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. 2023
  2. Published

    Akzeptanz und Nutzung von E-Mental-Health-Angeboten unter Studierenden: Sekundäranalyse eines Experiments

    Apolinário-Hagen, J., Harrer, M., Salewski, C., Lehr, D. & Ebert, D. D., 01.05.2023, In: Pravention und Gesundheitsforderung. 18, 2, p. 196-203 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Distinguishing between struggling and skilled readers based on their prosodic speech patterns in oral reading: An exploratory study in grades 2 and 4

    Karageorgos, P., Wallot, S., Müller, B., Schindler, J. & Richter, T., 01.05.2023, In: Acta Psychologica. 235, 11 p., 103892.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    If you call for frameworks in sustainability management... editorial to the special issue

    Hörisch, J., Schaltegger, S., Weissbrod, I. & Schreck, P., 01.05.2023, In: Journal of Business Economics : JBE. 93, 4, p. 559-566 8 p.

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

  5. Published

    Modernizing persistence–bioaccumulation–toxicity (PBT) assessment with high throughput animal-free methods

    Escher, B. I., Altenburger, R., Blüher, M., Colbourne, J. K., Ebinghaus, R., Fantke, P., Hein, M., Köck, W., Kümmerer, K., Leipold, S., Li, X., Scheringer, M., Scholz, S., Schloter, M., Schweizer, P. J., Tal, T., Tetko, I., Traidl-Hoffmann, C., Wick, L. Y. & Fenner, K., 01.05.2023, In: Archives of Toxicology. 97, 5, p. 1267-1283 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Nine Degrees of Uncertainty in Negotiations

    Schauer, M., Majer, J. M. & Trötschel, R., 01.05.2023, In: Negotiation Journal. 39, 2, p. 207-228 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen der Verklappung von Ladungsrückständen fester Massengüter durch Seeschiffe

    Schatz, V. & Wanner, L., 01.05.2023, In: Natur und Recht. 45, 5, p. 306-314 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  8. Published

    Toward a pluralistic conservation science

    Cumming, G. S., Davies, Z. G., Fischer, J. & Hajjar, R., 01.05.2023, In: Conservation Letters. 16, 3, 8 p., e12952.

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

  9. Published

    Traits of dominant plant species drive normalized difference vegetation index in grasslands globally

    Engel, T., Bruelheide, H., Hoss, D., Sabatini, F. M., Altman, J., Arfin-Khan, M. A. S., Bergmeier, E., Černý, T., Chytrý, M., Dainese, M., Dengler, J., Dolezal, J., Field, R., Fischer, F. M., Huygens, D., Jandt, U., Jansen, F., Jentsch, A., Karger, D. N., Kattge, J., Lenoir, J., Lens, F., Loos, J., Niinemets, Ü., Overbeck, G. E., Ozinga, W. A., Penuelas, J., Peyre, G., Phillips, O., Reich, P. B., Römermann, C., Sandel, B., Schmidt, M., Schrodt, F., Velez-Martin, E., Violle, C. & Pillar, V., 01.05.2023, In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. 32, 5, p. 695-706 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Was Naturwissenschaftsdidaktiken und Religionspädagogik voneinander über Inklusion lernen können

    Abels, S. & Witten, U., 01.05.2023, In: Zeitschrift für Inklusion. 2, 716.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  11. Published

    A leverage points perspective on Arctic Indigenous food systems research: a systematic review

    Zimmermann, S., Dermody, B. J., Theunissen, B., Wassen, M. J., Divine, L. M., Padula, V. M., von Wehrden, H. & Dorresteijn, I., 05.2023, In: Sustainability Science. 18, 3, p. 1481-1500 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  12. Published

    Practical wisdom and virtue ethics for knowledge co-production in sustainability science

    Caniglia, G., Freeth, R., Lüderitz, C., Leventon, J., West, S. P., John, B., Peukert, D., Lang, D. J., von Wehrden, H., Martín-López, B., Fazey, I., Russo, F., von Wirth, T., Schlüter, M. & Vogel, C., 05.2023, In: Nature Sustainability. 6, 5, p. 493-501 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Spatial predictions for the distribution of woody plant species under different land-use scenarios in southwestern Ethiopia

    Duguma, D. W., Law, E., Shumi, G., Rodrigues, P., Senbeta, F., Schultner, J., Abson, D. J. & Fischer, J., 05.2023, In: Landscape Ecology. 38, 5, p. 1249-1263 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Special issue: Frameworks for Sustainability Management

    Hörisch, J. (Editor), Schaltegger, S. (Editor), Weissbrod, I. (Editor) & Schreck, P. (Editor), 05.2023, Berlin: Springer Verlag. (Journal of Business Economics; vol. 93, no. 4)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  15. 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

  16. Published

    Toward holistic corporate sustainability-Developing employees' action competence for sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises through training

    Schroeder, S., Wiek, A., Farny, S. & Luthardt, P., 05.2023, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 32, 4, p. 1650-1669 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Using the three horizons approach to explore pathways towards positive futures for agricultural landscapes with rich biodiversity

    Schaal, T., Mitchell, M., Scheele, B. C., Ryan, P. & Hanspach, J., 05.2023, In: Sustainability Science. 18, 3, p. 1271-1289 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Visualizing stakeholders’ willingness for collective action in participatory scenario planning

    López-Rodríguez, M. D., Oteros-Rozas, E., Ruiz-Mallén, I., March, H., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Heras, M., Cebrián-Piqueras, M. A., Andrade, R., Lo, V. B. P. G. & Piñeiro, C., 05.2023, In: Ecology and Society. 28, 2, 23 p., 5.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Critical political economy of taxation

    Lierse, H., 21.04.2023, Handbook on Critical Political Economy and Public Policy. Scherrer, C., Garcia, A. & Wullweber, J. (eds.). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 327-340 14 p. (Handbooks of research on public policy).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  20. Published

    Straw amendment and nitrification inhibitor controlling N losses and immobilization in a soil cooling-warming experiment

    Chen, H., Rosinger, C., Blagodatsky, S., Reichel, R., Li, B., Kumar, A., Rothardt, S., Luo, J., Brüggemann, N., Kage, H. & Bonkowski, M., 20.04.2023, In: Science of the Total Environment. 870, 11 p., 162007.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  21. Published

    Digitalization, new media, and education for sustainable development

    Keller, L. (Editor), Michelsen, G. (Editor), Dür, M. (Editor), Bachri, S. (Editor) & Zint, M. (Editor), 17.04.2023, IGI Global Publishing. 328 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  22. Published

    Theoretical Reflections on Education for Sustainable Development and Digital Technologies

    Stoltenberg, U. & Michelsen, G., 17.04.2023, Digitalization, New Media, and Education for Sustainable Development. Keller, L., Michelsen, G., Dür, M., Bachri, S. & Zint, M. (eds.). IGI Global Publishing, p. 1-13 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  23. Published

    Bedeutung des Grünlandes für das Klima: Hohe Albedo, Resilienz und Langzeitkohlenstoffspeicherung

    Temperton, V., 15.04.2023, Warnsignal Klima: Hilft Technik gegen die Erderwärmung? Wissenschaftliche Fakten. Lozán, J. L., Graßl, H., Breckle, S.-W., Kasang, D. & Quante, M. (eds.). Hamburg: Wissenschaftliche Auswertungen Verlag, p. 155-161 7 p. (Warnsignal Klima).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  24. Published

    Oxidation Kinetics of Neat Methyl Oleate and as a Blend with Solketal

    Türck, J., Schmitt, F., Anthofer, L., Lichtinger, A., Türck, R., Ruck, W. & Krahl, J., 05.04.2023, In: Energies. 16, 7, 13 p., 3253.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Are Si-C bonds cleaved by microorganisms? A critical review on biodegradation of methylsiloxanes

    Rücker, C., Grabitz, E. & Kümmerer, K., 01.04.2023, In: Chemosphere. 321, 137858.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. 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

  27. Published

    Egalitarian Norm Messaging Increases Human Resources Professionals’ Salary Offers to Women

    Schuster, C., Sparkman, G., Walton, G. M., Alles, A. & Loschelder, D. D., 01.04.2023, In: Journal of Applied Psychology. 108, 4, p. 541-552 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Identification of environmentally biodegradable scaffolds for the benign design of quinolones and related substances

    Suk, M., Lorenz, S. & Kümmerer, K., 01.04.2023, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 31, 100947.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Bridging scenario planning and backcasting: A Q-analysis of divergent stakeholder priorities for future landscapes

    Jiren, T. S., Abson, D. J., Schultner, J., Riechers, M. & Fischer, J., 04.2023, In: People and Nature. 5, 2, p. 572-590 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Einfluss der Erstsprache von Lernenden auf ihre Vorstellungen im Fach Biologie

    Sowinski, R. & Abels, S., 04.2023, Lernen, Lehren und Forschen in einer digital geprägten Welt: Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik. Jahrestagung in Aachen 2022. van Vorst, H. (ed.). Essen: Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, p. 973-976 4 p. (Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik (GDCP); vol. 43).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearch

  31. Published

    Sustainability-oriented technology exploration: managerial values, ambidextrous design, and separation drift

    Hansen, E. G., Wicki, S. & Schaltegger, S., 31.03.2023, Radical Innovation Challenges: Corporate to Climate. Tidd, J. (ed.). World Scientific Europe, p. 351-377 27 p. (Technology Management; vol. 42).

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

  32. Published

    Business Model Innovation for Sustainability

    Lüdeke-Freund, F. & Schaltegger, S., 30.03.2023, Corporate Sustainability: Managing Responsible Business in a Globalised World. Rasche, A., Morsing, M., Moon, J. & Kourula, A. (eds.). Second Edition ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 388-411 24 p.

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

  33. Published

    Steuerpolitik

    Lierse, H. & Seelkopf, L., 30.03.2023, Handbuch Policy-Forschung . Wenzelburger, G. & Zohlnhöfer, R. (eds.). 2. ed. Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, p. 507-528 22 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  34. Published

    Wer gewinnt? Steigendes (DNP-)Anspruchsniveau an das Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement

    Schaltegger, S., 28.03.2023, Das Nachhaltigkeitsbuch 2023. Schulze-Hausmann, S. & Bachmann, G. (eds.). Düsseldorf: Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e.V., p. 48-49 2 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherTransfer

  35. Published

    Debating accounting and sustainability: from incompatibility to rapprochement in the pursuit of corporate sustainability

    Baker, M., Gray, R. & Schaltegger, S., 27.03.2023, In: Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 36, 2, p. 591-619 29 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung

    Lehr, D. & Boß, L., 24.03.2023, Digitale Gesundheitsinterventionen: Anwendungen in Therapie und Prävention. Ebert, D. D. & Baumeister, H. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 385-419 35 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  37. Published

    Schlafstörungen

    Lehr, D., Spiegelhalder, K. & Ebert, D. D., 24.03.2023, Digitale Gesundheitsinterventionen: Anwendungen in Therapie und Prävention. Ebert, D. D. & Baumeister, H. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 117-130 14 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  38. Published

    Stressbewältigung

    Lehr, D., Heber, E., Ebert, D. D., Fraunhofer, L. & Großmann, I., 24.03.2023, Digitale Gesundheitsinterventionen: Anwendungen in Therapie und Prävention. Ebert, D. D. & Baumeister, H. (eds.). Springer Verlag, p. 227-246 20 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  39. Published

    Sustainable digitalization – fostering the twin transformation in a transdisciplinary way

    Barth, M., Gossen, M., Lang, D. J. & Santarius, T., 13.03.2023, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 32, Sp1, p. 6-9 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Be(coming) an Ambassador of Transformative Change from the Inside Out

    Konrad, T., 11.03.2023, Educating the Sustainability Leaders of the Future. Filho, W. L., Salvia, A. L., Pallant, E., Choate, B. & Pearce, K. (eds.). Cham: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland, p. 75-93 19 p. (World Sustainability Series).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  41. Published

    Governing landscapes: An agenda for the assessment of grasslands and savannahs

    Eufemia, L., Wawrzynowicz, I., Bonatti, M., Partelow, S., Fischer, J. & Sieber, S., 09.03.2023, In: Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management. 2, 7 p., 1134393.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  42. Published

    Chronological and sedimentological investigations of the Late Pleistocene succession in Osterbylund (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany)

    Thiel, C., Kenzler, M., Stephan, H.-J., Frechen, M., Urban, B. & Sierralta, M., 06.03.2023, In: E&G Quaternary Science Journal. 72, 1, p. 57-72 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Sustainable development through aesthetic expertise? Results and reflection of an experimental case study on arts-science policy intervention.

    Heinrichs, H. & Hoernemann, D., 06.03.2023, In: Visions for Sustainability. 19, p. 125-151 27 p., 7311.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  44. 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

  45. 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

  46. 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

  47. Published

    Meat substitutes: Resource demands and environmental footprints

    Smetana, S., Ristic, D., Pleissner, D., Tuomisto, H. L., Parniakov, O. & Heinz, V., 01.03.2023, In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 190, 12 p., 106831.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    The traditional ecological knowledge conundrum

    Hartel, T., Fischer, J., Shumi, G. & Apollinaire, W., 01.03.2023, In: Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 38, 3, p. 211-214 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  49. 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

  50. Published

    Rent Control, Market Segmentation, and Misallocation: Causal Evidence from a Large-Scale Policy Intervention

    Mense, A., Michelsen, C. & Kholodilin, K. A., 03.2023, In: Journal of Urban Economics. 134, 22 p., 103513.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Reply to: Plant traits alone are good predictors of ecosystem properties when used carefully

    van der Plas, F., Schröder-Georgi, T., Weigelt, A., Barry, K., Meyer, S., Alzate, A., Barnard, R. L., Buchmann, N., de Kroon, H., Ebeling, A., Eisenhauer, N., Engels, C., Fischer, M., Gleixner, G., Hildebrandt, A., Koller-France, E., Leimer, S., Milcu, A., Mommer, L., Niklaus, P. A., Oelmann, Y., Roscher, C., Scherber, C., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Scheu, S., Schmid, B., Schulze, E. D., Temperton, V., Tscharntke, T., Voigt, W., Weisser, W., Wilcke, W. & Wirth, C., 03.2023, In: Nature Ecology and Evolution. 7, 3, p. 335-336 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch