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. 2020
  2. Published

    Open to Offers, but Resisting Requests: How the Framing of Anchors Affects Motivation and Negotiated Outcomes

    Majer, J. M., Trötschel, R., Galinsky, A. & Loschelder, D. D., 09.2020, In: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 119, 3, p. 582-599 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Reconciling food security and biodiversity conservation: participatory scenario planning in southwestern Ethiopia

    Jiren, T. S., Hanspach, J., Schultner, J., Fischer, J., Bergsten, A., Senbeta, F., Hylander, K. & Dorresteijn, I., 09.2020, In: Ecology and Society. 25, 3, p. 1-16 16 p., 24.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Red and green loops help uncover missing feedbacks in a coral reef social–ecological system

    Dajka, J. C., Woodhead, A. J., Norström, A. V., Graham, N. A. J., Riechers, M. & Nyström, M., 09.2020, In: People and Nature. 2, 3, p. 608-618 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Management von Innovationsprozessen für nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Schäfer, M., König, B., Kuntosch, A., Richter, B. & Schaal, T., 27.08.2020, In: Ökologisches Wirtschaften. 33, 3, p. 40-46 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Efficacy of a smartphone-based intervention - "holidaily" - promoting recovery behaviour in workers after a vacation: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

    Smyth, A., De Bloom, J., Syrek, C., Domin, M., Janneck, M., Reins, J. A. & Lehr, D., 26.08.2020, In: BMC Public Health. 20, 1, 17 p., 1286.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    BIOLOGISCH ABBAUBARE CHINOLON-ANTIBIOTIKA

    Kümmerer, K., Leder, C., Rastogi, T., Suk, M. & Menz, J., 19.08.2020, IPC No. A61K31/4709 , A61P31/04 , C07D401/12, Europäisches Patentamt, Patent No. EP3694516A1, 10.10.2018, Priority date 11.10.2017, Priority No. DE102017218114A

    Research output: PatentsPatent

  8. Published

    Teaching about sustainability through inquiry-based science in Irish primary classrooms: the impact of a professional development programme on teacher self-efficacy, competence and pedagogy

    Murphy, C., Smith, G., Mallon, B. & Redman, E., 02.08.2020, In: Environmental Education Research. 26, 8, p. 1112-1136 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    A cognitive mess: Mixed feelings about wind farms on the Danish coast and the emotions of energy infrastructure opposition

    Upham, P. & Johansen, K., 01.08.2020, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 66, 10 p., 101489.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Barley shoot biomass responds strongly to N:P stoichiometry and intraspecific competition, whereas roots only alter their foraging

    Kumar, A., van Duijnen, R., Delory, B., Reichel, R., Brüggemann, N. & Temperton, V. M., 01.08.2020, In: Plant and Soil. 453, 1-2, p. 515-528 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Ensuring tests of conservation interventions build on existing literature

    Sutherland, W. J., Alvarez-Castañeda, S. T., Amano, T., Ambrosini, R., Atkinson, P., Baxter, J. M., Bond, A. L., Boon, P. J., Buchanan, K. L., Barlow, J., Bogliani, G., Bragg, O. M., Burgman, M., Cadotte, M. W., Calver, M., Cooke, S. J., Corlett, R. T., Devictor, V., Ewen, J. G., Fisher, M., Freeman, G., Game, E., Godley, B. J., Gortázar, C., Hartley, I. R., Hawksworth, D. L., Hobson, K. A., Lu, M. L., Martín-López, B., Ma, K., Machado, A., Maes, D., Mangiacotti, M., McCafferty, D. J., Melfi, V., Molur, S., Moore, A. J., Murphy, S. D., Norris, D., van Oudenhoven, A. P. E., Powers, J., Rees, E. C., Schwartz, M. W., Storch, I. & Wordley, C., 01.08.2020, In: Conservation Biology. 34, 4, p. 781-783 3 p.

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

  12. Published

    Temporal patterns in ecosystem services research: A review and three recommendations

    Rau, A.-L., Burkhardt, V., Dorninger, C., Hjort, C., Ibe, K., Keßler, L., Kristensen, J. A., McRobert, A., Sidemo-Holm, W., Zimmermann, H., Abson, D., Wehrden, H. & Ekroos, J., 01.08.2020, In: Ambio. 49, 8, p. 1377-1393 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Aportes de la agrobiodiversidad a la sustentabilidad de la agricultura familiar en Colombia

    Acevedo Osorio, Á., Ortiz-Przychodzka, S. & Ortiz-Pinilla, J., 08.2020, In: Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems. 23, 2, 18 p., 35.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Recent developments in microalgal conversion of organic-enriched waste streams

    Solovchenko, A., Lukyanov, A., Aswathanarayana, R. G., Pleissner, D. & Ambati, R. R., 08.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 24, p. 61-66 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  15. Published

    Naturwissenschaftliche Kompetenzen und Inklusion – Inklusion durch Kompetenzorientierung?

    Abels, S., 24.07.2020, Naturwissenschaftliche Kompetenzen in der Gesellschaft von morgen. : Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Chemie und Physik, Jahrestagung in Wien 2019. Habig, S. (ed.). Essen: Universität Duisburg-Essen, p. 20-29 10 p.

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

  16. Published

    Neue Formate transdisziplinärer Forschung: Ausdifferenzierte Brücken zwischen Wissenschaft und Praxis

    Grunwald, A., Schäfer, M. & Bergmann, M., 22.07.2020, In: GAIA. 29, 2, p. 106-114 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Design rules for environmental biodegradability of phenylalanine alkyl ester linked ionic liquids

    Suk, M., Haiß, A., Westphal, J., Jordan, A., Kellett, A., Kapitanov, I. V., Karpichev, Y., Gathergood, N. & Kümmerer, K., 21.07.2020, In: Green Chemistry . 22, 14, p. 4498-4508 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Transformative learning in the field of sustainability: a systematic literature review (1999-2019)

    Rodriguez Aboytes, J. G. & Barth, M., 17.07.2020, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 21, 5, p. 993-1013 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  19. Published

    Farmers’ perceptions and knowledge of natural enemies as providers of biological control in cider apple orchards

    Martínez-Sastre, R., García, D., Miñarro, M. & Martín-López, B., 15.07.2020, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 266, 11 p., 110589.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Climate Change Litigation: German Family Farmers and Urgenda - Similar Cases, Differing Judgments

    Schomerus, T., 10.07.2020, In: Journal for European Environmental & Planning Law. 17, 3, p. 322-332 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published
  22. Published

    “A Future to Believe in”: Introducing Varieties of Advocacy Journalism. The Examples Sustainability and the Sanders Campaign

    Laws, N. & Chojnicka, J., 03.07.2020, In: Journalism Studies. 21, 9, p. 1261-1283 23 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Designing a Transformative Epistemology of the Problematic: A Perspective for Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research

    Meyer, E. & Peukert, D., 03.07.2020, In: Social Epistemology. 34, 4, p. 346-356 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Knowledge Decolonization à la Grounded Theory: Control Juggling in Research Situations

    Eguia Huerta, M., 03.07.2020, In: Social Epistemology. 34, 4, p. 370-381 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Social and Epistemic Control in Collaborative Research — Reconfiguring the Interplay of Politics and Methodology

    Herberg, J. & Vilsmaier, U., 03.07.2020, In: Social Epistemology. 34, 4, p. 309-318 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    The Emerging Research Field of Experimentation for Circular Business Model Innovation

    Bocken, N. M. P., Weissbrod, I. & Antikainen, M., 02.07.2020, 5th International Online Conference on New Business Models: Sustainable. Circular. Inclusive. 1-2 July 2020. Conference Proceedings: Book of Abstracts. Jonker, J. & Faber, N. (eds.). Nijmegen: Radboud University Nijmegen, p. 106-110 5 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksPublished abstract in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Artful sustainability governance—Foundational considerations on sensory-informed policymaking for sustainable development

    Heinrichs, H., 01.07.2020, In: Sustainable Development. 28, 4, p. 791-799 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Biosphere reserves' management effectiveness-A systematic literature review and a research agenda

    Ferreira, A. F., Zimmermann, H., Santos, R. & von Wehrden, H., 01.07.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 12, 31 p., 5497.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  29. Published

    Deconstructing a 2-year long transdisciplinary sustainability project in Northern universities: is rhetorical nobility obscuring procedural and political discords?

    Ghosh, A., 01.07.2020, In: Sustainability Science. 15, 4, p. 1111-1127 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Light availability and land-use history drive biodiversity and functional changes in forest herb layer communities

    Depauw, L., Perring, M. P., Landuyt, D., Maes, S. L., Blondeel, H., De Lombaerde, E., Brūmelis, G., Brunet, J., Closset-Kopp, D., Czerepko, J., Decocq, G., den Ouden, J., Gawryś, R., 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., 01.07.2020, In: Journal of Ecology. 108, 4, p. 1411-1425 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Plural valuation of nature for equity and sustainability: Insights from the Global South

    Zafra-Calvo, N., Balvanera, P., Pascual, U., Merçon, J., Martín-López, B., van Noordwijk, M., Mwampamba, T. H., Lele, S., Ifejika Speranza, C., Arias-Arévalo, P., Cabrol, D., Cáceres, D. M., O'Farrell, P., Subramanian, S. M., Devy, S., Krishnan, S., Carmenta, R., Guibrunet, L., Kraus-Elsin, Y., Moersberger, H., Cariño, J. & Díaz, S., 01.07.2020, In: Global Environmental Change. 63, 12 p., 102115.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Simulations in Science Education - Status Quo

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 01.07.2020, In: Progress in science education (PriSE). 3, 1, p. 26-34 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Validierung des Adaptiven Tests des Emotionswissens für drei- bis neunjährige Kinder (ATEM 3 - 9)

    Voltmer, K., 01.07.2020, In: Diagnostica. 66, 3, p. 158-171 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Achtsamkeit bei kindern und jugendlichen

    von Salisch, M. & Klein, A. M., 07.2020, In: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie. 69, 4, p. 285-288 4 p.

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

  35. Published

    A typology of actors and their strategies in multi-scale governance of wind turbine conflict within forests

    Jürges, N., Leahy, J. & Newig, J., 07.2020, In: Land Use Policy. 96, p. 1-9 9 p., 104691.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Ethik

    Oermann, N. O., 07.2020, In: Theologische Literaturzeitung. 2020, 7, p. 716-717 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsTransfer

  37. Published

    Fehler beim schätzen: (Un)realistische Ergebnisse anhand von Größenvorstellungen ­erkennen

    Stinken-Rösner, L., 07.2020, In: Unterricht Physik. 31, 177/178, p. 64-67 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  38. Published

    Schulbasierte Achtsamkeitsprogramme mit Kindern und Jugendlichen

    Engel, N., Schiemann, S. & von Salisch, M., 07.2020, In: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie. 69, 4, p. 289-304 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving – The ‘First Fuel’

    Schomerus, T., 26.06.2020, Research Handbook on EU Environmental Law. Peeters, M. & Eliantonio, M. (eds.). Edward Elgar Publishing, p. 458-473 16 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  40. Published
  41. Published

    Abiotic and biotic degradation of five aromatic organosilicon compounds in aqueous media: Structure degradability relationships

    Grabitz, E., Olsson, O., Amsel, A.-K., Rummel, B., Mitzel, N. W. & Kümmerer, K., 15.06.2020, In: Journal of Hazardous Materials. 392, 15 p., 122429.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Studentische Perspektiven auf die digitale Transformation der Hochschulen: Strukturen, Vernetzung und Partizipation

    Böckel, A., 08.06.2020, Zukunft Lernwelt Hochschule: Perspektiven und Optionen für eine Neuausrichtung. Stang, R. & Becker, A. (eds.). Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Saur, p. 140-146 7 p. (Lernwelten ).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Thinking Inclusive Science Education from two Perspectives: Inclusive Pedagogy and Science Education

    Stinken-Rösner, L., Rott, L., Hundertmark, S., Baumann, T., Menthe, J., Hoffmann, T., Nehring, A. & Abels, S., 05.06.2020, In: RISTAL. 3, p. 30-45 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    Advancing understanding of natural resource governance: a post-Ostrom research agenda

    Cumming, G. S., Epstein, G., Anderies, J. M., Apetrei, C.-I., Baggio, J. A., Bodin, Ö., Chawla, S., Clements, H. S., Cox, M. E., Egli, L., Gurney, G. G., Lubell, M. N., Magliocca, N. R., Morrison, T. H., Müller, B., Seppelt, R., Schlüter, M., Unnikrishnan, H., Villamayor-Tomas, S. & Weible, C. M., 01.06.2020, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 44, p. 26-34 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  45. Published

    Between Ostrom and Nordhaus: The research landscape of sustainability economics

    Drupp, M. A., Baumgärtner, S., Meyer, M., Quaas, M. F. & von Wehrden, H., 01.06.2020, In: Ecological Economics. 172, 17 p., 106620.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Building capacity for the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services: Activities, fellows, outcomes, and neglected capacity building needs

    Gustafsson, K. M., Díaz-Reviriego, I. & Turnhout, E., 01.06.2020, In: Earth System Governance. 4, 10 p., 100050.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. Published

    Chances and challenges of the biologization of the economy of rural areas

    Pleissner, D., 01.06.2020, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 23, p. 46-49 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  48. Published

    Digitale Behandlungsangebote für Insomnie – eine Übersichtsarbeit

    Spiegelhalder, K., Acker, J., Baumeister, H., Büttner-Teleaga, A., Danker-Hopfe, H., Ebert, D. D., Fietze, I., Frase, L., Klein, S., Lehr, D., Maun, A., Mertel, I., Richter, K., Riemann, D., Sauter, C., Schilling, C., Schlarb, A. A., Specht, M., Steinmetz, L., Weeß, H. G. & Crönlein, T., 01.06.2020, In: Somnologie. 24, 2, p. 106-114 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  49. Published

    Erratum zu: Digitale Behandlungsangebote für Insomnie – eine Übersichtsarbeit (Somnologie, (2020), 24, 2, (106-114), 10.1007/s11818-020-00238-9)

    Spiegelhalder, K., Acker, J., Baumeister, H., Büttner-Teleaga, A., Danker-Hopfe, H., Ebert, D. D., Fietze, I., Frase, L., Klein, S., Lehr, D., Maun, A., Mertel, I., Richter, K., Riemann, D., Sauter, C., Schilling, C., Schlarb, A. A., Specht, M., Steinmetz, L., Weeß, H. G. & Crönlein, T., 01.06.2020, In: Somnologie. 24, 2, p. 115-115 1 p.

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

  50. Published

    Multinational Enterprise Strategies for Addressing Sustainability: the Need for Consolidation

    Burritt, R. L., Christ, K. L., Rammal, H. G. & Schaltegger, S., 01.06.2020, In: Journal of Business Ethics. 164, 2, p. 389-410 22 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  51. Published

    Non-sterile fermentation of food waste with indigenous consortium and yeast – Effects on microbial community and product spectrum

    Peinemann, J., Rhee, C., Shin, S. G. & Pleißner, D., 01.06.2020, In: Bioresource Technology. 306, 123175.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review