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.

Topics

Im Bereich der Forschung liegt der Schwerpunkt von Dissertationen und Drittmittelprojekten im Bereich der Wirtschaftsethik im Zeichen der Globalisierung, in der Staatsphilosophie sowie in aktuellen Fragen der Medizinethik.

Auch hier ist der transdisziplinär verstandene Nachhaltigkeitsbegriff das Band, welches den Umgang mit ethischen Dilemmata in verschiedenen Wissenschafts- und Lebensbereichen miteinander verbindet.

Besonderes Gewicht wird problemorientierten Lernprozessen mit intensivem, wechselseitigem Austausch zwischen Wissenschaftlern/-innen unterschiedlicher Disziplinen sowie relevanten gesellschaftlichen Akteuren beigemessen. Ethik wird in diesem Kontext als eine Begleitwissenschaft verstanden, der eine Schlüsselrolle in inter- und transdisziplinärer Forschung zu Themen der nachhaltigen Entwicklung zukommt.

  1. Scientific review articles › Research
  2. Published

    Ten essentials for action-oriented and second order energy transitions, transformations and climate change research

    Fazey, I., Schäpke, N., Caniglia, G., Patterson, J., Hultman, J., van Mierlo, B., Säwe, F., Wiek, A., Wittmayer, J., Aldunce, P., Al Waer, H., Battacharya, N., Bradbury, H., Carmen, E., Colvin, J., Cvitanovic, C., D'Souza, M., Gopel, M., Goldstein, B., Hämäläinen, T., Harper, G., Henfry, T., Hodgson, A., Howden, M. S., Kerr, A., Klaes, M., Lyon, C., Midgley, G., Moser, S., Mukherjee, N., Müller, K., O'Brien, K., O'Connell, D. A., Olsson, P., Page, G., Reed, M. S., Searle, B., Silvestri, G., Spaiser, V., Strasser, T., Tschakert, P., Uribe-Calvo, N., Waddell, S., Rao-Williams, J., Wise, R., Wolstenholme, R., Woods, M. & Wyborn, C., 01.06.2018, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 40, June 2018, p. 54-70 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Toward a modular evaluation approach of real-world laboratories: Findings from a literature review

    Kampfmann, T., Bernert, P. & Lang, D. J., 01.01.2023, In: Research Evaluation. 32, 1, p. 128-143 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  4. Published

    Towards a More Sustainable Use of Scarce Metals: A Review of Intervention Options along the Metals Life Cycle

    Wäger, P. A., Lang, D. J., Wittmer, D., Bleischwitz, R. & Hagelüken, C., 11.12.2012, In: GAIA. 21, 4, p. 300 - 309 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  5. 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

  6. Published

    Transdisciplinary research: Towards an integrative perspective

    Lam, D. P. M., Freund, M. E., Kny, J., Marg, O., Mbah, M., Theiler, L., Bergmann, M., Brohmann, B., Lang, D. J. & Schäfer, M., 16.12.2021, In: GAIA. 30, 4, p. 243-249 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  7. Published

    Transformation in a changing climate: a research agenda

    Fazey, I., Moug, P., Allen, S., Beckmann, K., Blackwood, D., Bonaventura, M., Burnett, K., Danson, M., Falconer, R., Gagnon, A. S., Harkness, R., Hodgson, A., Holm, L., Irvine, K. N., Low, R., Lyon, C., Moss, A., Moran, C., Naylor, L., O'Brien, K., Russell, S., Skerratt, S., Rao-Williams, J. & Wolstenholme, R., 03.04.2018, In: Climate and Development. 10, 3, p. 197-217 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  8. Published

    Transnational collaboration for sustainability in higher education: Lessons from a systematic review

    Caniglia, G., Lüderitz, C., Groß, M., Muhr, M., John, B., Withycombe Keeler, L., von Wehrden, H., Laubichler, M., Wiek, A. & Lang, D., 01.12.2017, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 168, p. 764-779 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. 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

  10. Published

    What are the ingredients for food systems change towards sustainability? - Insights from the literature

    Weber, H., Pöggel, K., Eakin, H., Fischer, D., Lang, D. J., Wehrden, H. & Wiek, A., 01.11.2020, In: Environmental Research Letters. 15, 11, 17 p., 113001.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  11. Other (editorial matter etc.) › Research
  12. Published
  13. Published

    Correction to: A review of fire effects across South American ecosystems: the role of climate and time since fire (Fire Ecology, (2021), 17, 1, (11), 10.1186/s42408-021-00100-9)

    Giorgis, M. A., Zeballos, S. R., Carbone, L., Zimmermann, H., von Wehrden, H., Aguilar, R., Ferreras, A. E., Tecco, P. A., Kowaljow, E., Barri, F., Gurvich, D. E., Villagra, P. & Jaureguiberry, P., 01.12.2021, In: Fire Ecology. 17, 1, 1 p., 21.

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

  14. Published

    Der europäische Weg

    Cieslewicz, K., Lang, D. & Barth, M., 28.02.2022, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 37, 1, p. 8–9 2 p.

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

  15. Published

    Leverage points for sustainability transformations: nine guiding questions for sustainability science and practice

    Leventon, J., Abson, D. J. & Lang, D. J., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 721-726 6 p.

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

  16. Journal articles › Transfer › Peer-reviewed
  17. Published

    Kommunalspezifische Nachhaltigkeitssteuerung: Erfahrungen und Empfehlungen

    Kirst, E., Lang, D. J., Heinrichs, H. & Plawitzki, J., 01.2019, In: GAIA. 28, 2, p. 151-159 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  18. Published

    Transformationspfade für eine Kultur der Nachhaltigkeit an deutschen Hochschulen

    Fritz, H., Holst, J., Lang, D. J., Nölting, B., Parodi, O., Potthast, T. & Singer-Brodowski, M., 21.12.2022, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 31, 4, p. 254-256 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  19. Published

    Wirtschaftskriege im digitalen Zeitalter: Ethische Perspektiven

    Oermann, N. O., 05.2019, In: Theologische Literaturzeitung. 144, 5, p. 419-435 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  20. Journal articles › Transfer › Not peer-reviewed
  21. Published

    The impact of climate change on the external cost of pesticide applications in US agriculture

    Koleva, N. G. & Schneider, U. A., 2009, In: International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 7, 3, p. 203-216 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransfer

  22. Journal articles › Education › Peer-reviewed
  23. 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

  24. Journal articles › Research › Peer-reviewed
  25. Published

    Acknowledging temporal diversity in sustainability transformations at the nexus of interconnected systems

    Weiser, A., Lutz, L. M., Lang, D. J. & Kümmerer, K., 20.09.2017, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 162, p. 273-285 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    A cognitive mapping approach to understanding public objection to energy infrastructure: The case of wind power in Galicia, Spain

    Upham, P. & García Pérez, J., 01.11.2015, In: Renewable Energy. 83, p. 587-596 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Actor Analysis in Case Studies for (regional) Sustainable Development

    Burandt, S., Gralla, F. & John, B., 19.02.2015, In: Envigogika. 10, 1, 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Advancing Decision-Visualization Environments—Empirically informed Design Recommendations

    John, B., Lang, D. J., von Wehrden, H., John, R. & Wiek, A., 01.10.2020, In: Futures. 123, 102614.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    A Global Classroom for International Sustainability Education

    Wiek, A., Bernstein, M. J., Laubichler, M., Minteer, B., Lang, D. J. & Caniglia, G., 04.2013, In: Creative Education. 4, 4A, p. 19 - 28 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    A leverage points perspective on social networks to understand sustainability transformations: evidence from Southern Transylvania

    Lam, D. P. M., Martín-López, B., Horcea-Milcu, A. I. & Lang, D. J., 05.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 3, p. 809-826 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Almost there: On the importance of a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem for developing sustainable urban food forest enterprises

    Wiek, A. & Albrecht, S., 23.02.2022, In: Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems. 7, 1, 14 p., e20025.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Amplifying actions for food system transformation: insights from the Stockholm region

    Lam, D. P. M., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Guerrero Lara, L., Sellberg, M. M., Norström, A. V., Moore, M-L., Peterson, G. D. & Olsson, P., 11.2022, In: Sustainability Science. 17, 6, p. 2379-2395 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. 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

  34. 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

  35. Published

    An experience-based learning framework: Activities for the initial development of sustainability competencies

    Caniglia, G., John, B., Kohler, M., Leonie, B., Wiek, A., Rojas, C., Laubichler, M. & Lang, D. J., 2016, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 17, 6, p. 827-852 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. 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

  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

    Applying the energy cultures framework to understand energy systems in the context of rural sustainability transformation

    Klaniecki, K., Duse, I. A., Lutz, L. M., Leventon, J. & Abson, D. J., 02.2020, In: Energy Policy. 137, 12 p., 111092.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Aspekte der Nachhaltigkeit in der ambulanten Versorgung von Menschen mit Demenz

    Baumgardt, J., Radisch, J., Touil, E., Moock, J., Plewig, H-J., Kawohl, W. & Rössler, W., 11.2014, In: Psychiatrische Praxis. 41, 8, p. 424- 431 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    A transdisciplinary framework for university-industry collaboration in establishing a social business model

    Cheah, J. S. S., Amran, A., Kirubakaran, M., Lang, D. J., Su, P. F. & Chu, J. W., 20.06.2023, In: Social Enterprise Journal. 19, 4, p. 390-403 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. 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

  42. Published

    Building actor-centric transformative capacity through city-university partnerships

    Keeler, L. W., Beaudoin, F., Wiek, A., John, B., Lerner, A. M., Beecroft, R., Tamm, K., Seebacher, A., Lang, D. J., Kay, B. & Forrest, N., 15.05.2019, In: Ambio. 48, 5, p. 529-538 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Capacity building for transformational leadership and transdisciplinarity

    Barth, M., Bruhn, A., Lam, D., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 195-197 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Case-based Mutual Learning Sessions: knowledge integration and transfer in transdisciplinary processes

    Vilsmaier, U., Engbers, M., Luthardt, P., Maas-Deipenbrock, R. M., Wunderlich, S. & Scholz, R. W., 01.10.2015, In: Sustainability Science. 10, 4, p. 563-580 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Chancen för erneuerbare Energien in Wärmenetzen: Bericht vom Leuphana Energieforum 2017

    Bickel, M. W., Soetebeer, I. & Neidig, P., 2018, In: GAIA. 27, 1, p. 190-192 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Classifying railway stations for strategic transport and land use planning: Context matters!

    Zemp, S., Stauffacher, M., Lang, D. & Scholz, R. W., 07.2011, In: Journal of Transport Geography. 19, 4, p. 670-679 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Climate change: An amplifier of existing health risks in developing countries

    Huynen, M. M. T. E., Martens, P. & Akin, S-M., 2013, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. 15, 6, p. 1425-1442 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Climate-neutral and sustainable campus Leuphana University of Lueneburg

    Opel, O., Strodel, N., Werner, K. F., Geffken, J., Tribel, A. & Ruck, W., 15.12.2017, In: Energy. 141, p. 2628-2639 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Collaboration between the natural, social and human sciences in Global Change Research

    Holm, P., Goodsite, M. E., Cloetingh, S. A. P. L., Agnoletti, M., Moldan, B., Lang, D. J., Leemans, R., Moeller, J. O., Buendía, M. P., Pohl, W., Scholz, R. W., Sors, A., Vanheusden, B., Yusoff, K. & Zondervan, R., 04.2013, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 28, Special Issue, p. 25-35 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. 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

  51. Published

    Collaborative design prototyping in transdisciplinary research: An approach to heterogeneity and unknowns

    Peukert, D. & Vilsmaier, U., 01.09.2021, In: Futures. 132, 10 p., 102808.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  52. Published

    Connecting consumers to producers to foster sustainable consumption in international coffee supply – a marketing intervention study

    Weber, H., Loschelder, D. D., Lang, D. J. & Wiek, A., 24.07.2021, In: Journal of Marketing Management. 37, 11-12, p. 1148-1168 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  53. Published

    Connecting curricula and competence through student learning journeys

    Birdman, J., Barth, M. & Lang, D. J., 09.12.2022, In: Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy. 18, 1, p. 560-575 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  54. 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

  55. Published

    Cooperating With “Open Cards”—The Role of Small Intermediary Businesses in Realizing Sustainable International Coffee Supply

    Weber, H. & Wiek, A., 15.07.2021, In: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5, 14 p., 663716.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  56. Published

    Creating Space for Change: Real-world Laboratories for Sustainability Transformations: The Case of Baden-Württemberg

    Schäpke, N., Singer-Brodowski, M., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 2015, In: GAIA. 24, 4, p. 281-283 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review