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

    Introduction to ‘Exploring the frontiers: unveiling new horizons in carbon efficient biomass utilization’

    Liu, Z. H., Li, B. Z., Yuan, J. S., Clark, J., Zeidler, V. Z., Laurens, L., Ragauskas, A. J., Coutinho, J. A. P. & Han, B., 02.06.2025, In: Green Chemistry . 27, 24, p. 6922-6924 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  3. Published

    Deregulating to No Avail: How the Omnibus Package Falls Short in Simplifying Key EU Green Deal Instruments

    Bertram, A., 01.06.2025, In: Intereconomics. 60, 3, p. 170-175 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  4. Published

    Human-wildlife conflict in Rwanda: Linking ecoregion, changing conservation status and the local communities’ perception

    Sun, P., Bariyanga, J. D. & Wronski, T., 01.06.2025, In: Global Ecology and Conservation. 59, 17 p., e03550.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Mapping the intersection of planetary boundaries and environmentally extended input-output analysis: A systematic literature review

    León, M. F. G., Bankert, A., Becerra, D. T. & Abson, D. J., 01.06.2025, In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. 56, p. 546-560 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  6. Published

    Beyond the Trail—Understanding Non-Native Plant Invasions in Mountain Ecosystems

    Barros, A., Fuentes Lillo, E., Aschero, V., Pauchard, A., Alvarez, M. A., Wedegärtner, R., Clavel, J., Müllerová, J., Pergl, J., Zong, S., Vítková, M., Klinerová, T., Cavieres, L. A., Larson, C., Rew, L. J., Seipel, T., Meffre, C., Arellano, T., Essl, F., Dullinger, S., Gwate, O., Clark, V. R., Achermann, M., Haider, S. & Lembrechts, J. J., 06.2025, In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. 34, 6, 14 p., e70060.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Changing the decision context to enable social learning for climate adaptation

    Colloff, M. J., Gorddard, R., Munera-Roldán, C., Locatelli, B., Lavorel, S., Allain, S., Bruley, E., Butler, J. R. A., Dubo, T., Enokenwa Baa, O., González-García, A., Lécuyer, L., Lo, M., Loos, J., Palomo, I., Topp, E., Vallet, A. & Walters, G., 06.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 6, p. 1425-1442 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    Discussion on the validity of commonly used reliability indices in sports medicine and exercise science: a critical review with data simulations

    Warneke, K., Gronwald, T., Wallot, S., Magno, A., Hillebrecht, M. & Wirth, K., 06.2025, In: European Journal of Applied Physiology. 125, 6, p. 1511-1526 16 p., e0216065.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. Published

    Sensemaking and abductive reasoning for transformative biodiversity conservation

    Cortés-Capano, G., Loos, J., Hausmann, A. & Kortetmäki, T., 06.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 6, p. 1296-1308 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  10. Published

    Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversity across tree communities in subtropical Atlantic forests

    Freitag Kramer, J. M., Bordin, K. M., Bergamin, R. S., Klipel, J., Picolotto, R. C., Zanini, K. J., Zwiener, V. P. & Müller, S. C., 06.2025, In: Oikos. 2025, 6, 15 p., e10961.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    The Challenge of Introducing Sustainability-Oriented Innovation—An Ethnographic Study

    Śliwińska, I., Beńko, P., Breuer, H., Ciesielska, M., Ivanov, K., Kasz, J. & Matras-Postołek, K., 06.2025, In: Sustainable Development. 33, 3, p. 4191-4203 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Welcome home! Introducing SocSES: a society for inclusive and impactful social-ecological research

    de Vos, A., Quinlan, A., Biggs, R., Bennett, E. M., Martín-López, B., Norström, A. V., Peterson, G. D., Schoon, M., Allen, C. R., Andersson, E., Baird, J., Berbés-Blázquez, M., Berkes, F., Calderon-Contreras, R., Carpenter, S. R., Castro, A. J., Cumming, G. S., Falardeau, M., Liebrecht Fick, W., Folke, C., Galang, E. I. N. E., Gelcich, S., Gordon, L. J., Grimm, N. B., Hamilton, J., Hodbod, J., Speranza, C. I., Koch, L., Kosanic, A., Lembi, R., Locatelli, B., Malmborg, K., Manyani, A., Mathisonslee, M., Ocampo-Melgar, A., Psiuk, K., Queiroz, C., Riechers, M., Schultz, L., Selomane, O., Sherren, K., Spierenburg, M., Trimble, M., Turkelboom, F. & Wallington, C., 06.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 2, 32.

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

  13. E-pub ahead of print

    Does the relationship between sustainable human resource management and organizational identification vary by culture? Evidence from 35 countries based on GLOBE framework

    Author Collaboration of "Does the relationship between sustainable human resource management and organizational identification vary by culture? Evidence from 35 countries based on GLOBE framework", 29.05.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Central European Management Journal.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Inquiry-based learning as an approach to realize inclusive science education

    Hofer, E. & Abels, S., 29.05.2025, Innovative Teaching and Classroom Processes: Research Perspectives from Germany and China. Ehmke, T. & Chi-Kin Lee, J. (eds.). Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 74-87 14 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  15. Published

    Empirically Informed, Idiographic Networks of Concordant and Discordant Motives: An Experience Sampling Study With Network Analysis in Non-Clinical Participants

    Lüdtke, T., Steiner, F., Berger, T. & Westermann, S., 28.05.2025, In: Clinical Psychology in Europe. 7, 2, 21 p., e12305.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Utilization of acid whey and oat pomace in succinic acid fermentation

    Kleps, C., Malchow, R., Ettinger, J., Dalichow, J., Schneider, R., Venus, J. & Pleissner, D., 25.05.2025, In: New Biotechnology. 86, p. 31-38 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. E-pub ahead of print

    Polycrisis patterns: applying system archetypes to crisis interactions

    Collste, D., Apetrei, C. I., Booth Sweeney, L., Boucher, J. L., Goh, J. C. L., Hamant, O., Mandl, C. E., Martin Mehers, G. S., Oda, R. & De Vries, B. J. M., 20.05.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Global Sustainability. 8, 11 p., e17.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  18. Published

    Home ranges of Sand Lizards, Lacerta agilis (Squamata: Sauria: Lacertidae), along railway tracks

    Janssen, A., Staab, M. & Rödel, M.-O., 15.05.2025, In: Salamandra. 61, 2, p. 240-255 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Between the lines: linking carbon management to carbon accounting actions in the pursuit of corporate decarbonization

    Johnson, M. P., Strobel, J. & Trencher, G., 13.05.2025, In: Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 38, 4, p. 1121-1148 28 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Efficacy of a Self-Guided Internet Intervention With Optional On-Demand Feedback Versus Digital Psychoeducation on Sleep Hygiene for University Students With Insomnia: Randomized Controlled Trial

    Zarski, A. C., Bernstein, K., Baumeister, H., Lehr, D., Wernicke, S., Küchler, A. M., Kählke, F., Spiegelhalder, K. & Ebert, D. D., 08.05.2025, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 27, e58024.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Digital Health Literacy of Children and Adolescents and Its Association With Sociodemographic Factors: Representative Study Findings From Germany

    Stauch, L., Renninger, D., Rangnow, P., Hartmann, A., Fischer, L., Dadaczynski, K. & Okan, O., 05.05.2025, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 27, 15 p., e69170.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    43. Decoding Spontaneous Thoughts From Brain Resting-State fMRI: Toward Understanding Rumination

    Dekker, R., Nakamura, A. T., Lins, A. M., Bammel, M., Huys, Q., Schuck, N. W. & Cai, M. B., 01.05.2025, In: Biological Psychiatry. 97, 9, Supplement, p. S112-S113 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearch

  23. Published

    Assessment of genetic diversity among seed transfer zones for multiple grassland plant species across Germany

    Durka, W., Michalski, S. G., Höfner, J., Bucharova, A., Kolář, F., Müller, C. M., Oberprieler, C., Šemberová, K., Bauer, M., Bernt, M., Bleeker, W., Brändel, S., Bucher, S. F., Eibes, P. M., Ewald, M., Goldberg, R., Grant, K., Haider, S., Harpke, A., Haun, F., Kaufmann, R., Korell, L., Kunzmann, D., Lauterbach, D., Leib, S., Lenzewski, N., Loritz, H., Madaj, A. M., Mainz, A. K., Meinecke, P., Mertens, H., Meyer, M. H., Musche, M., Ristow, M., Rosche, C., Roscher, C., Rutte, D., Schacherer, A., Schmidt, W., Schmoldt, J., Schneider, S., Schwarz, J. H., Skowronek, S., Socher, S. A., Stanik, N., Twerski, A., Weiß, K., Weiß, M., Wille, A., Zehm, A. & Zidorn, C., 01.05.2025, In: Basic and Applied Ecology. 84, p. 50-60 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Canopy functional trait variation across Earth’s tropical forests

    Author collaboration for "Canopy functional trait variation across Earth’s tropical forests", Aguirre-Gutiérrez, J., Rifai, S. W., Deng, X., ter Steege, H., Thomson, E., Corral-Rivas, J. J. & Klipel, J., 01.05.2025, In: Nature. 641, 8061, p. 129-136 8 p., 16024.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    The global distribution of authorship in economics journals

    Aigner, E., Greenspon, J. & Rodrik, D., 01.05.2025, In: World Development. 189, 18 p., 106926.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Biodiversity on old permanent versus restored grassland is driven by small-scale land-use intensity and habitat connectivity

    Ernst, L. M., Thiele, J., Dieker, P., Temperton, V. M. & Dauber, J., 05.2025, In: Restoration Ecology. 33, 4, 15 p., e70029.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Development and Validation of the German Climate Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (GCAS-A)

    Voltmer, K. & Harloff, L., 05.2025, In: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie. 74, 4, p. 350-370 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Förderung von Mehrwegverpackungssystemen zur Verringerung des Verpackungsverbrauchs: Mögliche Maßnahmen zur Etablierung, Verbreitung und Optimierung von Mehrwegsystemen

    Rödig, L., Jepsen, D., Falkenstein, A., Zimmermann, T., Hauschke, F., Cayé, N., Schüler, K., Burger, A., Schomerus, T., Jacobj, H., Heckel, F., Gödde, J.-P., Seying, N. & Oppermann, A., 05.2025, Dessau-Roßlau: Umweltbundesamt, 338 p. (Texte/Umweltbundesamt; vol. 2025, no. 61).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  29. Published

    Germination changes can restructure communities through priority effects

    Temperton, V. M., 05.2025, In: Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 40, 5, p. 426-427 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  30. Published

    Heterogeneity of demands for nature’s contributions to people and nature’s values by farmers: insights from the Kilimanjaro social-ecological system

    Sanya, J., Gross, M., Mwampamba, T. H., Pearson, J., Sesabo, J. K., Riechers, M., Kinabo, N. R., Krail, V. & Martín-López, B., 05.2025, In: Ecology and Society. 30, 2, 49 p., 25.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Intellectual humility links to metacognitive ability

    Fischer, H., Kause, A. & Huff, M., 05.2025, In: Personality and Individual Differences. 238, 7 p., 113028.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    How, when and why do negotiators use reference points? A qualitative interview study with negotiation practitioners

    Mann, M., Trötschel, R., Warsitzka, M. & Hüffmeier, J., 28.04.2025, In: International Journal of Conflict Management. 36, 3, p. 481-513 33 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Feasibility of online group stress management training compared to web-based individual training for employees—a randomized pilot study

    Boß, L., Hannibal, S. & Lehr, D., 24.04.2025, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 16, 12 p., 1524285.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. E-pub ahead of print

    The Impact of Sample Size on Reliability Metrics Stability in Isokinetic Strength Assessments: Does Size Matter?

    Warneke, K., Keiner, M., Wallot, S., Siegel, S. D., Günther, C., Wirth, K. & Puschkasch-Möck, S., 23.04.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. E-pub ahead of print

    Nonsterile Lactic Acid Production from Pulse Husks

    Krenz, L. M. M. & Pleissner, D., 22.04.2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Waste and Biomass Valorization. 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Assessing the Cultural Fit of a Digital Sleep Intervention for Refugees in Germany: Qualitative Study

    Blomenkamp, M., Kiesel, A., Baumeister, H., Lehr, D., Unterrainer, J., Sander, L. B. & Spanhel, K., 03.04.2025, In: JMIR Formative Research. 9, 15 p., e65412.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Biosphere Reserves as catalysts for sustainability transformations: five strategies to support place-based innovation

    Dabard, C. H., Mann, C. & Martín-López, B., 01.04.2025, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 73, 6 p., 101508.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  38. Published

    Diversity on a small scale: phylogeography of the locally endemic dwarf succulent genus Oophytum (Aizoaceae) in the Knersvlakte of South Africa

    Schmidt, S. A., Schmiedel, U., Carstens, F., Rau, A.-L. & Rudolph-Bartsch, B., 01.04.2025, In: Annals of Botany. 135, 4, p. 735-756 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Green chemistry and sustainable chemistry related to water challenges: Solutions and prospects in a changing climate

    Mahjoub, B., Fersi, C., Bouteffeha, M. & Kümmerer, K., 01.04.2025, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 52, 11 p., 101000.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  40. Published
  41. Published

    Characterising landscape homogenisation: a qualitative approach based on five case studies

    Cortés-Capano, G., Shumi, G., Raatikainen, K. J., Mahdavi-Nezhad, Z. & Loos, J., 04.2025, In: Ecosystems and People. 21, 1, 13 p., 2485282.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Exploring Management Control Systems for Biodiversity: Insights from Three Food Companies

    Hübel, C. & Wenzig, J., 04.2025, In: Social and Environmental Accountability Journal. 45, 1, p. 42-72 31 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Gene flow across large distances in the cavity-nesting wasp Deuteragenia subintermedia in a central European forest

    Ruppert, L. S., Staab, M., Rappa, N. J., Frey, J. & Segelbacher, G., 04.2025, In: Ecology and Evolution. 15, 4, 11 p., e71294.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Horizontal portability: A proposal for representing place-based relational values in research and policy

    Himes, A., Muraca, B., Allen, K., Chapman, M., Coelho-Junior, M. G., Cundill, G., Gould, R. K., Herrmann, T. M., Kenter, J. O., Nakachi, A. A., Nemogá, G. R., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S., Pearson, J., Rono, B., Saito, T., Tadaki, M. & Bonn, A., 04.2025, In: People and Nature. 7, 4, p. 752-764 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  45. Published

    How to promote spider diversity of heathlands: impact of management intensity

    Matevski, D., Temperton, V. M., Walmsley, D., Haerdtle, W., Daniels, J. & Boutaud, E., 04.2025, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 34, p. 1057-1070 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Nutrition-induced changes in the microbiota can cause dysbiosis and disease development

    Lachnit, T., Ulrich, L., Willmer, F. M., Hasenbein, T., Steiner, L. X., Wolters, M., Herbst, E. M. & Deines, P., 04.2025, In: mBio. 16, 4, 18 p., e03843-24.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Policy as normative influence? On the relationship between parental leave policy and social norms in gender division of childcare across 48 countries

    Author Collaboration für "Policy as normative influence?", Schindler, S., Schuster, C., Olsson, M. I. T., Froehlich, L. & Hübner, A. K., 04.2025, In: British Journal of Social Psychology. 64, 2, 24 p., e12806.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals: a scrutiny of urban strategies in the 100 Resilient Cities initiative

    Kochskämper, E., Glass, L.-M., Haupt, W., Malekpour, S. & Grainger-Brown, J., 04.2025, In: Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. 68, 7, p. 1691-1717 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    When Testing Becomes Learning—Underscoring the Relevance of Habituation to Improve Internal Validity of Common Neurocognitive Tests

    Warneke, K., Oraže, M., Plöschberger, G., Herbsleb, M., Afonso, J. & Wallot, S., 04.2025, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 61, 8, 14 p., e70117.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    Advancing green chemistry performance assessment: the Estée Lauder Companies’ continuing journey towards meaningful transparency

    Thompson, E. C., Anastas, P., Bialk, H., D'Alessandro, D., Hoven, V. P., Kedwards, T. J., Liu, Z., Mudring, A. V., Saito, K., Zuin Zeidler, V. & Daher, G., 31.03.2025, In: Green Chemistry . 27, 18, p. 5015-5026 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Creating curricula for competence: Findings from a comparison of three sustainability graduate programs

    Birdman, J. & Lang, D. J., 29.03.2025, North American and European Perspectives on Sustainability in Higher Education.. Filho, W. L., Newman, J., Salvia, A. L., Trevisan, L. V. & Corazza, L. (eds.). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland AG, p. 1173-1188 16 p. (World Sustainability Series; vol. Part F280).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

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