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. 2024
  2. Published

    Betriebliches Nachhaltigkeitsbarometer Niedersachsen 2024: Einblicke in Nachhaltigkeit und Klimaschutz in der niedersächsischen Wirtschaft

    Hartmann, E., Wilkens, M. & Heinrichs, H., 20.11.2024, Lüneburg: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 42 p. (Schriftenreihe Nachhaltigkeit, Politik, Gesellschaft; no. 7).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  3. E-pub ahead of print

    Colonization and extinction lags drive non-linear responses to warming in mountain plant communities across the Northern Hemisphere

    Bektaş, B., Chisholm, C., Egelkraut, D., Lynn, J., Block, S., Deola, T., Dommanget, F., Enquist, B. J., Goldberg, D. E., Haider, S., Halbritter, A. H., He, Y., Jaunatre, R., Jentsch, A., Klanderud, K., Kardol, P., Lachmuth, S., Loucougaray, G., Münkemüller, T., Niedrist, G., Nomoto, H., Seltzer, L., Paul Töpper, J., Rew, L. J., Seipel, T., Shah, M. A., James Telford, R., Walker, T. W. N., Wang, S., Wardle, D. A., Wolff, P., Yang, Y., Vandvik, V. & Alexander, J. M., 20.11.2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Ecography. 15 p., e07378.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    Diversity-enhanced canopy space occupation and leaf functional diversity jointly promote overyielding in tropical tree communities

    Ray, T., Fichtner, A., Kunz, M., Proß, T., Bradler, P. M., Bruelheide, H., Georgi, L., Haider, S., Hildebrand, M., Potvin, C., Schnabel, F., Trogisch, S. & Oheimb, G. V., 15.11.2024, In: Science of the Total Environment. 951, 12 p., 175438.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  5. Published

    Assessing the aquatic biodegradation potential of polymeric excipients for pharmaceutical formulation

    Bading, M., Olsson, O. & Kümmerer, K., 01.11.2024, In: Chemosphere. 368, 9 p., 143739.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase

    Alonso-Crespo, I. M. & Mateos-Cárdenas, A., 01.11.2024, In: Chemosphere. 368, 11 p., 143715.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Shrub cover declined as Indigenous populations expanded across southeast Australia

    Mariani, M., Wills, A., Herbert, A., Adeleye, M., Florin, S. A., Cadd, H., Connor, S., Kershaw, P., Theuerkauf, M., Stevenson, J., Fletcher, M. S., Mooney, S., Bowman, D. & Haberle, S., 01.11.2024, In: Science (New York, N.Y.). 386, 6721, p. 567-573 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  8. Published
  9. Published

    Ecological features facilitating spread of alien plants along Mediterranean mountain roads

    Santoianni, L. A., Innangi, M., Varricchione, M., Carboni, M., La Bella, G., Haider, S. & Stanisci, A., 11.2024, In: Biological Invasions. 26, 11, p. 3879-3899 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    From railroad imperialism to neoliberal reprimarization: Lessons from regime-shifts in the Global Soybean Complex

    Mempel, F., Corbera, E., Labajos, B. R. & Challies, E., 11.2024, In: Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space. 7, 2, p. 559-582 24 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Mapping and assessing the knowledge base of ecological restoration

    Heger, T., Jeschke, J., Febria, C., Kollmann, J., Murphy, S. D., Rochefort, L., Shackelford, N., Temperton, V. & Higgs, E., 11.2024, In: Restoration Ecology. 32, 8, 10 p., e13676.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. Published

    Measuring at all scales: sourcing data for more flexible restoration references

    Shackelford, N., Dudney, J., Stueber, M. M., Temperton, V. M. & Suding, K. L., 11.2024, In: Restoration Ecology. 32, 8, 10 p., e13541.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  13. Published

    Plant neighbors differentially alter a focal species' biotic interactions through changes to resource allocation

    Turner, S. C. & Schweitzer, J. A., 11.2024, In: Ecology. 105, 11, 18 p., e4395.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Shifts in plant functional trait dynamics in relation to soil microbiome in modern and wild barley

    Kumar, A., Kuznetsova, O., Gschwendtner, S., Chen, H., Alonso-Crespo, I. M., Yusuf, M., Schulz, S., Bonkowski, M., Schloter, M. & Temperton, V. M., 11.2024, In: Plants People Planet. 6, 6, p. 1398-1412 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Transdiziplinäre Zusammenarbeit für nachhaltige Flächennutzung: Verständnis fördern, Szenarien entwicklen, Synergien finden

    Pfendtner-Heise, J., Krebs, A. & von Wehrden, H., 11.2024, 9 p.

    Research output: other publicationsContributions to online encyclopediaTransfer

  16. Published

    Valorization of faba bean (Vicia faba) by-products

    Krenz, L. M. M., Grebenteuch, S., Zocher, K., Rohn, S. & Pleissner, D., 11.2024, In: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 14, 21, p. 26663-26680 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  17. Published

    Geodesign as a boundary management process: Co-creating and negotiating sustainable landscape futures. Participatory research methods for sustainability – toolkit #11

    Gottwald, S., Albert, C., Arciniegas, G., Ducci, M., Jajeh, S., Janssen, R. & Taylor, R., 29.10.2024, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 33, 3, p. 282-285 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  18. Published

    Sufficiency as a "Strategy of the Enough": Curbing ecological crises and injustices. A summary of the German Advisory Council on the Environment's discussion paper

    Michaelis, J., Vogel, B., Strunz, S., Lucht, W., Dahms, H., Dornack, C., Geissler, A., Hertin, J., Hoffart, F., Kemfert, C., Klein, M., Köck, W., Lage, J., Marquard, E., Schmalz, S., Settele, J., Sommer, B., Weiss, S. & Wiegand, S., 29.10.2024, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 33, 3, p. 275-281 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  19. Published

    Food poverty as a barrier for a healthy and climate-friendly nutrition in Austria

    Lampl, C., Schmidt, A. & Aigner, E., 28.10.2024, In: European Journal of Public Health. 34, SP_3, p. 317-317 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference abstract in journalResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    A Universal Digital Stress Management Intervention for Employees: Randomized Controlled Trial with Health-Economic Evaluation

    Freund, J., Smit, F., Lehr, D., Zarski, A. C., Berking, M., Riper, H., Funk, B., Ebert, D. D. & Buntrock, C., 22.10.2024, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 26, 13 p., e48481.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  21. Published
  22. Published

    Life Cycle Assessment of Consumption Patterns – Understanding the links between changing social practices and environmental impacts

    Suski, P., Augenstein, K. & Greiff, K., 20.10.2024, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 477, 13 p., 143813.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    European Yearbook of International Economic Law 2023

    Bäumler, J. (Editor), Binder, C. (Editor), Bungenberg, M. (Editor), Krajewski, M. (Editor), Rühl, G. (Editor), Tams, C. J. (Editor), Terhechte, J. (Editor) & Ziegler, A. R. (Editor), 17.10.2024, Cham: Springer International Publishing. 489 p. (European Yearbook of International Economic Law; vol. 14)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  24. Published

    Decolonizing RFMOs: The Case of The United Kingdom’s IOTC Membership on Behalf of the Chagos Archipelago

    Schatz, V. J., 14.10.2024, International Fisheries Law: Persistent and Emerging Challenges. Kunoy, B., Heidar, T. & Yiallourides, C. (eds.). London: Taylor and Francis Inc., p. 17-33 17 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  25. E-pub ahead of print

    Lagged Multidimensional Recurrence Quantification Analysis for Determining Leader–Follower Relationships Within Multidimensional Time Series

    Tomashin, A., Gordon, I., Leonardi, G., Berson, Y., Milstein, N., Ziegler, M., Hess, U. & Wallot, S., 10.10.2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Psychological Methods. 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  26. Published

    The pace of life for forest trees

    Author Collaboration of "The pace of life for forest trees.", Bialic-Murphy, L., McElderry, R. M., Esquivel-Muelbert, A., van den Hoogen, J., Zuidema, P. A., Phillips, O. L., de Oliveira, E. A. & Klipel, J., 04.10.2024, In: Science (New York, N.Y.). 386, 6717, p. 92-98 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Author Correction: Widening global variability in grassland biomass since the 1980s

    MacDougall, A. S., Esch, E., Chen, Q., Carroll, O., Bonner, C., Ohlert, T., Siewert, M., Sulik, J., Schweiger, A. K., Borer, E. T., Naidu, D., Bagchi, S., Hautier, Y., Wilfahrt, P., Larson, K., Olofsson, J., Cleland, E., Muthukrishnan, R., O’Halloran, L., Alberti, J., Anderson, T. M., Arnillas, C. A., Bakker, J. D., Barrio, I. C., Biederman, L., Boughton, E. H., Brudvig, L. A., Bruschetti, M., Buckley, Y., Bugalho, M. N., Cadotte, M. W., Caldeira, M. C., Catford, J. A., D’Antonio, C., Davies, K., Daleo, P., Dickman, C. R., Donohue, I., DuPre, M. E., Elgersma, K., Eisenhauer, N., Eskelinen, A., Estrada, C., Fay, P. A., Feng, Y., Gruner, D. S., Hagenah, N., Haider, S., Harpole, W. S., Hersch-Green, E., Jentsch, A., Kirkman, K., Knops, J. M. H., Laanisto, L., Lannes, L. S., Laungani, R., Lkhagva, A., Macek, P., Martina, J. P., McCulley, R. L., Melbourne, B., Mitchell, R., Moore, J. L., Morgan, J. W., Muraina, T. O., Niu, Y., Pärtel, M., Peri, P. L., Power, S. A., Price, J. N., Prober, S. M., Ren, Z., Risch, A. C., Smith, N. G., Sonnier, G., Standish, R. J., Stevens, C. J., Tedder, M., Tognetti, P., Veen, G. F., Virtanen, R., Wardle, G. M., Waring, E., Wolf, A. A., Yahdjian, L. & Seabloom, E. W., 01.10.2024, In: Nature Ecology and Evolution. 8, 10, p. 2003 1 p.

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

  28. Published

    Building energy institutions in a conflict zone: Interventions by international organisations in Afghanistan

    Fahimi, A., Upham, P. & Pflitsch, G., 01.10.2024, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 116, 22 p., 103711.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Defining greener, healthier and more sustainable toys: A case study of L.O.L. Surprise!

    Fachina, S., Araripe, E. & Zeidler, V. G. Z., 01.10.2024, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 41, 10 p., 101661.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  30. Published

    Ecosystem Services Justice: The Emergence of a Critical Research Field

    Langemeyer, J., Benra, F., Nahuelhual, L. & Zoderer, B. M., 01.10.2024, In: Ecosystem Services. 69, 11 p., 101655.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    Governance for urban sustainability through real-world experimentation – Introducing an evaluation framework for transformative research involving public actors

    Kampfmann, T., Bernert, P., Lang, D. J. & Drautz, S., 01.10.2024, In: Cities. 153, 11 p., 105301.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Indigenous and local values of nature through a gender lens: A literature review

    Hartmann, J. Z. & Pearson, J., 01.10.2024, In: Ecosystem Services. 69, 14 p., 101654.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  33. Published

    Terror Management Theory and the Existential Psychological Function of Heroes

    Schindler, S., 01.10.2024, Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies. Allison, S. T., Beggan, J. K. & Goethals, G. R. (eds.). Springer International Publishing, p. 2050-2055 6 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticles for encyclopediaResearch

  34. Published

    Navigating social–ecological changes: A mixed-method analysis of extensive livestock systems in southern Patagonian forests, Argentina

    Rodríguez, P., Benra, F., Fischer, J., Romano, S. & Soler, R., 10.2024, In: Ambio. 53, 10, p. 1541-1555 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Participatory co-learning for human–wildlife coexistence: Reflections on a novel program applying systems thinking, nonviolent communication, and learning-based approaches

    Kansky, R., Maassarani, T. & Fischer, J., 10.2024, In: Ambio. 53, 10, p. 1479-1491 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Reviewing the science on 50 years of conservation: Knowledge production biases and lessons for practice

    Dawson, N. M., Coolsaet, B., Bhardwaj, A., Brown, D., Lliso, B., Loos, J., Mannocci, L., Martin, A., Oliva, M., Pascual, U., Sherpa, P. & Worsdell, T., 10.2024, In: Ambio. 53, 10, p. 1395-1413 19 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  37. Published

    Summer temperatures from the Middle Pleistocene site Schöningen 13 II, northern Germany, determined from subfossil chironomid assemblages

    Rigterink, S., Krahn, K. J., Kotrys, B., Urban, B., Heiri, O., Turner, F., Pannes, A. & Schwalb, A., 10.2024, In: Boreas. 53, 4, p. 525-542 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  38. Published

    Temperature and palaeolake evolution during a Middle Pleistocene interglacial–glacial transition at the Palaeolithic locality of Schöningen, Germany

    Krahn, K. J., Urban, B., Pinkerneil, S., Horne, D. J., Tucci, M., Koutsodendris, A. & Schwalb, A., 10.2024, In: Boreas. 53, 4, p. 504-524 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Waste-to-nutrition: Sustainable strategies for use of organic biomass in complex food systems

    Pleissner, D. & Smetana, S., 10.2024, In: Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 49, 2 p., 100949.

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

  40. Published

    Widening global variability in grassland biomass since the 1980s

    MacDougall, A. S., Esch, E., Chen, Q., Carroll, O., Bonner, C., Ohlert, T., Siewert, M., Sulik, J., Schweiger, A., Borer, E. T., Naidu, D., Bagchi, S., Hautier, Y., Wilfahrt, P., Larson, K., Olofsson, J., Cleland, E., Muthukrishnan, R., O’Halloran, L., Alberti, J., Anderson, T. M., Arnillas, C. A., Bakker, J. D., Barrio, I. C., Biederman, L., Boughton, E. H., Brudvig, L. A., Bruschetti, M., Buckley, Y., Bugalho, M. N., Cadotte, M. W., Caldeira, M. C., Catford, J. A., D’Antonio, C., Davies, K., Daleo, P., Dickman, C. R., Donohue, I., DuPre, M. E., Elgersma, K., Eisenhauer, N., Eskelinen, A., Estrada, C., Fay, P. A., Feng, Y., Gruner, D. S., Hagenah, N., Haider, S., Harpole, W. S. & Hersch-Green, E., 10.2024, In: Nature Ecology and Evolution. 8, 10, p. 1877-1888 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. Published

    Simplify the Uptake of Community Energy by Leveraging Intermediaries and the Use of Digital Planning Tools

    Mey, F., Borch, K., Bosch, S., Ebersbach, B., Hecht, R., Holstenkamp, L. & Radtke, J., 28.09.2024, Strengthening European Energy Policy: Governance Recommendations From Innovative Interdisciplinary Collaborations. Crowther, A., Foulds, C., Robison, R. & Gladkykh, G. (eds.). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland AG, p. 17-29 13 p.

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

  42. Published

    The safe-and-sustainable-by-design concept: innovating towards a more sustainable future

    Soeteman-Hernández, L. G., Apel, C., Nowack, B., Sudheshwar, A., Som, C., Huttunen-Saarivirta, E., Tenhunen-Lunkka, A., Scheper, J., Falk, A., Valsami-Jones, E., Rocca, C., Brennan, M., Igartua, A., Mendoza, G., Midander, K., Strömberg, E. & Kümmerer, K., 24.09.2024, In: Environmental Sustainability. 7, 3, p. 363-368 6 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Citizen Science-Based Monitoring of Cavity-Nesting Wild Bees and Wasps – Benefits for Volunteers, Insects, and Ecological Science

    Lindermann, L., Grabener, S., Hellwig, N., Stahl, J. & Dieker, P., 04.09.2024, In: Citizen Science: Theory and Practice. 9, 1, 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published
  45. Published

    Biological measures to recover nitrogen compounds from liquid and solid streams

    Thielemann, A. K., Händel, N., Siddiqui, S. A., Aganovic, K., Kießling, M., Terjung, N., Smetana, S. & Pleißner, D., 01.09.2024, In: Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment. 7, 6 p., 100136.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    Ein Recht auf Zeit: Zeit als Ressource

    Bertram, A., 01.09.2024, In: Juridikum : Zeitschrift für Kritik - Recht - Gesellschaft. 2024, 3, p. 364-373

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  47. Published

    From rebound to reinforcement effects. The role of analyzing underlying mechanisms for accounting

    Schaltegger, S., Amend, C. & Wüst, S., 01.09.2024, In: Journal of Sustainable Finance and Accounting. 3, 10 p., 100014.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  48. Published

    Institutional arrangements and sustainable maintenance management of community-based mini-grids in Tanzania

    Ngoti, I. F., 01.09.2024, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 115, 10 p., 103632.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    One Fits Them All? Metaphors in Multilingual Biology Classes

    Sowinski, R. & Abels, S., 01.09.2024, Connecting Science Education with Cultural Heritage: Proceedings of the ESERA 2023 Conference. Kaya, G., Sardag, M. & Gul, K. (eds.). Oxford: European Science Education Research Association, Vol. 3. p. 246-256 11 p.

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

  50. Published

    Why gender matters for addressing chemical pollution

    Wang, M., Balayannis, A., Rother, H. A., Hemmati, M., Holthaus, A. & Zuin Zeidler, V., 01.09.2024, In: The Lancet Planetary Health. 8, 9, 1 p., e611.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  51. Published

    Contributing to sustainable development pathways in the South Pacific through transdisciplinary research: Conference report

    Riechers, M., Baumann, L., Braun, M., Carew, A., Chinappa, M., Dehm, J., Ganachaud, A., Holland, E., Kelsey, H., Lal, S., Landemard, M., Rocle, N. & Stockwell, B. L., 09.2024, In: Marine Policy. 167, 3 p., 106124.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

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