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. 2021
  2. Published

    University-linked programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development: how, and with what impact?

    Wagner, M., Hansen, E., Schaltegger, S. & Fichter, K., 01.02.2021, In: Small Business Economics. 56, 3, p. 1141-1158 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Woody plant species diversity as a predictor of ecosystem services in a social–ecological system of southwestern Ethiopia

    Shumi, G., Rodrigues, P., Hanspach, J., Härdtle, W., Hylander, K., Senbeta, F., Fischer, J. & Schultner, J., 01.02.2021, In: Landscape Ecology. 36, 2, p. 373-391 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    A pluralistic and integrated approach to action-oriented knowledge for sustainability

    Caniglia, G., Lüderitz, C., von Wirth, T., Fazey, I., Martín-López, B., Hondrila, K., König, A., Wehrden, H., Schäpke, N., Laubichler, M. D. & Lang, D. J., 02.2021, In: Nature Sustainability. 4, 2, p. 93-100 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  5. Published

    Efficacy and Moderators of Internet-Based Interventions in Adults with Subthreshold Depression: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    Reins, J. A., Buntrock, C., Zimmermann, J., Grund, S., Harrer, M., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Weisel, K., Domhardt, M., Imamura, K., Kawakami, N., Spek, V., Nobis, S., Snoek, F., Cuijpers, P., Klein, J. P., Moritz, S. & Ebert, D. D., 02.2021, In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 90, 2, p. 94-106 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model

    Kujanpaa, M., Syrek, C., Lehr, D., Kinnunen, U., Reins, J. A. & de Bloom, J., 02.2021, In: Journal of Happiness Studies. 22, 2, p. 681-707 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Business experimentation for sustainability: Emerging perspectives

    Bocken, N. M. P., Weissbrod, I. & Antikainen, M., 25.01.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 281, 6 p., 124904.

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

  8. Published

    The role of semi‐open habitats as dispersal corridors for plant species of woodlands and open habitats

    Travers, E., Pitz, W., Fichtner, A., Matthies, D. & Härdtle, W., 24.01.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 1, 12 p., e12526.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Pushing the Boundaries: Experience-Based Learning in Early Phases of Graduate Sustainability Curricula

    Birdman, J. M., Redman, A. & Lang, D. J., 22.01.2021, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 22, 2, p. 237-253 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Scientists’ Responsibility for Global Futures

    Caniglia, G., Zenk, L., Schernhammer, E., Bertau, M., Steiner, G., Kainz, M., Jaeger, C., Schlosser, P. & Laubichler, M. D., 22.01.2021, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

    Research output: other publicationsArticles in scientific forums or blogsResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Sustainable Entrepreneurship

    Farny, S. & Binder, J., 19.01.2021, World Encyclopedia of Entrepreneurship. Dana, L. P. (ed.). 2 ed. Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 605-611 7 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  12. Published

    A new Parazuphium Jeannel, 1942 species (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from the Zagros Mountains in Iran

    Wrase, D. W. & Assmann, T., 18.01.2021, In: ZooKeys. 2021, 1011, p. 41-49 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published
  14. Published

    Sensory Perception of Non-Deuterated and Deuterated Organic Compounds

    Salthammer, T., Monegel, F., Schulz, N., Uhde, E., Grimme, S., Seibert, J., Hohm, U. & Palm, W. U., 13.01.2021, In: Chemistry - A European Journal. 27, 3, p. 1046-1056 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    A matter of connection: The 4 Cs of learning in pre-service teacher education for sustainability

    Brandt, J. O., Barth, M., Merritt, E. & Hale, A., 10.01.2021, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 279, p. 1-13 13 p., 123749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Governing Transitions towards Sustainable Agriculture - Taking Stock of an Emerging Field of Research

    Melchior, I. C. & Newig, J., 08.01.2021, In: Sustainability. 13, 2, p. 1-27 27 p., 528.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Making education for sustainable development happen in elementary schools: the role of teachers

    Timm, J.-M. & Barth, M., 02.01.2021, In: Environmental Education Research. 27, 1, p. 50-66 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    A Real Chance for the Transatlantic Partnership on Climate Policy

    Kemfert, C., 01.01.2021, In: Intereconomics. 56, 1, p. 20-22 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  19. Published

    Blockchain for the Circular Economy: Analysis of the Research-Practice Gap

    Böckel, A., Nuzum, A.-K. & Weissbrod, I., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. 25, p. 525-539 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  20. Published

    Communicating Sustainable Consumption

    Mandujano, G. G., Vergragt, P. & Fischer, D., 01.01.2021, The Sustainability Communication Reader: A Reflective Compendium. Weder, F., Krainer, L. & Karmasin, M. (eds.). Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, p. 263-279 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  21. Published

    Current practice of assessing students' sustainability competencies: a review of tools

    Redman, A., Wiek, A. & Barth, M., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 1, p. 117-135 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  22. Published

    Developmental plasticity of Brachypodium distachyon in response to P deficiency: Modulation by inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria

    Baudson, C., Delory, B. M., Spaepen, S., du Jardin, P. & Delaplace, P., 01.01.2021, In: Plant Direct. 5, 1, 17 p., e00296.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Environmental Governance of China's Belt and Road Initiative

    Coenen, J., Bager, S., Meyfroidt, P., Newig, J. & Challies, E., 01.01.2021, In: Environmental Policy and Governance. 31, 1, p. 3-17 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Evaluating structural and compositional canopy characteristics to predict the light-demand signature of the forest understorey in mixed, semi-natural temperate forests

    Depauw, L., Perring, M. P., Landuyt, D., Maes, S. L., Blondeel, H., De Lombaerde, E., Brūmelis, G., Brunet, J., Closset-Kopp, D., Decocq, G., Den Ouden, J., Härdtle, W., Hédl, R., Heinken, T., Heinrichs, S., Jaroszewicz, B., Kopecký, M., Liepiņa, I., Macek, M., Máliš, F., Schmidt, W., Smart, S. M., Ujházy, K., Wulf, M. & Verheyen, K., 01.01.2021, In: Applied Vegetation Science. 24, 1, 13 p., e12532.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Farmers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies in South Africa's Western Cape

    Talanow, K., Topp, E., Loos, J. & Martín-López, B., 01.01.2021, In: Journal of Rural Studies. 81, p. 203-219 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Global patterns of ecologically unequal exchange: Implications for sustainability in the 21st century

    Dorninger, C., Hornborg, A., Abson, D., von Wehrden, H., Schaffartzik, A., Giljum, S., Engler, J. O., Feller, R. L., Hubacek, K. & Wieland, H., 01.01.2021, In: Ecological Economics. 179, 14 p., 106824.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Making the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration a Social-Ecological Endeavour

    Fischer, J., Riechers, M., Loos, J., Martín-López, B. & Temperton, V. M., 01.01.2021, In: Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 36, 1, p. 20-28 9 p., 2749.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  28. Published

    Microwave-assisted extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion as green analytical chemistry sample preparation techniques for the valorisation of mango processing waste

    Segatto, M. L., Zanotti, K. & Zuin, V. G., 01.01.2021, In: Current Research in Chemical Biology. 1, 8 p., 100007.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Role of images in constructing public opinion about environmental matters in Malaysia

    Saleh, M. S. M., Heinrichs, H. & Hasan, N. N. N., 01.01.2021, In: International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development. 12, 1, p. 115-130 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Temporal dynamics and ecotoxicological risk assessment of personal care products, phthalate ester plasticizers, and organophosphorus flame retardants in water from Lake Victoria, Uganda

    Nantaba, F., Palm, W. U., Wasswa, J., Bouwman, H., Kylin, H. & Kümmerer, K., 01.01.2021, In: Chemosphere. 262, 11 p., 127716.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    The coronavirus pandemic as an analogy for future sustainability challenges

    Engler, J.-O., Abson, D. & Wehrden, H., 01.01.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 1, p. 317-319 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  32. Published

    The role of social identity in institutional work for sociotechnical transitions: The case of transport infrastructure in Berlin

    Becker, S., Bögel, P. & Upham, P., 01.01.2021, In: Technological Forecasting and Social Change. 162, 11 p., 120385.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    To separate or not to separate: what is necessary and enough for a green and sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds from Brazilian citrus waste

    Zuin, V. G., Ramin, L. Z., Segatto, M. L., Stahl, A. M., Zanotti, K., Forim, M. R., da Silva, M. F. D. G. F. & Fernandes, J. B., 01.01.2021, In: Pure and Applied Chemistry. 93, 1, p. 13-27 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Key competencies in sustainability in higher education - toward an agreed-upon reference framework

    Brundiers, K., Barth, M., Cebrián, G., Cohen, M., Diaz, L., Doucette-Remington, S., Harré, N., Jarchow, M., Losch, K., Michel, J., Zint, M., Mochizuki, Y., Rieckmann, M., Parnell, R. & Walker, P., 01.2021, In: Sustainability Science. 16, 1, p. 13-29 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Priority effects and ecological restoration

    Weidlich, E. W. A., Nelson, C., Maron, J. L., Callaway, R. M., Delory, B. & Temperton, V. M., 01.2021, In: Restoration Ecology. 29, 1, 11 p., e13317.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  36. Published

    Sol-gel technology for greener and more sustainable antimicrobial textiles that use silica matrices with C, and Ag and ZnO as biocides

    Igal, K., Zanotti, K., Zuin, V. G. & Vazquez, P., 01.2021, In: Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 4, 11 p., 100177.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    Toward “hardened” accountability? Analyzing the European Union's hybrid transnational governance in timber and biofuel supply chains

    Moser, C. & Leipold, S., 01.2021, In: Regulation & Governance. 15, 1, p. 115-132 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Towards a relational paradigm in sustainability research, practice, and education

    Walsh, Z., Böhme, J. & Wamsler, C., 01.2021, In: Ambio. 50, 1, p. 74-84 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  39. Published

    8. Workshop Umweltinformatik zwischen Nachhaltigkeit und Wandel (UINW 2020)

    Naumann, S., Voigt, K., Kern, E., Wohlgemuth, V. & Behrens, G., 2021, 50. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft fur Informatik: Back to the Futures, INFORMATIK 2020. Reussner, R. H., Koziolek, A. & Heinrich, R. (eds.). Bonn: Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V., p. 221-223 3 p. (Lecture Notes in Informatics (LNI), Proceedings - Series of the Gesellschaft fur Informatik (GI); vol. P-307).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherTransfer

  40. Published

    A Fictional Risk Narrative and Its Potential for Social Resonance: Reception of Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior in Reviews and Reading Groups

    Fücker, S., Auguscik, A., Kirchhofer, A. & Schimank, U., 2021, Under the Literary Microscope: Science and Society in the Contemporary Novel . Farzin, S., Gaines, S. & Haynes, R. (eds.). University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, p. 218-248 31 p. 10. (AnthropoScene: The SLSA Book Series; vol. 7).

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

  41. Published

    Analysis of life cycle datasets for the material gold

    Fritz, B. & Schmidt, M., 2021, Progress in Life Cycle Assessment 2019 . Albrecht, S., Fischer, M., Leistner, P. & Schebek, L. (eds.). Cham: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland, p. 99-112 14 p. (Sustainable Production, Life Cycle Engineering and Management).

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

  42. Published

    Arable vegetation of calcareous soils (Caucalidion) Plant community of the year 2022: Pflanzengesellschaft des Jahres 2022

    Bergmeier, E., Meyer, S., Pape, F., Dierschke, H., Härdtle, W., Heinken, T., Hoelzel, N., Remy, D., Schwabe, A., Tischew, S. & Schneider, S., 2021, In: Tuexenia. 41, p. 299-350 52 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    ATEM 3-9 Adaptiver Test des Emotionswissens: Manual

    Voltmer, K. & Salisch, M., 2021, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Verlag. 68 p. (SpringerTests)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Biokunststoffe = umweltfreundlich? Ein Nachhaltigkeitsprojekt von Lernenden, Lehrenden, Wissenschaftlern und Wissenschaftlerinnen

    Abels, S., Pleissner, D. & Reichelt, A., 2021, In: Naturwissenschaft im Unterricht - Chemie. 32, 183, p. 40-44 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  45. Published

    Community Energy in Germany: From Technology Pioneers to Professionalisation under Uncertainty

    Holstenkamp, L., 2021, Renewable Energy Communities and the Low Carbon Energy Transition in Europe. Coenen, F. H. J. M. & Hoppe, T. (eds.). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 119-152 34 p.

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

  46. Published

    Der Beitrag nachhaltiger Raumentwicklung zur großen Transformation: Impulse für neue Strategien

    Warner, B., Malburg-Graf, B., Hofmeister, S., Kanning, H. & Kufeld, W., 2021, Hannover: ARL – Akademie für Raumentwicklung in der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, 18 p. (Positionspapier aus der ARL; no. 121).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  47. Published

    Die Feststellung der energiepolitischen und energiewirtschaftlichen Notwendigkeit des Tagebaus Garzweiler II nach § 48 Kohleverstromungsbeendigungsgesetz (KVBG) – rechtspolitisch verfehlt und verfassungswidrig?

    Schomerus, T., 2021, Kohleausstiegsgesetz: Inhalt und Folgen. Frenz, W. & Preuße, A. (eds.). Clausthal-Zellerfeld: GDMB Gesellschaft der Metallurgen und Bergleute e.V., Vol. 149. p. 109-127 19 p. (Schriftenreihe der GDMB Gesellschaft der Metallurgen und Bergleute e.V.; vol. 149).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsTransfer

  48. Published

    Die Krise feministischer Positionen in Zeiten der Pandemie: Zwischen Sorgen für das ‚gute Leben’ und Herrschen gegen die ‚Natur’

    Hofmeister, S. & Mölders, T., 2021, In: Journal Netzwerk Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung NRW . 49, p. 48-53 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Digitale Medien als Mittler im Spannungsfeld zwischen naturwissenschaftlichem Unterricht und inklusiver Pädagogik

    Stinken-Rösner, L. & Abels, S., 2021, Naturwissenschaftsdidaktik und Inklusion. Hundermark, S., Sun, X., Abels, S., Nehring, A., Schildknecht, R., Seremet, V. & Lindmeier, C. (eds.). Weinheim: Beltz Juventa Verlag, p. 161-175 15 p. (Sonderpädagogische Förderung heute, Beiheft; vol. 4).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  50. Published
  51. Published

    Effectiveness of a Guided Internet- and Mobile-Based Intervention for Patients with Chronic Back Pain and Depression (WARD-BP): A Multicenter, Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

    Baumeister, H., Paganini, S., Sander, L. B., Lin, J., Schlicker, S., Terhorst, Y., Moshagen, M., Bengel, J., Lehr, D. & Ebert, D. D., 2021, In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 90, 4, p. 255-268 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review