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. Published

    Prosumer – zwischen Energiesuffizienz und Rebound-Effekten: Klimawirkungen sich verändernder Haushaltsverbrauchmuster in Deutschland

    Ouanes, N., Kegel, J., Wiesenthal, J., Lenk, C., Bluhm, H., Weiß, J. & Torliene, L., 18.07.2022, In: Zeitschrift fur Technikfolgenabschatzung in Theorie und Praxis / Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice. 31, 2, p. 18-24 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  2. Published

    Should Alexander von Humboldt Be Part of Contemporary Geography Education?

    Hoffmann, T., 01.01.2022, Alexander von Humboldt: Multiperspective Approaches. Falk, G. C., Strecker, M. R. & Schneider, S. (eds.). Springer International Publishing, p. 137-153 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  3. Published

    Green and Sustainable Extraction of High-Value Compounds: Protein from Food Supply Chain Waste

    Zanotti, K., Stahl, A. M., Segatto, M. L. & Zuin, V. G., 29.03.2022, Sustainable Separation Engineering: Materials, Techniques and Process Development. Szekely, G. & Zhao, D. (eds.). Wiley-VCH Verlag, p. 63-104 42 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  4. Published

    Naturaleza en lienzo: narraciones sobre relaciones humanos-naturaleza usando métodos basados en arte en La Paz, Bolivia

    Benavides-Frias, C., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S. & Schaal, T., 30.09.2022, In: Letras Verdes. 32, 32, p. 67-87 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Zeit nachhaltig gestalten lernen: Schulschließungenals verpasste Chance?

    Fischer, D., Grauer, C. & Frank, P., 01.07.2022, In: Das Zeitpolitische Magazin. 19, 40, p. 26-28 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsTransfer

  6. Published

    Effects of pesticide application and plant sexual identity on leaf physiological traits and phyllosphere bacterial communities

    Zhu, Z., He, Y., Xu, J., Zhou, Z., Kumar, A. & Xia, Z., 01.04.2023, In: Journal of Plant Ecology. 16, 2, 12 p., rtac084.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  7. Published

    The influence of sustainability knowledge and attitude on sustainable intention and behaviour of Malaysian and Indonesian undergraduate students

    Saleh, M. S. M., Mehellou, A., Huang, M. & Briandana, R., 12.2022, In: Research in Comparative and International Education. 17, 4, p. 677-693 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  8. Published

    Sustainability Competencies in Higher Education

    Michel, J. O., Brundiers, K., Barth, M., Fischer, D., Mochizuki, Y., Redman, A. & Zint, M., 22.09.2022, The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures. Brears, R. (ed.). Palgrave Macmillan, p. 1-6 6 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  9. Published

    Digitale Interventionen in der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung

    Hoppe, A., Roswag, M. & Lehr, D., 23.09.2022, Handbuch Gesundheitsförderung bei der Arbeit: Interventionen für Individuen, Teams und Organisationen. Michel, A. & Hoppe, A. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer Verlag, p. 351-369 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  10. Published

    Socio-Environmental Vulnerability of Agriculture Communities to Climate Change in Western Himalaya: A Household-Level Review

    Chauhan, N., von Wehrden, H. & Joshi, P. K., 24.09.2022, Challenges of Disasters in Asia: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Resilience. Sajjad, H., Siddiqui, L., Rahman, A., Tahir, M. & Ahsan Siddiqui, M. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 123-145 23 p.

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

  11. Published

    Transformation verstehen lernen: Nachhaltigkeitsbildung und Data Literacy Education in der Studieneingangsphase

    Weiser, A., van Deest, J. & Barth, M., 26.09.2022, Digitale Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung: Herausforderungen und Perspektiven für die Hochschulbildung. Weselek, J., Kohler, F. & Siegmund, A. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 53-65 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  12. Published

    Healthier and Sustainable Food Systems: Integrating Underutilised Crops in a ‘Theory of Change Approach’

    Pinto, E., Ferreira, H., Santos, C. S., da Silva, M. N., Styles, D., Migliorini, P., Ntatsi, G., Karkanis, A., Brémaud, M.-F., de Mey, Y., Meuwissen, M., Petrusan, J.-I., Smetana, S., Silva, B., Krenz, L. M. M., Pleissner, D., Profeta, A., Debeljak, M., Ivanovska, A., Balázs, B., Rubiales, D., Hawes, C., Iannetta, P. P. M. & Vasconcelos, M. W., 2023, Biodiversity, Functional Ecosystems and Sustainable Food Production. Galanakis, C. M. (ed.). Springer Schweiz, p. 275-323 49 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  13. Published

    Pro & Contra: Kernenergie: Pro: Wichtig gegen den Klimawandel — Contra: Energiewende statt Atomkraft

    von Weizsäcker, C. C. & Kemfert, C., 11.2022, In: Wirtschaftsdienst. 102, 11, p. 814-815 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  14. Published

    Low-Carbon Energy Transformation in China, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan: An Overview

    Fahimi, A. & Stepputat, K., 2023, Electricity Access, Decarbonization, and Integration of Renewables: Insights and Lessons from the Energy Transformation in Bangladesh, South Asia, and Sub-Sahara Africa. Groh, S., Barner, L., Heinemann, G. & von Hirschhauen, C. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 87-112 26 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  15. Published

    Neural Networks for Energy Optimization of Production Processes in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

    Willenbacher, M., Wohlgemuth, V. & Risch, L., 2023, Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics. Wohlgemuth, V., Naumann, S., Behrens, G., Arndt, H.-K. & Höb, M. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 129-145 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  16. Published

    Chronischer beruflicher Stress: Behandlungsansätze mit Psychotherapie

    Koch, S., Lehr, D. & Hillert, A., 01.11.2022, In: Psychotherapie • Psychosomatik • Medizinische Psychologie . 72, 11, p. 497-512 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Does online-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia improve insomnia severity in nurses working shifts? Protocol for a randomised-controlled trial

    Ell, J., Brückner, H., Johann, A. F., Feige, B., Steinmetz, L., Frase, L., Järnefelt, H., Riemann, D., Lehr, D. & Spiegelhalder, K., 01.12.2022, In: Sleep Medicine. 100, Sp1, p. s115 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearch

  18. Published

    Energiewende steht für die Chance auf Re-Industrialisierung, nicht für De-Industrialisierung

    Gornig, M. & Kemfert, C., 01.12.2022, In: Wirtschaftsdienst. 102, 12, p. 933-935 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Microbial nutrient limitation and catalytic adjustments revealed from a long‐term nutrient restriction experiment

    Kumar, A. & Pausch, J., 01.06.2022, In: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment. 1, 2, p. 142-148 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Linking Tourism and Conservation on Privately Owned Natural Areas: A Systematic Review of English-Language Literature

    Müller, N., Rathgens, J., Fletcher, R. & Hilser, S., 01.03.2023, In: Society and Natural Resources. 36, 3, p. 306-325 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  21. Published

    Reallabore als Lernräume: Nachhaltige Stadt- und Kommunalentwicklung

    Bürgener, L., Drautz, S. & Lang, D. J., 15.10.2022, In: Politische Ökologie. 40, 170, p. 72-77 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  22. Published

    Reviewing relational values for future research: insights from the coast

    Riechers, M., Betz, L., Gould, R. K., Loch, T. K., Lam, D. P. M., Lazzari, N., Martín-López, B. & Sala, J. E., 12.2022, In: Ecology and Society. 27, 4, 18 p., 44.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. 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

  24. Published

    Enhancing the structural diversity between forest patches — A concept and real-world experiment to study biodiversity, multifunctionality and forest resilience across spatial scales

    Müller, J., Mitesser, O., Cadotte, M. W., van der Plas, F., Mori, A., Ammer, C., Chao, A., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Baldrian, P., Bässler, C., Biedermann, P., Cesarz, S., Claßen, A., Delory, B. M., Feldhaar, H., Fichtner, A., Hothorn, T., Kuenzer, C., Peters, M. K., Pierick, K., Schmitt, T., Schuldt, B., Seidel, D., Six, D., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Thorn, S., von Oheimb, G., Wegmann, M., Weisser, W. W. & Eisenhauer, N., 03.2023, In: Global Change Biology. 29, 6, p. 1437-1450 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Design principles for advancing higher education sustainability learning through transformative research

    Bernert, P., Wanner, M., Fischer, N. & Barth, M., 23.12.2022, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. Special Issue, 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Left by the left? The politics of poverty alleviation

    Lierse, H. & Seelkopf, L., 07.11.2022, In: Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy. 38, 3, p. 223-240 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Biodiversity–stability relationships strengthen over time in a long-term grassland experiment

    Wagg, C., Roscher, C., Weigelt, A., Vogel, A., Ebeling, A., de Luca, E., Roeder, A., Kleinspehn, C., Temperton, V. M., Meyer, S. T., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Buchmann, N., Fischer, M., Weisser, W. W., Eisenhauer, N. & Schmid, B., 14.12.2022, In: Nature Communications. 13, 1, 11 p., 7752.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Towards greener and sustainable ionic liquids using naturally occurring and nature-inspired pyridinium structures

    Suk, M. & Kümmerer, K., 07.01.2023, In: Green Chemistry . 25, 1, p. 365-374 10 p., 25.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Fachbezogene Interaktionen von Schüler*innen im Chemieunterricht während des Destillierens

    Koliander, B., Plotz, T. & Abels, S., 01.12.2023, In: Zeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften. 29, 1, 17 p., 1.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    An environmental justice perspective on ecosystem services

    Loos, J., Benra, F., Berbés-Blázquez, M., Bremer, L. L., Chan, K. M. A., Egoh, B., Felipe-Lucia, M., Geneletti, D., Keeler, B., Locatelli, B., Loft, L., Schröter, B., Schröter, M. & Winkler, K. J., 01.03.2023, In: Ambio. 52, 3, p. 477-488 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Bio-cultural diversity in south America: Overcoming agro-extractivism linked to unhealthy diets

    Tribaldos, T., Jacobi, J., Llanque, A. & Nogales, M. T., 30.12.2022, Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Diets. Kevany, K. & Prosperi, P. (eds.). London: Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 636-647 12 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  32. Published

    A kinetic study of the photolysis of sulfamethoxazole with special emphasis on the photoisomer

    Palm, W. U., Schmidt, N., Stahn, M. & Grimme, S., 01.03.2023, In: Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences. 22, 3, p. 615-630 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Gamification and sustainable behaviour: A case study of China

    Miao, H., Saleh, M. S. M. & Zolkepli, I. A., 29.12.2022, Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement. Saleh, M. S. M., Rahman, N. A. A. & Kasuma, S. A. A. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 123-136 14 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  34. Published

    Sustainability communication: West vs Asia

    Saleh, M. S. M., 29.12.2022, Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement. Saleh, M. S. M., Rahman, N. A. A. & Kasuma, S. A. A. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 1-14 14 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  35. Published

    Sustainability communication across Asia: Fundamental principles, digital strategies and community engagement

    Saleh, M. S. M. (Editor), Rahman, N. A. A. (Editor) & Kasuma, S. A. A. (Editor), 29.12.2022, Taylor and Francis Inc. 238 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  36. Published

    The roles of the sharing economy in promoting sustainability communication and practices in China

    Tong, Z., Miao, H. & Saleh, M. S. M., 29.12.2022, Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement. Saleh, M. S. M., Rahman, N. A. A. & Kasuma, S. A. A. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 31-43 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  37. Published

    Edutainment in sustainability: Can sustainability communication also be fun?

    Saleh, M. S. M., 10.11.2022, Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement. Saleh, M. S. M., Rahman, N. A. A. & Kasuma, S. A. A. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 188-199 12 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  38. Published

    Teachers' beliefs and goals concerning inquiry-based science

    Puddu, S., Koliander, B. & Hofer, E., 2022, Fostering scientific citizenship in an uncertain world (Proceedings of ESERA 2021). Carvalho, G. S., Afonso, A. S. & Anastácio, Z. (eds.). Braga: CIEC, Universidade do Minho, p. 1119-1125 7 p. 12

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

  39. Published

    Values shift in response to social learning through deliberation about protected areas

    Andrade, R., van Riper, C. J., Goodson, D. J., Johnson, D. N., Stewart, W., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Lo, V. & Raymond, C. M., 01.01.2023, In: Global Environmental Change. 78, 12 p., 102630.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Discharge and fate of biocide residuals to ephemeral stormwater retention pond sediments

    Linke, F., Olsson, O., Schnarr, L., Kümmerer, K., Preusser, F., Bork, M., Leistert, H. & Lange, J., 01.11.2022, In: Hydrology Research. 53, 11, p. 1441-1453 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Triggering root system plasticity in a changing environment with bacterial bioinoculants – Focus on plant P nutrition

    Baudson, C., Delory, B. M., du Jardin, P. & Delaplace, P., 03.2023, In: Plant and Soil. 484, 1-2, p. 49-63 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Sustainability innovations: a proposal for an analytical framework and its empirical application in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve

    Dabard, C. H. & Mann, C., 05.2023, In: Sustainability Science. 18, 3, p. 1085-1098 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Nachhaltige Entwicklung als Strategie und Ziel von Hochschulentwicklung

    Michelsen, G. (Editor) & Godemann, J. (Editor), 2008, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 186 p. (Innovation in den Hochschulen: Nachhaltige Entwickliung; vol. 10)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  44. Published

    Nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung: Eine Herausforderung für Umweltkommunikation und Soziale Arbeit

    Michelsen, G. (Editor) & Maier, K. (Editor), 2003, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 348 p. (Innovation in den Hochschulen: Nachhaltige Entwickliung)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  45. Published

    Friede den Völkern: Nachhaltigkeit als interkultureller Prozess. Festschrift für Udo. E. Simonis.

    Altner, G. (Editor) & Michelsen, G. (Editor), 2003, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 226 p. (Innovation in den Hochschulen: Nachhaltige Entwickliung; vol. Sonderband)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  46. Published

    COPERNICUS in Lüneburg: Higher Education in the Context of Sustainable Development and Globalization

    Michelsen, G. (Editor), van Dam-Mieras, R. (Editor) & Winkelmann, H. P. (Editor), 01.09.2002, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 253 p. (Innovation in den Hochschulen: Nachhaltige Entwickliung; vol. 8)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  47. Published

    Ethik und Nachhaltigkeit. Grundsatzfragen und Handlungsperspektiven im universitären Agendaprozess. Gefälligkeitsübersetzung

    Altner, G. (Editor) & Michelsen, G. (Editor), 2001, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag für Akademische Schriften. 386 p. (Innovation in den Hochschulen: Nachhaltige Entwickliung; vol. 5)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  48. Published

    The feasibility of using Apple's ResearchKit for recruitment and data collection: Considerations for mental health research

    Bührmann, L., Van Daele, T., Rinn, A., De Witte, N. A. J., Lehr, D., Aardoom, J. J., Loheide-Niesmann, L., Smit, J. & Riper, H., 01.11.2022, In: Frontiers in Digital Health. 4, 12 p., 978749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    船舶生物污垢引发的外来物种入侵现象及法治应对: 以《自然保护法》和《航运法》为视角

    Schatz, V. J., Lu, C. (Translator) & Zhu, G. (Translator), 2022, 生态文明与环境法治: 国别区域生态文明环境法治动态. Zhang, H. & Shen, Z. (eds.). Shanghai: Shanghai People‘s Publishing House, p. 135-155 21 p.

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

  50. Published

    The relationship between values and knowledge in visioning for landscape management: relevance for a collaborative approach

    Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Zaman, S., Filyushkina, A., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A. & Raymond, C. M., 2022, In: Ecosystems and People. 18, 1, p. 498-513 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review