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

    Phosphorus uptake from struvite is modulated by the nitrogen form applied

    Robles-Aguilar, A. A., Schrey, S. D., Postma, J. A., Temperton, V. M. & Jablonowski, N. D., 01.02.2020, In: Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 183, 1, p. 80-90 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    The Challenges of Using Organic Municipal Solid Waste as Source of Secondary Raw Materials

    Pleißner, D. & Peinemann, J. C., 01.02.2020, In: Waste and Biomass Valorization. 11, 2, p. 435-446 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    The influence of feedback and awareness of consequences on the development of corporate sustainability action over time

    Hörisch, J., Wulfsberg, I. M. & Schaltegger, S., 01.02.2020, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 29, 2, p. 638 - 650 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Alpha and beta diversity across coastal marine social-ecological systems: Implications for conservation

    Lazzari, N., Martín-López, B., Sanabria-Fernandez, J. A. & Becerro, M. A., 02.2020, In: Ecological Indicators. 109, 8 p., 105786.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Applying the energy cultures framework to understand energy systems in the context of rural sustainability transformation

    Klaniecki, K., Duse, I. A., Lutz, L. M., Leventon, J. & Abson, D. J., 02.2020, In: Energy Policy. 137, 12 p., 111092.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Inter-individual nectar chemistry changes of field scabious, Knautia arvensis

    Venjakob, C., Leonhardt, S. & Klein, A. M., 02.2020, In: Insects. 11, 2, 15 p., 75.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published

    International Trends in Research on Environmental and Sustainability Education in Teacher Education

    King, J., Rieckmann, M., Fischer, D., Barth, M., Büssing, A. G., Hemmer, I. & Lindau-Bank, D., 02.2020, Encyclopedia of Teacher Education. Peters, M. A. (ed.). Singapore: Springer Singapore, p. 1-6 6 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  9. Published

    Rethinking Chemistry for a circular economy

    Kümmerer, K., Clark, J. & Zuin, V. G., 23.01.2020, In: Science. 367, 6476, p. 369 - 370 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  10. Published

    Business model patterns of sustainability pioneers - Analyzing cases across the smartphone life cycle

    Zufall, J., Norris, S., Schaltegger, S., Revellio, F. & Hansen, E. G., 20.01.2020, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 244, 15 p., 118651.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?

    Bammer, G., O’Rourke, M., O’Connell, D., Neuhauser, L., Midgley, G., Klein, J. T., Grigg, N. J., Gadlin, H., Elsum, I. R., Bursztyn, M., Fulton, E. A., Pohl, C., Smithson, M., Vilsmaier, U., Bergmann, M., Jaeger, J., Merkx, F., Vienni Baptista, B., Burgman, M. A., Walker, D. H., Young, J., Bradbury, H., Crawford, L., Haryanto, B., Pachanee, C. A., Polk, M. & Richardson, G. P., 13.01.2020, In: Humanities & social sciences communications. 6, 1, 16 p., 5.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Indicators for relational values of nature’s contributions to good quality of life: the IPBES approach for Europe and Central Asia

    Schröter, M., Başak, E., Christie, M., Church, A., Keune, H., Osipova, E., Oteros-Rozas, E., Sievers-Glotzbach, S., van Oudenhoven, A. P. E., Balvanera, P., González, D., Jacobs, S., Molnár, Z., Pascual, U. & Martín-López, B., 10.01.2020, In: Ecosystems and People. 16, 1, p. 50-69 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Arzneimittelrückstände in Trinkwasser und Gewässern: Endbericht zum TA-Projekt

    Klauer, B., Aicher , C., Bratan, T., Eberle, U., Hillenbrand , T., Kümmerer, K., Reuter , W., Schiller, J., Schulte-Römer , N., Schramm, E., Tettenborn, F., Völker, C. & Walz , A., 09.01.2020, Köln: Bundesanzeiger Verlag, 146 p. (TAB-Arbeitsbericht ; no. 183)(Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen; no. 19/16430).

    Research output: Working paperExpert opinions

  14. Published

    Embracing conflicts for interpersonal competence development in project-based sustainability courses

    Konrad, T., Wiek, A. & Barth, M., 09.01.2020, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 21, 1, p. 76-96 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Sustainability in African higher education institutions (HEIs): Shifting the focus from researching the gaps to existing activities

    Ulmer, N. & Wydra, K., 09.01.2020, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 21, 1, p. 18-33 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Hydrological tracers for assessing transport and dissipation processes of pesticides in a model constructed wetland system

    Fernández-Pascual, E., Bork, M., Hensen, B. & Lange, J., 08.01.2020, In: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. 24, 1, p. 41-60 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Discrete-Point Analysis of the Energy Demand of Primary versus Secondary Metal Production

    Schäfer, P. & Schmidt, M., 07.01.2020, In: Environmental Science and Technology. 54, 1, p. 507-516 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Efficacy of a Self-Help Web-Based Recovery Training in Improving Sleep in Workers: Randomized Controlled Trial in the General Working Population

    Behrendt, D., Ebert, D. D., Spiegelhalder, K. & Lehr, D., 07.01.2020, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 22, 1, 18 p., e13346.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    The hidden power of language: How “value creation accounting” influences decisions on expenditures, cost reductions and staff costs

    Hummel, P. & Hörisch, J., 06.01.2020, In: Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal. 11, 1, p. 187-206 20 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Co-Creation of Social Entrepreneurial Opportunities with Refugees

    Harima, A. & Freudenberg, J., 02.01.2020, In: Journal of Social Entrepreneurship. 11, 1, p. 40-64 25 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Harmonising biodiversity conservation and food security in southwestern Ethiopia

    Manlosa, A. O., Rodrigues, P., Shumi, G., Hylander, K., Schultner, J., Dorresteijn, I., Hanspach, J., Jiren, T. S., Mausbach, M., Abson, D., Senbeta, F. & Fischer, J., 02.01.2020, 1 ed. Sofia: Pensoft Publishers Ltd. 166 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesBook

  22. Published

    Contributions of place-based social-ecological research to address global sustainability challenges

    Martín-López, B., Balvanera, P., Manson, R., Mwampamba, T. H. & Norström, A., 01.01.2020, In: Global Sustainability. 3, 4 p., e21.

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

  23. Published

    Degradation and elimination of anticancer drugs by water and wastewater treatment - toxicity and biodegradability before and after the treatment

    Lutterbeck, C. A., Machado, Ê. L. & Kümmerer, K., 01.01.2020, Fate and Effects of Anticancer Drugs in the Environment. Heath, E., Isidori, M., Kosjek, T. & Filipic, M. (eds.). Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 139-168 30 p.

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

  24. Published

    Development perspectives for the application of autonomous, unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in wildlife conservation

    Fust, P. & Loos, J., 01.01.2020, In: Biological Conservation. 241, 4 p., 108380.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Evaluation of the OECD P OV and LRTP screening tool for estimating the long-range transport of organophosphate esters

    Sühring, R., Scheringer, M., Rodgers, T. F. M., Jantunen, L. M. & Diamond, M. L., 01.01.2020, In: Environmental Sciences: Processes & Impacts. 22, 1, p. 207-216 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Food waste and manure

    Lin, C. S. K., Ashokkumar, M., Kaur, G., Li, C., Li, X., Ong, K. L. & Pleissner, D., 01.01.2020, Handbook on Characterization of Biomass, Biowaste and Related By-products. Nzihou, A. (ed.). Cham: Springer Schweiz, p. 899-938 40 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  27. Published

    Grazing effects on intraspecific trait variability vary with changing precipitation patterns in Mongolian rangelands

    Lang, B., Ahlborn, J., Oyunbileg, M., Geiger, A., von Wehrden, H., Wesche, K., Oyuntsetseg, B. & Roemermann, C., 01.01.2020, In: Ecology and Evolution. 10, 2, p. 678-691 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  28. Published

    Growth-trait relationships in subtropical forest are stronger at higher diversity

    Bongers, F. J., Schmid, B., Sun, Z., Li, Y., Härdtle, W., von Oheimb, G., Li, Y., Li, S., Staab, M., Ma, K. & Liu, X., 01.01.2020, In: Journal of Ecology. 108, 1, p. 256-266 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Habitat continuity matters: Ancient woodlands tend to have higher biomass and catching rate of dung beetles, mainly driven by one large species

    Hülsmann, M., Boutaud, E., Buse, J., Frank, K., Schuldt, A. & Assmann, T., 01.01.2020, In: Acta Oecologica. 102, 7 p., 103501.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Inside-out sustainability: The neglect of inner worlds

    Ives, C. D., Freeth, R. & Fischer, J., 01.01.2020, In: Ambio. 49, 1, p. 208-217 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published
  32. Published

    Learning to collaborate while collaborating: advancing interdisciplinary sustainability research

    Freeth, R. & Caniglia, G., 01.01.2020, In: Sustainability Science. 15, 1, p. 247-261 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Occurrence, distribution, and ecotoxicological risk assessment of selected pharmaceutical compounds in water from Lake Victoria, Uganda

    Nantaba, F., Wasswa, J., Kylin, H., Palm, W. U., Bouwman, H. & Kümmerer, K., 01.01.2020, In: Chemosphere. 239, 11 p., 124642.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Organic matter priming by invasive plants depends on dominant mycorrhizal association

    Kumar, A., Phillips, R. P., Scheibe, A., Klink, S. & Pausch, J., 01.01.2020, In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 140, 4 p., 107645.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Pathways of Conflict: Lessons from the Cultivation of MON810 in Germany in 2005–2008 for Emerging Conflicts over New Breeding Techniques

    Friedrich, B., 01.01.2020, In: Sustainability. 12, 1, 17 p., 144.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Pflanzengesellschaft des Jahres 2021: Hartholz-Auenwald (Ficario-Ulmetum)

    Härdtle, W., Bergmeier, E., Fichtner, A., Heinken, T., Hölzel, N., Remy, D., Schneider, S., Schwabe, A., Tischew, S. & Dierschke, H., 01.01.2020, In: Tuexenia. 40, p. 373-399 27 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published
  38. Published

    Continuous pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation of organic residues for the production of biochemicals

    Peinemann, J. C. & Pleißner, D., 01.2020, In: Bioresource Technology. 295, 8 p., 122256.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  39. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der schulischen Praxis verankern

    Barth, M. & Bürgener, L., 2020, In: Weiterbildung. 2, p. 21-23 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung und ihre Potenziale für eine zukunftsfähige Grundschule

    Singer-Brodowski, M. & Kater-Wettstädt, L., 2020, Kinder lernen Zukunft: Über die Fächer hinaus: Prinzipien und Perspektiven. Hecker, U., Lassek, M. & Ramseger, J. (eds.). Frankfurt: Der Grundschulverband, p. 36 - 46 11 p. (Beiträge zur Reform der Grundschule; vol. 151).

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

  41. Published

    Biorefineries in Germany

    Alexandri, M., Demichelis, F., Fiore, S., Lübeck, M. & Pleißner, D., 2020, Waste Biorefinery: Integrating biorefineries for waste valorisation. Bhaskar, T., Rene, E. R., Pandey, A. & Tsang, D. C. W. (eds.). Amsterdam: Elsevier B.V., p. 601-629 29 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  42. Published

    "Brüche und Brücken": Übergänge im Kontext des Sachunterrichts

    Offen, S. (Editor), Barth, M. (Editor), Franz, U. (Editor) & Michalik, K. (Editor), 2020, Bad Heilbrunn: Klinkhardt. 192 p. (Probleme und Perspektiven des Sachunterrichts; vol. 30)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  43. Published
  44. Published

    „Digital GeSEHEN“: Partizipatives Experimentieren im Optikunterricht mit Hilfe von Simulationen

    Stinken-Rösner, L. & Abels, S., 2020, In: Computer + Unterricht. 30, 117, p. 19-22 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducation

  45. Published

    Editorial

    Offen, S., Barth, M., Franz, U. & Michalik, K., 2020, "Brüche und Brücken" - Übergänge im Kontext des Sachunterichts. Offen, S., Barth, M., Franz, U. & Michalik, K. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Klinkhardt, p. 9-14 6 p. (Probleme und Perspektiven des Sachunterrichts; vol. 30).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherResearch

  46. Published

    Educating Future Change Agents: Research instruments applied in case studies on Teacher Education for Sustainable Development

    Brandt, J.-O., Bürgener, L., Redman, A. & Barth, M., 2020, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 45 p.

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  47. Published
  48. Published

    Facilitating collaborative processes in transdisciplinary research using design prototyping

    Peukert, D., Lam, D. P. M., Horcea-Milcu, A. I. & Lang, D. J., 2020, In: Journal of Design Research. 18, 5-6, p. 294-326 33 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Forschendes Lernen auf Hochschul- und Unterrichtsebene beforschen

    Brauns, S., Egger, D. & Abels, S., 2020, Forschendes Lernen. Eghtessad, A., Kosler, T. & Oberhauser, C. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 201-211 11 p. (Transfer Forschung ↔ Schule; vol. 6, no. 6).

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

  50. Published

    Forschendes Lernen im inklusiven naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht

    Abels, S., Brauns, S. & Egger, D., 2020, In: IMST Newsletter. 17, 50, p. 10-14 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  51. Published

    Forschendes Lernen im Masterstudiengang Systems Engineering: Bausteine erhalten, Bausteine zusammensetzen, Ergebnisse reflektieren

    Bačić, I., Rodenhauser, A., Colombi Ciacchi, L. & Bernd, K., 2020, Forschendes Lernen als Studiengangsprofil: Zum Lehrprofil einer Universität. Thomas, H., Henning, K. & Peter, T. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer VS, p. 285-300 16 p.

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

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