Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

In the professorship, we address three main challenges for the fulfilment of this aspiration:

  • Consolidate the epistemological and methodological foundations of transdisciplinary sustainability research.
  • Enhance research at the science/society interface that has both scientific and societal relevance.
  • Enable students, researchers and societal actors to contribute to societal transformation with local and global impact.

We are rooted/embedded in the Faculty of  Sustainability and collaborate with different institutes at Leuphana and research institutions from around the world as well as with different societal actors and institutions from the private and public sector in Lueneburg and beyond. 

We creatively combine conceptual and empirical research with the development of new formats and environments.

  1. 2016
  2. Published

    The diffusion of sustainable family farming practices in Colombia: an emerging sociotechnical niche?

    Ortíz, W. & Vilsmaier, U., 2016, International Sustainability Transitions Conference. p. 1 - 69 70 p.

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

  3. Published

    Towards a Real-world Laboratory: A Transdisciplinary Case Study from Lüneburg

    Bernert, P., Haaser, A., Kühl, L. & Schaal, T., 2016, In: GAIA. 25, 4, p. 253-259 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Transformational Sustainability Research Methodology

    Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media, p. 31-41 11 p. 3

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

  5. Published

    Virtuelle Mobilität und Kompetenzerwerb: Wie durch international vernetzte Online-Seminare Kompetenzen für eine heterogene, globale Informationsgesellschaft vermittelt werden können - Dargestellt am Beispiel des Global Classrooms

    Vogt, J. C., Leonie, B. & John, B., 2016, Bildung und Hochschule: Impulse für Studium und Lehre am Beispiel des Leuphana College. Beck, K., Bothe, T., Glaser, T., Heuer, C., Schütz, J. & Seifert, A. (eds.). 1 ed. Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 171-204 34 p.

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

  6. Published

    Sustainable Development and Material Flows

    John, B., Möller, A. & Weiser, A., 01.2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 219-230 12 p.

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

  7. Published

    An idea and a person whose time had come: How Albert Schweitzer became a postwar icon

    Oermann, N. O., Thate, M. J. & Widmann, E., 01.01.2016, Albert Schweitzer in Thought and Action: A Life in Parts. Carleton-Paget, J. & Thate, M. J. (eds.). Syracuse University Press, p. 319-329 11 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  8. Published

    An integrative analysis of energy transitions in energy regions: A case study of ökoEnergieland in Austria

    Hecher, M., Vilsmaier, U., Akhavan, R. & Binder, C. R., 01.01.2016, In: Ecological Economics. 121 , Januar 2016, p. 40-53 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    BaWü-labs on their way: Progress of real-world laboratories in Baden-Württemberg

    Wagner, F., Schäpke, N., Bergmann, M., Lang, D. J. & Stelzer, F., 01.01.2016, In: GAIA. 25, 3, p. 220-221 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Ecosystem services values in Spain: A meta-analysis

    Quintas-Soriano, C., Martín-López, B., Santos-Martín, F., Loureiro, M., Montes, C., Benayas, J. & García-Llorente, M., 01.01.2016, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 55, p. 186-195 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    The value of time in biological conservation and supplied ecosystem services: A willingness to give up time exercise

    García-Llorente, M., Castro, A. J., Quintas-Soriano, C., López, I., Castro, H., Montes, C. & Martín-López, B., 01.01.2016, In: Journal of Arid Environments. 124, p. 13-21 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Other spaces: Parks as societal mirrors

    Vilsmaier, U., 14.01.2016, Parks of the Future: Protected Areas in Europe Challenging Regional and Global Change. Hammer, T., Mose, I., Siegrist, D. & Weixlbaumer, N. (eds.). 1 ed. München: oekom verlag GmbH, p. 113-121 9 p.

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

  13. Published

    Spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem services provision in Southern Patagonia

    Martínez Pastur, G., Peri, P. L., Lencinas, M. V., García-Llorente, M. & Martín-López, B., 01.02.2016, In: Landscape Ecology. 31, 2, p. 383-399 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Why protect nature? Rethinking values and the environment

    Chan, K. M. A., Balvanera, P., Benessaiah, K., Chapman, M., Díaz, S., Gómez-Baggethun, E., Gould, R., Hannahs, N., Jax, K., Klain, S., Luck, G. W., Martín-López, B., Muraca, B., Norton, B., Ott, K., Pascual, U., Satterfield, T., Tadaki, M., Taggart, J. & Turner, N., 09.02.2016, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). 113, 6, p. 1462-1465 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  15. Published

    Globales Denken? Zum Wirkungszusammenhang von Forschungspraxis, Erkenntnisfeld und der Art zu denken

    Vilsmaier, U., 03.2016, Wissenschaft und Globales Denken. Gmainer-Pranzl, F. & Schottenhammer, A. (eds.). Frankfurt a.M. u.a.: Peter Lang Verlag, p. 109-127 19 p. (Salzburger interdisziplinäre Diskurse; vol. 7).

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

  16. Published

    The farmer as a landscape steward: Comparing local understandings of landscape stewardship, landscape values, and land management actions

    Raymond, C. M., Bieling, C., Fagerholm, N., Martin-Lopez, B. & Plieninger, T., 01.03.2016, In: Ambio. 45, 2, p. 173-184 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science: An effective way to merge research and teaching

    Abson, D. J., Gralla, F., Lang, D. J., Rau, A. L., von Wehrden, H., Lüderitz, C. & Meyer, M., 15.04.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 119, p. 229-235 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Freiheit als Wert? Neue Beobachtungen zu einer alten Debatte

    Oermann, N. O., 06.2016, In: Orientierungen zur Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftspolitik. 143, p. 18-25 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  19. Published

    Exploring the Capacity of Water Framework Directive Indices to Assess Ecosystem Services in Fluvial and Riparian Systems: Towards a Second Implementation Phase

    Vidal-Abarca, M. R., Santos-Martín, F., Martín-López, B., Sánchez-Montoya, M. M. & Suárez Alonso, M. L., 01.06.2016, In: Environmental Management. 57, 6, p. 1139-1152 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Sustainability assessments designed for multiple functions: five cases about water resources, nanotechnologies and communities

    Wiek, A., Kuzdas, C., Foley, R., Withycombe Keeler, L., Forrest, N. & Kay, B., 12.08.2016, Sustainability Assessment: Applications and Opportunities. Gibson, R. B. (ed.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 127-145 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  21. Published

    An applied methodology for stakeholder identification in transdisciplinary research

    Leventon, J., Fleskens, L., Claringbould, H., Schwilch, G. & Hessel, R., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 763-775 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Utilizing international networks for accelerating research and learning in transformational sustainability science

    Keeler, L. W., Wiek, A., Lang, D. J., Yokohari, M., van Breda, J., Olsson, L., Ness, B., Morato, J., Segalas, J., Martens, P., Bojorquez-Tapia, L. A. & Evans, J., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 749-762 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Understanding role models for change: a multilevel analysis of success factors of grassroots initiatives for sustainable consumption

    Grabs, J., Langen, N., Maschkowski, G. & Schäpke, N., 15.10.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 134 , Part A, p. 98-111 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  24. Published

    Tentative Theses on Transformative Research in Real-World Laboratories: First Insights from the Accompanying Research ForReal

    Schäpke, N., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 01.11.2016, In: Technikfolgenabschätzung. 25, 3, p. 45-51 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  25. Published

    Albert Schweitzer: A Biography

    Oermann, N. O., 24.11.2016, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 288 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  26. Published

    A new valuation school: Integrating diverse values of nature in resource and land use decisions

    Jacobs, S., Dendoncker, N., Martín-López, B., Barton, D. N., Gomez-Baggethun, E., Boeraeve, F., McGrath, F. L., Vierikko, K., Geneletti, D., Sevecke, K. J., Pipart, N., Primmer, E., Mederly, P., Schmidt, S., Aragão, A., Baral, H., Bark, R. H., Briceno, T., Brogna, D., Cabral, P., De Vreese, R., Liquete, C., Mueller, H., Peh, K. S. . H., Phelan, A., Rincón, A. R., Rogers, S. H., Turkelboom, F., Van Reeth, W., van Zanten, B. T., Wam, H. K. & Washbourn, C. L., 01.12.2016, In: Ecosystem Services. 22, Part B, p. 213-220 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Contrasting changes in the abundance and diversity of North American bird assemblages from 1971 to 2010

    Schipper, A. M., Belmaker, J., de Miranda, M. D., Navarro, L. M., Böhning-Gaese, K., Costello, M. J., Dornelas, M., Foppen, R., Hortal, J., Huijbregts, M. A. J., Martín-López, B., Pettorelli, N., Queiroz, C., Rossberg, A. G., Santini, L., Schiffers, K., Steinmann, Z. J. N., Visconti, P., Rondinini, C. & Pereira, H. M., 01.12.2016, In: Global Change Biology. 22, 12, p. 3948-3959 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Gender perspectives in resilience, vulnerability and adaptation to global environmental change

    Ravera, F. (ed.), Iniesta-Arandia, I. (ed.), Martín-López, B. (ed.), Pascual, U. (ed.) & Bose, P. (ed.), 01.12.2016, Secaucus: Springer. 393 p. (AMBIO; vol. 45, no. 3 (Supplement))

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  29. Published

    The role of sustainability in nuclear energy plans: What do national energy strategies tell us?

    Gralla, F., John, B., Abson, D. J., Møller, A. P., Bickel, M., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 01.12.2016, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 22, p. 94-106 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. 2017
  31. Published

    My Touchstone Puzzles. W.D. Hamilton work on Social Wasps in the 1960s

    Caniglia, G., 2017, Integrated history and philosophy of science: problems, perspectives, and case studies. Stadler, F. (ed.). Cham: Springer, p. 31 - 42 12 p. (Vienna Circle Institute Yearbook; vol. 20).

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

  32. Published

    The glocal curriculum: a practical guide to teaching and learning in an Interconnected world

    John, B., Caniglia, G., Bellina, L., Lang, D. J. & Laubichler, M., 2017, Baden Baden: [sic!] Verlag für kritische Ästhetik. 189 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  33. Published

    Embedding Evidence on Conservation Interventions Within a Context of Multilevel Governance

    Ekroos, J., Leventon, J., Fischer, J., Newig, J. & Smith, H. G., 01.01.2017, In: Conservation Letters. 10, 1, p. 139-145 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Gutes Leben vor Ort

    Heinrichs, H. (ed.), Kirst, E. (ed.) & Plawitzki, J. (ed.), 09.01.2017, Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag. 253 p. (Initiativen zum Umweltschutz; vol. 90)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  35. Published

    Real-world Laboratories and Transformation Research: Call for Papers: GAIA Open Access Special Issue

    Schäpke, N., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M., Lang, D. J., Wagner, F. & Miller, E., 15.01.2017, In: GAIA. 26, 1, p. 55-57 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  36. Published

    PoNa als inter- und transdisziplinäres Experiment in der Sozial-ökologischen Forschung

    Bergmann, M., Gottschlich, D., Mölders, T. & Schramm, E., 02.2017, Politiken der Naturgestaltung : Ländliche Entwicklung und Agro-Gentechnik zwischen Kritik und Vision. Gottschlich, D. & Mölders, T. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer VS, p. 243-263 21 p.

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

  37. Published

    An integrative research framework for enabling transformative adaptation

    Colloff, M. J., Martín-López, B., Lavorel, S., Locatelli, B., Gorddard, R., Longaretti, P. Y., Walters, G., van Kerkhoff, L., Wyborn, C., Coreau, A., Wise, R. M., Dunlop, M., Degeorges, P., Grantham, H., Overton, I. C., Williams, R. D., Doherty, M. D., Capon, T., Sanderson, T. & Murphy, H. T., 01.02.2017, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 68, p. 87-96 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Leverage points for sustainability transformation

    Abson, D. J., Fischer, J., Leventon, J., Newig, J., Schomerus, T., Vilsmaier, U., von Wehrden, H., Abernethy, P., Ives, C. D., Jager, N. W. & Lang, D. J., 01.02.2017, In: Ambio. 46, 1, p. 30-39 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Trait-based approaches to analyze links between the drivers of change and ecosystem services: Synthesizing existing evidence and future challenges

    Hevia, V., Martín-López, B., Palomo, S., García-Llorente, M., de Bello, F. & González, J. A., 01.02.2017, In: Ecology and Evolution. 7, 3, p. 831-844 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  40. Published

    Reallabore im Kontext Transformativer Forschung: Ansatzpunkte zur Konzeption und Einbettung in den internationalen Forschungsstand

    Schäpke, N., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M., Singer-Brodowski, M., Wanner, M., Caniglia, G. & Lang, D. J., 25.02.2017, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 62 p. (IETSR Discussion papers in Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research ; no. 1/2017).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  41. Published

    Methodological Challenges in Sustainability Science: A Call for Method Plurality, Procedural Rigor and Longitudinal Research

    Wehrden, H., Lüderitz, C., Leventon, J. & Russell, S., 20.03.2017, In: Challenges in Sustainability. 5, 1, p. 35-42 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Towards a Sustainable Use of Phosphorus: A Transdisciplinary Scenario Analysis for the Administrative District of Lüneburg, Germany

    Sieveking, A., Weber, H., Riewerts, B. & Böhme, M., 23.03.2017, In: GAIA. 26, 1, p. 34-42 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Socio-cultural valuation approaches

    Santos-Martín, F., Kelemen, E., García-Llorente, M., Jacobs, S., Oteros-Rozas, E., Barton, D. N., Palomo, I., Hevia, V. & Martín-López, B., 30.03.2017, Mapping ecosystem services. Burkhard, B. & Maes, J. (eds.). Sofia: Pensoft Publishers Ltd., p. 102-112 11 p.

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

  44. Published

    Energy transitions and national development indicators: A global review of nuclear energy production

    Gralla, F., Abson, D. J., Møller, A. P., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 04.2017, In: Renewable & Sustainble Energy Reviews. 70, p. 1251-1265 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  45. Published

    Servicios Ecosistémicos en Latinoamérica: De la investigación a la acción

    Laterra, P., Martín-López, B., Mastrángelo, M. & Garibaldi, L. A., 01.04.2017, In: Ecología Austral. 27, 1, p. 94-98 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Socio-technical change linking expectations and representations: Innovating thermal treatment of municipal solid waste

    Levidow, L. & Upham, P., 01.04.2017, In: Science and Public Policy. 44, 2, p. 211-224 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published
  48. Published

    Forschendes Lernen in der Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaft

    Vilsmaier, U. & Meyer, E. M., 05.2017, Forschendes Lernen: Wie die Lehre in Universität und Fachhochschule erneuert werden kann. Mieg, H. A. & Lehmann, J. (eds.). Frankfurt: Campus Verlag, p. 357-366 10 p.

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

  49. Published

    Learning from Co-Founders of Grassroots Initiatives: Personal Resilience, Transition, and Behavioral Change – a Salutogenic Approach

    Maschkowski, G., Schäpke, N., Grabs, J. & Langen, N., 05.2017, Resilience, Community Action and Social Transformation: People, Place, Practice, Power, Politics & Possibility in Transition. Henfrey, T. & Maschkowski, G. (eds.). 1 ed. Lisbon: Permanent Publications, p. 65-84 20 p. (The Community-Led Transformations Book Series; vol. 2).

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

  50. Published

    A review of ecosystem service benefits from wild bees across social contexts

    Matias, D. M. S., Leventon, J., Rau, A. L., Borgemeister, C. & von Wehrden, H., 01.05.2017, In: Ambio. 46, 4, p. 456-467 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  51. Published

    Collaboration or fragmentation? Biodiversity management through the common agricultural policy

    Mildorfová-Leventon, J., Schaal, T., Velten, S., Dänhardt, J., Fischer, J., Abson, D. & Newig, J., 01.05.2017, In: Land Use Policy. 64, p. 1-12 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  52. Published

    Many pathways toward sustainability: not conflict but co-learning between transition narratives

    Lüderitz, C., Abson, D. J., Audet, R. & Lang, D. J., 01.05.2017, In: Sustainability Science. 12, 3, p. 393-407 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review