School of Sustainability
Organisational unit: Research School
- Centre for Sustainability Management (CSM)
- Institute of Ecology
- Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research
- Institute of Sustainability Governance
- Institute of Sustainability Material Flows and Circularity
- Institute of Sustainability Psychology
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry
- Social-Ecological Systems Institute (SESI)
- Sustainability Education and Transdisciplinary Research Institute
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.
- 2025
- Published
Locked in a fossil-centric system paradigm: LNG expansion impedes socio-ecological transition toward a just and renewable energy future
Kemfert, C., Präger, F., Hoffart, F. M. & von Hirschhausen, C., 22.08.2025, In: Cell Reports Sustainability. 2, 8, 11 p., 100464.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Scaling-Up Behavior Settings: An Ecological Approach to Cognitive Institutions
Bammel, M. & Sanches de Oliveira, G., 22.08.2025, In: Topoi.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Whole-school sustainability at the core of quality education: Wished for by principals but requiring collective and structural action
Holst, J., Brock, A., Grund, J., Schlieszus, A. K. & Singer-Brodowski, M., 10.08.2025, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 519, 11 p., 145897.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Brazil's dangerous environmental licensing bill
Weidlich, E. W. A., 07.08.2025, In: Science (New York, N.Y.). 389, 6760, p. 583-584 2 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Comments / Debate / Reports › Research
- Published
Multilayer Material System Analysis of wind turbines: correlation of stocks and flows in the EU of six metals and two drivetrain technologies
Godoy León, M. F., Balsells Llort, C., Demuytere, C., Bobba, S., Tazi, N. & Dewulf, J., 01.08.2025, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 518, 15 p., 145794.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Artificial intelligence in sustainable development research
Gohr, C., Rodríguez Aboytes, J. G., Belomestnykh, S., Berg-Moelleken, D., Chauhan, N., Engler, J.-O., von Heydebreck, L., Hintz, M. J., Kretschmer, M.-F., Krügermeier, C., Meinberg, J., Rau, A.-L., Schwenck, C., Aoulkadi, I., Poll, S., Frank, E., Creutzig, F., Lemke, O., Maushart, M., Pfendtner-Heise, J., Rathgens, J. & von Wehrden, H., 08.2025, In: Nature Sustainability. 8, 8, p. 970-978 9 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Contributions of Net-Map to sustainability action research
Cortés-Calderón, S. V., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Jiménez-Aceituno, A., Castro, A. J. & Mancilla-García, M., 08.2025, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 75, 101542.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Design principles for social-ecological research at the landscape scale applied to western Rwanda
Baumann, M., Duguma, D., Vögele, S., Wollni, M., Sun, P., Ndayizeye, G. & Fischer, J., 08.2025, In: PLoS ONE. 20, 8, 11 p., e0330704.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Ecological assessment of forest management approaches to develop resilient forests in the face of global change in Central Europe
Huth, F., Tischer, A., Nikolova, P., Feldhaar, H., Wehnert, A., Hülsmann, L., Bauhus, J., Heer, K., Vogt, J., Ammer, C., Berger, U., Bernhardt-Römermann, M., Böhme, M., Bugmann, H., Demant, L., Buse, J., Dörfler, I., Ewald, J., Feldmann, E., Fichtner, A., Gossner, M. M., Grams, T. E. E., Häberle, K.-H., Hagge, J., Hartmann, H., Herzog, S., Kahmen, A., Kohnle, U., Krabel, D., Krämer-Klement, K., Kreyling, J., Manthey, M., Mellert, K., Meyer, P., Mölder, A., Muffler-Weigel, L., Ohse, B., Opgenoorth, L., Rewald, B., Rothe, A., Ruehr, N., Scharnweber, T., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Schmeddes, J., Schmerbeck, J., Schmidt, M., Seidel, D., Thomas, F. M., Tiebel, M., von Oheimb, G., Wagner, S., Weigel, R., Wilmking, M., Zang, C. & Schuldt, B., 08.2025, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 86, p. 66-100 35 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Framing the relationship between justice and ecosystem services: A systematic review
Locatelli, B., Benra, F., Geneletti, D., Loft, L., Loos, J., Schröter, B., Winkler, K. & Zoderer, B. M., 08.2025, In: Ecosystem Services. 74, 14 p., 101755.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
How to Assess Knowledge Cumulation in Environmental Governance Research? Conceptual and Empirical Explorations
Newig, J. & Rose, M., 08.2025, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 35, 4, p. 662-681 20 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Inclusive transdisciplinarity: Embracing diverse ways of being and knowing through inner work
Manuel-Navarrete, D., Grauer, C., Brundiers, K., Chilisa, B., Bin Zanusi, Z. A., Seidel, T., Tolksdorf, F. & Lang, D. J., 08.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 3, 18 p., 22.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Limited carbon sequestration potential from global ecosystem restoration
Tölgyesi, C., Csikós, N., Temperton, V. M., Buisson, E., Silveira, F. A. O., Lehmann, C. E. R., Török, P., Bátori, Z. & Bede-Fazekas, Á., 08.2025, In: Nature Geoscience. 18, 8, p. 761-768 8 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Quantification of phototrophically grown Galdieria sulphuraria and other microalgae using diphenylamine
Hashe, L., Masudi, W. L., Chiyanzu, I., Schönfelder, S., Pleissner, D. & Cowan, A. K., 08.2025, In: Journal of Applied Phycology. 37, 4, p. 2329-2338 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Senses of place and mobilities nexus - a scoping literature review
Kołodyńska, I., Gottwald, S., Jakóbiak, A., Otto, J., Morawska, W. & Raymond, C. M., 08.2025, In: Journal of Environmental Psychology. 105, 13 p., 102658.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Soil carbon sequestration: Facilitated effect of extrafloral nectary trees in a diverse subtropical forest
Pan, Y., Liu, X., Staab, M. & Zhang, N., 08.2025, In: Journal of Ecology. 113, 8, p. 2199-2219 21 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Sustainability—Special Issue “Resources and Waste Management”
Friege, H., Raatz, S. & Lou, Z., 08.2025, In: Sustainability (Switzerland). 17, 16, 2 p., 7369.Research output: Journal contributions › Other (editorial matter etc.) › Research
- Published
Sustainability Strategies: What's in a Name? A Conceptual Restatement of Fundamental Mechanisms Toward Sustainability
Hartmann, E., 08.2025, In: Sustainable Development. 33, 4, p. 5983-5997 15 p., sd.3443.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
System capacities and implementation challenges in Germany's electric vehicle policy mix: an actor-centered review of the policy mix
Gathen, L., Upham, P. & Newig, J., 08.2025, In: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 218, 12 p., 115787.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tall stature and small leaves: ecological strategies that enhance tree growth across the subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Bordin, K. M., Cianciaruso, M. V., Duarte, L. D. S., Bergamin, R. S., Klipel, J., Picolotto, R. C., Morales, D. D. C., Higuchi, P., Silva, A. C. D., Capellesso, E. S., Marques, M. C. M. & Müller, S. C., 08.2025, In: Oikos. 2025, 8, 11 p., e11235.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tree diversity, tree growth, and microclimate independently structure Lepidoptera herbivore community stability
Wang, M. Q., Albert, G., Chesters, D., Bruelheide, H., Li, Y., Chen, J. T., Haider, S., Li, S., von Oheimb, G., Proß, T., Schnabel, F., Yang, B., Zhou, Q. S., Ma, K., Liu, X., Zhu, C. D., Luo, A. & Schuldt, A., 08.2025, In: Ecological Monographs. 95, 3, 22 p., e70026.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Using causal loop diagrams to see the “big picture” and embrace complexity in human-wildlife coexistence governance
Kansky, R., Riechers, M. & Fischer, J., 08.2025, In: Biological Conservation. 308, 13 p., 111198.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Variable social-ecological indicators across a Tanzanian protected area network
Vallin, J., Raycraft, J., Bettermann, D., Kioko, J., Kissui, B. M., Koester, S., Lindsay, K., Ole, E. M., Ramirez, E., Spizuco, B., Loos, J. & Kiffner, C., 08.2025, In: Biological Conservation. 308, 25 p., 111214.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Weaving values, knowledge and context to care for human–nature relationships in protected areas
Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., van Riper, C. J., Andrade, R., Raymond, C. M., Goodson, D. J., Keller, R. & Plieninger, T., 08.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 8, p. 1952-1971 20 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
With or against the river? Tracing changes and relationships between social and ecological systems on the central Vistula floodplain over the last 200 years
Sobechowicz, Ł., Obremska, M., Brykała, D., Ćwiek-Rogalska, K., Gąsiorowski, M., Konopski, M., Łotysz, S., Mulczyk, A., Samojlik, T., Siwek, W. A., Słowiński, M., Szewczyk, K., Stadnicka, M., Targowski, M., Theuerkauf, M., Wolski, J. & Związek, T., 08.2025, In: Anthropocene Review. 12, 2, p. 302-326 25 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Nachhaltigkeit in Kommunen – von einer reinen Managementaufgabe zum ganzheitlichen Ansatz
Heinrichs, H., Groß, M., Haubner, O., Riedel, H., Rinawi-Molnar, N. & Scheller, H., 29.07.2025, Zukunft Stadt: Die globale und lokale Bedeutung von SDG 11: Wie die sozialökologische Transformation in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft gelingen kann. Handlungsempfehlungen – Chancen – Entwicklungen. 1 ed. Heidelberg: Springer Gabler, p. 93-132 139 p. (SDG - Forschung, Konzepte, Lösungsansätze zur Nachhaltigkeit).Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Transfer
- E-pub ahead of print
Does participatory governance help address long-term environmental problems? Conceptualization and evidence from 23 democracies
Rose, M., Newig, J. & Jager, N. W., 21.07.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Policy Studies. p. 1-25 25 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Integrating sufficiency in the trade and biodiversity agenda of the European Union
Roux, N., Coenen, J., Fleischmann, B., Cotta, B., Dorninger, C., Erb, K. H., Haberl, H., Kaufmann, L., Mayer, A. & Newig, J., 18.07.2025, In: One Earth. 8, 7, 17 p., 101347.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Within-individual leaf trait response to local light availability and biodiversity in a subtropical forest experiment
Proß, T., Bruelheide, H. & Haider, S., 18.07.2025, In: Ecology. 106, 7, 17 p., e70160.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- E-pub ahead of print
Why context matters: Understanding transdisciplinary research through the lens of nine context factors
Tolksdorf, F., Jimenez-Aceituno, A., Frölich, N. M., Amoah, N. A. B., Grauer, C., Baird, J., Ballnat, C., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., König, B., Pedersen, R. L., Costa, M. M., Manuel-Navarrete, D., Martin, D. A., McGlynn, B., Mehring, M., Mühlthaler, S., Schneider, F., Singer-Brodowski, M., Vilalba, L., Weiser, A. & Lang, D. J., 12.07.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Innovation - The European Journal of Social Science Research. 37 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Improving forest ecosystem functions by optimizing tree species spatial arrangement
Beugnon, R., Albert, G., Hähn, G., Yu, W., Haider, S., Hättenschwiler, S., Davrinche, A., Rosenbaum, B., Gauzens, B. & Eisenhauer, N., 09.07.2025, In: Nature Communications. 16, 1, 10 p., 6286.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Wissenschaftsorganisationen als Impulsgeber einer Nachhaltigkeitstransformation
Nölting, B., Kopfmüller, J., Zimmermann, A. B., Bernert, P., Barth, M., Becker, S., Fischer, D., Molitor, H., Pechlaner, H., Schneider, F., Schweizer, P. J., Stamm, C., Wäger, P. & Wilhelm, R., 05.07.2025, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 34, 2, p. 83-87 5 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Effectiveness of an integrated platform-based intervention for promoting psychosocial safety climate and mental health in nursing staff: A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial
Boß, L., Ross, J., Reis, D., Pischel, S., Mallwitz, T., Brückner, H., Tanner, G., Nissen, H., Kalon, L., Schümann, M., Lennefer, T., Janneck, M., Felfe, J., Ducki, A. & Lehr, D., 01.07.2025, In: International Journal of Nursing Studies. 167, 14 p., 105076.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Gute Betreuung, faire Bewertungen und angemessene Arbeitsbedingungen ermoglichen exzellente Promotionen in der Psychologie: Kommentar der Jungmitgliedervertretung der DGPs zum Positionspapier
Sperl, M. F. J., Attig, C., Baumgartner, L., Behlau, C., Bergmann, B., Bienefeld, M., Biller, A. M., Brandt, N. D., Buhler, J. L., Frauhammer, L. T., Frick, S., Friehs, M. T., Frischen, U., Handke, L., Hartmann, H., Hosterey, S., Hutmacher, F., Iffland, J. A., Irmer, J. P., Kause, A., Kern, M., Koller, J. E., Mischkowski, D., Musculus, L., Neef, N. E., Neuendorf, C., Nishen, A. K., Possler, D., Ritter, R., Rohr, M., Schmidt, V., Schwartz, B., Sensoy, O., Szota, K., Voormann, A. & Wendt, A. N., 01.07.2025, In: Psychologische Rundschau. 76, 3, p. 196-199 4 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Comments / Debate / Reports › Research
- Published
The multifaceted spectra of power − A participatory network analysis on power structures in diverse dryland regions
Olofsson, V., Garcia, M. M., Castro, A. J., Calderón, S. C., Diallo, A. H., Aceituno, A. J., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Gonzalez, T. S., Silvino, A. S. & Aguiar, A. P., 01.07.2025, In: Global Environmental Change. 92, 12 p., 102984.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Unveiling disparities between planned and perceived equity arrangements in protected area co-governance: Evidence from the North Luangwa Ecosystem in Zambia
Kachali, R. N. & Loos, J., 01.07.2025, In: Environmental Science and Policy. 169, 9 p., 104068.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Assessment of the transformative potential of interventions in addressing coastal and marine plastic pollution in Norway: A literature review
Amirova, N., Riechers, M. & Richter, I., 07.2025, In: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation. 4, 7, 21 p., e0000186.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Disabling barriers—Coping with accessibility of nature in Biosphere Reserves
Winkler, K. J., Kosanic, A. & Martín-López, B., 07.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 7, p. 1483-1490 8 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Engaging with justice in integrated landscape approaches
Zafra-Calvo, N., Altmann, B. A., Chowdhury, K., Cortés-Capano, G., Flinzberger, L., Heindorf, C., Huber, J., Jay, M., Kmoch, L. M., Polas, A. B., Svobodova, K., Thapa, P. & Plieninger, T., 07.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 3, 30 p., 6.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Enhancing the transformative potential of sustainability innovations: An application of the values-rules-knowledge framework
Dabard, C. H., Mann, C. & Martín-López, B., 07.2025, In: Ambio. 54, 7, p. 1250-1266 17 p., 102273.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Foliar Endophytic Fungal Communities Are Driven by Leaf Traits—Evidence From a Temperate Tree Diversity Experiment
Köhler, M., Castro Sánchez-Bermejo, P., Hähn, G., Ferlian, O., Eisenhauer, N., Wubet, T., Haider, S. & Bruelheide, H., 07.2025, In: Ecology and Evolution. 15, 7, 15 p., e71691.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
INEQUALITY REDUCES SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION
Brieger, S., Hörisch, J. & Zhang, X., 07.2025, In: Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings. 2025, 1Research output: Journal contributions › Conference article in journal › Research › peer-review
- Published
Perceptions of nature and its non-material contributions to people at Mount Kilimanjaro
Degano, M. E., Augustino Kwaslema, S., Böhning-Gaese, K., Hemp, A., Lehnen, L., Martín-López, B., Pearson, J., Mueller, T. & Arbieu, U., 07.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 7, p. 1697-1712 16 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
We have to talk! Claims of early career researchers to transform circular economy research
Beyeler, L., Eimterbäumer, M., Jürgens, M., Böckel, A., Schoch, K., Bichler, R. M., Straub-Mück, M., Molnár, M. & Jaeger-Erben, M., 07.2025, In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 221, 3 p., 108423.Research output: Journal contributions › Comments / Debate / Reports › Research
- Published
Socio-demographic influences on environmental entrepreneurship: a systematic review
Hörisch, J., Fokuhl, M., Behrens, I., Hörnstein, M. C. & Lehmann, U., 24.06.2025, In: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing. 17, 1, p. 88-116 29 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
Alle für eine*n? Bündnisfälle im EUV und Nordatlantikvertrag
Bartmann, E. & Jacobs, C., 19.06.2025, Junge Wissenschaft im Öffentlichen Recht e.V.Research output: other publications › Articles in scientific forums or blogs › Research › peer-review
- Published
Indigenous and Local Communities' initiatives have transformative potential to guide shifts toward sustainability in South America
Jimenez-Aceituno, A., Burgos-Ayala, A., Cepeda-Rodriguez, E., Lam, D. P. M. & Martin-Lopez, B., 19.06.2025, In: Communications Earth & Environment. 6, 1, 9 p., 481.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Efficacy of a Web-Based Stress Management Intervention for Beginning Teachers on Reducing Stress and Mechanisms of Change: Randomized Controlled Trial
Heckendorf, H. & Lehr, D., 16.06.2025, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 27, 28 p., e58475.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
European Yearbook of International Economic Law 2024
Bäumler, J. (Editor), Binder, C. (Editor), Bungenberg, M. (Editor), Krajewski, M. (Editor), Rühl, G. (Editor), Tams, C. J. (Editor), Terhechte, J. (Editor) & Ziegler, A. R. (Editor), 10.06.2025, Cham: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland. 448 p. (European Yearbook of International Economic Law; vol. 11)Research output: Books and anthologies › Collected editions and anthologies › Research
- Published
Dynamics of the polycrisis: Temporal trends, spatial distribution and co-occurrences of national shocks (1970-2019)
Delannoy, L., Verzier, A., Bastien-Olvera, B. A., Benra, F., Nyström, M. & Jørgensen, P. S., 09.06.2025, In: Global Sustainability. 8, 32 p., e24.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
