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. 2025
  2. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. 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 contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  6. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  11. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. 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 contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  19. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. 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/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesTransfer

  28. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  30. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. 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 contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  36. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published
  38. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    INEQUALITY REDUCES SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION

    Brieger, S., Hörisch, J. & Zhang, X., 07.2025, In: Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings. 2025, 1

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  44. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. 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 contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  46. 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 contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  47. 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 publicationsArticles in scientific forums or blogsResearchpeer-review

  48. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. 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 anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  51. 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 contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

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