year case study

    García-Tejero, S., Taboada Palomares, A., Tárrega, R., Marcos, E. & Salgado, J. M., 01.06.2013, In: Community Ecology. 14, 1, p. 110-120 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Understanding and Communicating Climate Change in Metaphors

    Niebert, K. & Gropengiesser, H., 01.06.2013, In: Environmental Education Research. 19, 3, p. 282-302 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung zum Thema „Wasser“

    Michelsen, G. & Rieckmann, M., 06.2013, In: Hydrologie und Wasserbewirtschaftung. 57, 3, p. 116-125 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Calculation of Physicochemical Properties for Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins

    Glüge, J., Bogdal, C., Scheringer, M., Buser, A. M. & Hungerbühler, K., 06.2013, In: Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data. 42, 2, 12 p., 023103 .

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Exploring universities' transformative potential for sustainability-bound learning in changing landscapes of knowledge communication

    Adomßent, M., 06.2013, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 49, Juni, p. 11-24 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Food waste as nutrient source in heterotrophic microalgae cultivation

    Pleissner, D., Lam, W. C., Sun, Z. & Lin, C. S. K., 06.2013, In: Bioresource Technology. 137, p. 139-146 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Integrating rural development and biodiversity conservation in Central Romania

    Newig, J., Milcu, A. I., Hartel, T., Mikulcak, F. & Fischer, J., 06.2013, In: Environmental Conservation. 40, 2, p. 129-137 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Internetbasierte kognitiv-behaviorale Behandlungsansätze: state of the art und Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der Rehabilitation

    Lin, J., Ebert, D. D., Lehr, D., Berking, M. & Baumeister, H., 06.2013, In: Die Rehabilitation. 52, 3, p. 155-163 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Learning for sustainable development in regional networks

    Dlouha, J., Barton, A., Huisingh, D. & Adomßent, M., 06.2013, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 49, p. 1-4 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  41. Published

    Monitoring networking between higher education institutions and regional actors

    Mader, M., Mader, C., Zimmermann, F. M., Görsdorf-Lechevin, E. & Diethart, M., 06.2013, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 49, Juni, p. 105-113 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Nachhaltige Wissenschaft in der akademischen Ausbildung: Das Programm einer transformativen Bildung an NaWis-Institutionen

    Chrubasik, N., Ernst, A., Lang, D. J., Schneidewind, U., Simon, K.-H., Singer-Brodowski, M. & Vilsmaier, U., 06.2013, In: GAIA. 22, 2, p. 132-134 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  43. Published

    Relationships between human activity and richness and abundance of some bird species in the Paraguay river (Pantanal, Brazil)

    Lozano, J. & Malo, A. F., 06.2013, In: Ardeola. 60, 1, p. 99-112 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Sustainability process assessment on transformative potentials: The Graz Model for Integrative Development

    Mader, C., 06.2013, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 49, June, p. 54-63 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Correction: Bats in a farming landscape benefit from linear remnants and unimproved pastures

    Lentini, P. E., Gibbons, P., Fischer, J., Law, B., Hanspach, J. & Martin, T. G., 23.05.2013, In: PLoS ONE. 8, 5

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

  46. Published

    Farmed areas predict the distribution of amphibian ponds in a traditional rural landscape

    Hartel, T. & von Wehrden, H., 21.05.2013, In: PLoS ONE. 8, 5, 8 p., e63649.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Interactive effects among ecosystem services and management practices on crop production: Pollination in coffee agroforestry systems

    Boreux, V., Kushalappa, C. G., Vaast, P. & Ghazoul, J., 21.05.2013, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). 110, 21, p. 8387-8392 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Oxidation-coagulation of β-blockers by K2Fe(VI)O4 in hospital wastewater: Assessment of degradation products and biodegradability

    Wilde, M. L., Mahmoud, W. M. M., Kümmerer, K. & Martins, A. F., 01.05.2013, In: The Science of The Total Environment. 452-453, p. 137-147 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    A global quantitative synthesis of local and landscape effects on wild bee pollinators in agroecosystems

    Kennedy, C. M., Lonsdorf, E., Neel, M. C., Williams, N. M., Ricketts, T. H., Winfree, R., Bommarco, R., Brittain, C., Burley, A. L., Cariveau, D., Carvalheiro, L. G., Chacoff, N. P., Cunningham, S. A., Danforth, B. N., Dudenhöffer, J.-H., Elle, E., Gaines, H. R., Garibaldi, L. A., Gratton, C., Greenleaf, S. S., Holzschuh, A., Isaacs, R., Javorek, S. K., Jha, S., Klein, A. M., Krewenka, K., Mandelik, Y., Mayfield, M. M., Morandin, L., Neame, L. A., Otieno, M., Park, M., Potts, S. G., Rundlöf, M., Saez, A., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Taki, H., Viana, B. F., Westphal, C., Wilson, J. K. & Kremen, C., 05.2013, In: Ecology Letters. 16, 5, p. 584-599 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Post-Dekade

    Michelsen, G., 05.2013, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Jahrbuch 2013. F. U. F. N. E. (ed.). Wien: FORUM Umweltbildung im Umweltdachverband, p. 10-15 6 p.

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

  51. Published

    Corporate Sustainability Meets Transdisciplinarity

    Schaltegger, S., Beckmann, M. & Hansen, E. G., 05.2013, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 22, 4, p. 217-218 2 p.

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