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. 2019
  2. Published

    Gebäude als Stoffquelle: Erkenntnisse aus dem BMBF-Projekt MUTReWa

    Olsson, O., Hensen, B., Lange, J. (Contributor), Jackisch, N. (Contributor) & Kümmerer, K., 02.2019, Stadt und Land im Fluss - Starke Kommunen!: Tagungsband Münster, 26. und 27. Februar 2019. Münster: Institut für Infrastruktur, Wasser, Ressourcen, Umwelt der Fachhochschule Münster, Vol. 6. p. 121-128 8 p.

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

  3. Published

    Nitrogen fixation and carbon assimilation of the desert legume Tephrosia apollinea under PEG-induced osmotic stress

    Hussain, M. I., El-Keblawy, A., Aljabi, A. E., Aljabi, D. E., Hafez, M., Al Jasmi, A., Schampoel, T. & Temperton, V. M., 02.2019, In: Flora. 251, p. 105-113 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Spatial characterization of coastal marine social-ecological systems: Insights for integrated management

    Lazzari, N., Becerro, M. A., Sanabria-Fernandez, J. A. & Martín-López, B., 02.2019, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 92, p. 56-65 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published
  6. Published

    The 3 rd green & sustainable chemistry conference successfully brings together scientists and innovators from all over the world to discuss sustainable chemistry

    Elschami, M. & Bazzanella, A., 02.2019, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 15, p. 115-117 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Zukunftsfähige Bildung. Unterricht als Bewältigung von Herausforderungen im Sinne einer Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung

    Kater-Wettstädt, L., 02.2019, Jahrbuch für Allgemeine Didaktik 2018.: Unterrichten wir das "Richtige"? Die Frage nach zeitgemäßen Inhalten in der Schule. Zierer, K. (ed.). Baltmannsweiler: Schneider Verlag Hohengehren, p. 65-74 9 p.

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

  8. Published

    Building a Coalition with Depoliticized Sustainability Discourse: The Case of a Transdisciplinary Transition Management Arena in Peru

    Noboa, E., Upham, P. J. & Heinrichs, H., 31.01.2019, In: Journal of Sustainable Development. 12, 1, p. 84-107 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Cultural ecosystem services provided by urban green change along an urban-periurban gradient

    Riechers, M., Strack, M., Barkmann, J. & Tscharntke, T., 26.01.2019, In: Sustainability. 11, 3, 10 p., 645.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Web-Based Stress Management Program for University Students in Indonesia: Systematic Cultural Adaptation and Protocol for a Feasibility Study.

    Juniar, D., van Ballegooijen, W., Karyotaki, E., van Schaik, A., Passchier, J., Heber, E., Lehr, D., Supardi Sadarjoen, S. & Riper, H., 25.01.2019, In: JMIR Research Protocols. 8, 1, 11 p., e11493.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Nachhaltige Verwaltung

    Heinrichs, H. & Schuster, F., 11.01.2019, Handbuch zur Verwaltungsreform. Veit, S., Reichard, C. & Wewer, G. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer Verlag, p. 1-11 11 p. (Springer Reference Sozialwissenschaften)(Springer Reference Live).

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

  12. Published

    Enabling the identification of industrial symbiosis (IS) through information communication technology (ICT)

    Lütje, A., Willenbacher, M., Möller, A. & Wohlgemuth, V., 08.01.2019, Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2019. Bui, T. X. (ed.). IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., p. 709-719 11 p. (Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences; vol. 2019-January).

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

  13. Published

    Biotechnological production of organic acids from renewable resources

    Pleissner, D., Dietz, D., Duuren, J., Wittmann, C., Yang, X., Lin, C. S. K. & Venus, J., 01.01.2019, Biorefineries. Wagemann, K. & Tippkötter, N. (eds.). CHAM: Springer Verlag, Vol. 166. p. 373-410 38 p. (Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology; vol. 166).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  14. Published

    Business, the Natural Environment, and Sustainability: A Stakeholder Theory Perspective

    Hörisch, J. & Schaltegger, S., 01.01.2019, The Cambridge Handbook of Stakeholder Theory. Harrison, J. S., Barney, J. B., Freeman, R. E. & Phillips, R. A. (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 132-144 13 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  15. Published

    Collaborative governance towards cities sustainability transition

    Conti, D. D. M., de Hoyos Guevara, A. J., Heinrichs, H., da Silva, L. F., Quaresma, C. C. & Bete, T. D. S., 01.01.2019, In: URBE - Revista Brasileira de Gestão Urbana. 11, 19 p., e20190046.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Die Forschungsbohrung Garding-2 – ein neues wichtiges Klima- und Paläoumwelt-Archiv an der Westküste Schleswig-Holsteins

    Grube, A., Frechen, M., Hesse, K., Proborukmi, M. S., Urban, B., Wonik, T. & Zhang, J., 01.01.2019, In: Natur- und Landeskunde Zeitschrift für Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg und Mecklenburg. 126, 1-3, p. 1-15 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Disentangling ‘ecosystem services’ and ‘nature’s contributions to people’

    Kadykalo, A. N., López-Rodriguez, M. D., Ainscough, J., Droste, N., Ryu, H., Ávila-Flores, G., Le Clec’h, S., Muñoz, M. C., Nilsson, L., Rana, S., Sarkar, P., Sevecke, K. J. & Harmáčková, Z. V., 01.01.2019, In: Ecosystems and People. 15, 1, p. 269-287 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  18. Published

    Ecosystems and People – an inclusive, interdisciplinary journal

    Martín-López, B., van Oudenhoven, A. P. E., Balvanera, P., Crossman, N. D., Parrotta, J., Rusch, G. M., Schröter, M. & Smith-Hall, C., 01.01.2019, In: Ecosystems and People. 15, 1, p. 1-2 2 p.

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

  19. Published

    Identifying governance gaps among interlinked sustainability challenges

    Bergsten, A., Jiren, T. S., Leventon, J., Dorresteijn, I., Schultner, J. & Fischer, J., 01.01.2019, In: Environmental Science and Policy. 91, p. 27-38 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Leverage points 2019: A transdisciplinary conference, inspiring change

    Leventon, J., Zimmermann, H., Von Wehrden, H. & Becker, S., 01.01.2019, In: GAIA. 28, 1, p. 55-57 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published

    Preparing Pre-service Teachers for Inclusive Education: Analyzing the Status Quo and Comparing the Effect of Different Types of Subject-Specific Learning Opportunities

    Troll, B., Besser, M., Abels, S., Ahlers, M., Greve, S., Leiß, D. & Süßenbach, J., 01.01.2019, Inclusive Mathematics Education: State-of-the-Art Research from Brazil and Germany. Kollosche, D., Marcone, R., Knigge, M., Penteado, M. G. & Skovsmose, O. (eds.). Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 537-559 23 p.

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

  22. Published

    Rethinking gender: feminist perspectives on Sustainable Development Goals in the light of (re)productivity

    Mölders, T., 01.01.2019, In: GAIA. 28, 2, p. 95-99 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  23. Published

    Shepherds’ local knowledge and scientific data on the scavenging ecosystem service: Insights for conservation

    Morales-Reyes, Z., Martín-López, B., Moleón, M., Mateo-Tomás, P., Olea, P. P., Arrondo, E., Donázar, J. A. & Sánchez-Zapata, J. A., 01.01.2019, In: Ambio. 48, 1, p. 48-60 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    Transferring biodiversity-ecosystem function research to the management of ‘real-world’ ecosystems

    Manning, P., Loos, J., Barnes, A. D., Batáry, P., Bianchi, F. J. J. A., Buchmann, N., De Deyn, G. B., Ebeling, A., Eisenhauer, N., Fischer, M., Fründ, J., Grass, I., Isselstein, J., Jochum, M., Klein, A. M., Klingenberg, E. O. F., Landis, D. A., Lepš, J., Lindborg, R., Meyer, S. T., Temperton, V. M., Westphal, C. & Tscharntke, T., 01.01.2019, Mechanisms underlying the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function. Eisenhauer, N., Bohan, D. A. & Dumbrell, A. J. (eds.). London: Academic Press Inc., p. 323-356 34 p. (Advances in Ecological Research; vol. 61).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  25. Published

    Environmental drivers interactively affect individual tree growth across temperate European forests

    Maes, S. L., Perring, M. P., Vanhellemont, M., Depauw, L., Van den Bulcke, J., Brūmelis, G., Brunet, J., Decocq, G., den Ouden, J., Härdtle, W., Hédl, R., Heinken, T., Heinrichs, S., Jaroszewicz, B., Kopecký, M., Máliš, F., Wulf, M. & Verheyen, K., 01.2019, In: Global Change Biology. 25, 1, p. 201-217 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    Forschendes Lernen an der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg: Das Leuphana Semester

    Weiser, A., Hill, M. B., Picht, L., Prien-Ribcke, S., Lübcke, E. & Heudorfer, A., 01.2019, Forschendes Lernen in der Studieneingangsphase: Empirische Befunde, Fallbeispiele und individuelle Perspektiven. Reinmann, G., Lübcke, E. & Heudorfer, A. (eds.). Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, p. 193-207 15 p.

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

  27. Published

    Intra-Individual Value Change in Adulthood: A Systematic Literature Review of Longitudinal Studies Assessing Schwartz’s Value Orientations

    Schuster, C., Pinkowski, L. & Fischer, D., 01.2019, In: Zeitschrift für Psychologie. 227, 1, p. 42-52 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  28. Published

    Kommunalspezifische Nachhaltigkeitssteuerung: Erfahrungen und Empfehlungen

    Kirst, E., Lang, D. J., Heinrichs, H. & Plawitzki, J., 01.2019, In: GAIA. 28, 2, p. 151-159 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesTransferpeer-review

  29. Published

    A Computational Research System for the History of Science

    Damerow, J., Peirson, E. & Laubichler, M. D., 2019, Culture and Cognition: Essays in Honor of Peter Damerow. Renn, J. & Schemmel, M. (eds.). Berlin: Edition Open Access, Vol. 11. p. 245-255 11 p.

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

  30. Published

    AGIL – Arbeit und Gesundheit im Lehrerberuf: Das persönliche Arbeitsbuch

    Hillert, A., Lehr, D., Koch, S., Bracht, M. M., Ueing, S., Sosnowsky-Waschek, N. & Lüdtke, K., 2019, 1 ed. Stuttgart: Schattauer Verlag. 213 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCompendium/lecture notesTransfer

  31. Published

    A new vision of sustainable management in mining and post-mining landscapes

    Apaéstegui Campos, J., Barbosa, P. M., Brandão, L., de Azevedo, A. C., Casanova, M., Cord, A., Gerner, N., Giese, E. C., Händel, F., Jager, N. W., Jessen, G. L., Lepenies, R., Marchezini, V., Pujoni, D., Salma, A., Sánchez, A. S., Schierz, A., Stemke, M., Ussath, M., Val, P., Whaley-Martin, K., Yamamoto, F. Y. & Zorzal-Almeida, S., 2019, Halle: Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina e.V., 28 p. (Science policy report).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  32. Published

    Arbitrating the Oceans: The Future of Inter-State Arbitration in the International Law of the Sea

    Schatz, V. J., 2019, A Brand New World: The Evolution and Future of Arbitration . Planterose , R. & Tackaberry, J. (eds.). London, p. 269-278

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  33. Published

    A two-step approach for the prediction of mood levels based on diary data

    Bremer, V., Becker, D., Genz, T., Funk, B. & Lehr, D., 2019, Machine Learning and Knowledge Discovery in Databases - European Conference, ECML PKDD 2018, Proceedings: European Conference, ECML PKDD 2018, Dublin, Ireland. Brefeld, U., Curry, E., Daly, E., MacNamee, B., Marascu, A., Pinelli, F., Berlingerio, M. & Hurley, N. (eds.). Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 626-629 4 p. (Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics); vol. 11053 LNAI).

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

  34. Published

    „Beziehungsweise“ werden oder das sozialisatorische Potential von Freundschaften unter Jugendlichen

    Salisch, M., 2019, Zukunft der Freundschaft: Freundschaft zwischen Idealisierung und Auflösung. Stiehler, S. (ed.). Berlin: Frank & Timme, p. 105-122 17 p. (Transposition – Ostschweizer Beiträge zu Lehre, Forschung und Entwicklung in der Sozialen Arbeit; vol. 7).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  35. Published

    Das Dorf: Soziale Prozesse und räumliche Arrangements

    Steinführer, A. (Editor), Laschewski, L. (Editor), Mölders, T. (Editor) & Siebert, R. (Editor), 2019, 1 ed. Münster: LIT Verlag. 220 p. (Rural areas: Issues of local and regional development / Ländliche Räume. Beiträge zur lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung; vol. 5)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  36. Published

    Das Dorf als Gegenstand sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung und Theoriebildung. Zur Einführung

    Laschewski, L., Steinführer, A., Mölders, T. & Siebert, R., 2019, Das Dorf. : Soziale Prozesse und räumliche Arrangements. Steinführer, A., Laschewski, L., Mölders, T. & Siebert, R. (eds.). 1 ed. Münster: LIT Verlag, Vol. 5. p. 3-56 54 p. (Rural areas: Issues of local and regional development / Ländliche Räume. Beiträge zur lokalen und regionalen Entwicklung; vol. 5).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  37. Published

    Digi-Exist: Eine digitale Plattform zur Gesundheitsförderung für junge Unternehmen

    Ducki, A., Behrendt, D., Boß, L., Brandt, M., Janneck, M., Jent, S., Kunze, D., Lehr, D., Nissen, H. & Wappler, P., 2019, Fehlzeiten-Report 2019. Badura, B., Ducki, A., Schröder, H., Klose, J. & Meyer, M. (eds.). Springer Nature, p. 333-347 15 p.

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

  38. Published

    Editorial

    Rose, M. & Hoffmann, J. M., 2019, In: Intergenerational Justice Review. 5, 2, p. 47 1 p.

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

  39. Published

    Europäische Selbstwerdung und Selbstbe-hauptung durch wirtschaftliche Staatskunst

    Oermann, N. O. & Wolff, H.-J., 2019, In: ifo Schnelldienst. 72, 22, p. 12-15 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    Experimentation for Sustainable Innovation

    Weissbrod, I., 2019, Innovation for Sustainability: Business transformations towards a better world. Bocken, N., Ritala, P., Albareda, L. & Verburg, R. (eds.). 1 ed. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 335-352 18 p. (Palgrave Studies in Sustainable Business in Association with Future Earth).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  41. Published
  42. Published

    Forschendes Lernen zum Thema ‚Trennverfahren’ inklusiv gestalten – Eine videobasierte Studie im naturwissenschaftlichen Sachunterricht

    Abels, S., Demmel, L., Minnemann, M., Rathig, J. & Semmler, F., 2019, Inklusion im Sachunterricht: Perspektiven der Forschung. Pech, D., Schomaker, C. & Simon, T. (eds.). Bad Heilbrunn: Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, p. 36-50 15 p. (Forschungen zur Didaktik des Sachunterrichts; vol. 10).

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

  43. Published

    Forwords

    Hofmeister, S. & Fainstein, S. S., 2019, Gendered Approaches to Spatial Development in Europe: Perspectives, Similarities, Differences. Zibell, B., Damyanovic, D. & Sturm, U. (eds.). London / New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. XVII-XIX 3 p. (Routledge studies in gender and environments).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksOtherResearch

  44. Published

    Fracking, Sovereignty over Natural Resources and International Investment Law

    Reins, L., Geraets, D. & Schomerus, C.-T., 2019, European Yearbook of International Economic Law 2018. Bungenberg, M., Krajewski, M., Tams, C. J., Terhechte, J. P. & Ziegler, A. R. (eds.). 1 ed. Cham: Springer Verlag, p. 175-201 27 p. (European Yearbook of International Economic Law; vol. 9).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  45. Published

    Für_Sorge – Vor_Sorge. Feministische Perspektiven auf ‚Natur/en‘ und Menschen

    Hofmeister, S., Mölders, T. & Onnen, C., 2019, Care: Praktiken und Politiken der Fürsorge: Ethnographische und geschlechtertheoretische Perspektiven. Binder, B., Bischoff, C., Endter, C., Hess, S., Kienitz, S. & Bergmann, S. (eds.). Leverkusen-Opladen: Verlag Babara Budrich, p. 263-275 13 p.

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

  46. Published

    Gender, Space and Development: An Introduction to Concepts and Debates

    Huning, S., Mölders, T. & Zibell, B., 2019, Gendered Approaches to Spatial Development in Europe: Perspectives, Similarities, Differences. Zibell, B., Damyanovic, D. & Sturm, U. (eds.). 1 ed. London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 23 p.

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

  47. Published

    "Global competence" - der neue Fokusbereich in PISA 2018. Ein holpriger Start

    Kater-Wettstädt, L. & Niemann, D., 2019, In: ZEP - Zeitschrift für internationale Bildungsforschung und Entwicklungspädagogik. 42, 3, p. 29-36 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Globales Lernen in der Schule: Partizipation im Spannungsfeld von Inklusion und Exklusion

    Kater-Wettstädt, L. & Terhart, H., 2019, In: ZEP - Zeitschrift für internationale Bildungsforschung und Entwicklungspädagogik. 42, 3, p. 16-21 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Governance for Sustainability in Telecoupled Systems

    Challies, E., Newig, J. & Lenschow, A., 2019, Telecoupling: Exploring Land-Use Change in a Globalised World. Friis, C. & Nielsen, J. Ø. (eds.). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 177-197 21 p. (Palgrave Studies in Natural Resource Management).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  50. Published

    Green City---A Sustainable Energy Concept for a Climate Neutral University

    Strodel, N., Opel, O., Werner, K. F. & Ruck, W. K. L., 2019, International Climate Protection. Palocz-Andresen, M., Szalay, D., Gosztom, A., Sípos, L. & Taligás, T. (eds.). Cham: Springer International Publishing, p. 211-216 6 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapter

  51. Published