Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

In the professorship, we address three main challenges for the fulfilment of this aspiration:

  • Consolidate the epistemological and methodological foundations of transdisciplinary sustainability research.
  • Enhance research at the science/society interface that has both scientific and societal relevance.
  • Enable students, researchers and societal actors to contribute to societal transformation with local and global impact.

We are rooted/embedded in the Faculty of  Sustainability and collaborate with different institutes at Leuphana and research institutions from around the world as well as with different societal actors and institutions from the private and public sector in Lueneburg and beyond. 

We creatively combine conceptual and empirical research with the development of new formats and environments.

Topics

Im Bereich der Forschung liegt der Schwerpunkt von Dissertationen und Drittmittelprojekten im Bereich der Wirtschaftsethik im Zeichen der Globalisierung, in der Staatsphilosophie sowie in aktuellen Fragen der Medizinethik.

Auch hier ist der transdisziplinär verstandene Nachhaltigkeitsbegriff das Band, welches den Umgang mit ethischen Dilemmata in verschiedenen Wissenschafts- und Lebensbereichen miteinander verbindet.

Besonderes Gewicht wird problemorientierten Lernprozessen mit intensivem, wechselseitigem Austausch zwischen Wissenschaftlern/-innen unterschiedlicher Disziplinen sowie relevanten gesellschaftlichen Akteuren beigemessen. Ethik wird in diesem Kontext als eine Begleitwissenschaft verstanden, der eine Schlüsselrolle in inter- und transdisziplinärer Forschung zu Themen der nachhaltigen Entwicklung zukommt.

  1. 2014
  2. Published

    Extreme Climate Events as Opportunities for Radical Open Citizenship

    John, B. & Kagan, S., 2014, In: Open Citizenship. 5, 1, p. 60-75 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Kommunikation, Partizipation und digitale Medien: Digitale Medien

    Bollow, E., Faasch, H. & Möller, A., 2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 397-419 23 p.

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

  4. Published

    Nachhaltigkeitsethik

    Oermann, N. O. & Weinert, A., 2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin u.a.: Springer, p. 63-86 24 p.

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

  5. Published

    TERIM – Transition Dynamics in Energy Regions: An Integrated Model for Sustainable Policies

    Binder, C. R., Absenger-Helmli, I., Bedenik, K., Chappin, E., Dijkema, G., Goetz, A., Hecher, M., Knoeri, C. & Vilsmaier, U., 2014, Tagungsband 15. Klimatag: 2.–4. April 2014. Innsbruch: Universität Innsbruck , p. 78-79 2 p.

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

  6. Published

    Transdisziplinäre Forschung

    Vilsmaier, U. & Lang, D., 2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin: Springer Spektrum, p. 87-113 27 p.

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

  7. Published

    Dissipation and recycling: What losses, what dissipation impacts, and what recycling options?

    Yarime, M., Carliell-Marquet, C., Hellums, D. T., Kalmykova, Y., Lang, D. J., Bao Le, Q., Malley, D., Morf, L. S., Matsubae, K., Matsuo, M., Ohtake, H., Omlin, A. P., Petzet, S., Scholz, R. W., Shiroyama, H., Ulrich, A. E. & Watts, P., 01.01.2014, Sustainable Phosphorus Management: A Global Transdisciplinary Roadmap. Scholz, R. W., Roy, A. H., Brand, F. S., Hellums, D. T. & Ulrich, A. E. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 247-274 28 p.

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

  8. Published

    Use: What is needed to Support Sustainability?

    Mikkelsen, R. L., Binder, C. R., Frossard, E., Brand, F. S., Scholz, R. W. & Vilsmaier, U., 01.01.2014, Sustainable Phosphorus Management: A Global Transdisciplinary Roadmap. Scholz, R. W., Roy, A. H., Brand, F. S., Hellums, D. T. & Ulrich, A. E. (eds.). 1 ed. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 207-246 40 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  9. Published

    Energy in low carbon cities and social learning: A process for defining priority research questions with UK stakeholders

    Martin, C. J., Taylor, P. G., Upham, P., Ghiasi, G., Bale, C. S. E., James, H., Owen, A., Gale, W. F., Slack, R. J. & Helmer, S., 02.2014, In: Sustainable Cities and Society. 10, p. 149-160 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Nachhaltige Kommunalverwaltung

    Kirst, E., Trockel, S. & Heinrichs, H., 02.2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Heinrichs, H. & Michelsen, G. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 549-566 18 p.

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

  11. Published

    Methoden und Methodologie in den Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften

    Lang, D. J., Rode, H. & von Wehrden, H., 03.2014, Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften. Michelsen, G. & Heinrichs, H. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Spektrum, p. 115-144 30 p.

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

  12. Published

    Impacts of seasonal patterns of climate on recurrent fluctuations in tourism demand: Evidence from Aruba

    Ridderstaat, J., Oduber, M., Croes, R., Nijkamp, P. & Martens, P., 04.2014, In: Tourism Management. 41, p. 245-256 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  13. Published

    Wirtschaftsethik - quo vadis? «Ist» und «Soll» eines Bindestxichfachs aus protestantischer Perspektive

    Oermann, N. O., 04.2014, In: Theologische Literaturzeitung. 139, 4, p. 411-426 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  14. Published

    Going beyond efficiency: including altruistic motives in behavioral models for sustainability transitions to address sufficiency.

    Schäpke, N. & Rauschmayer, F., 01.04.2014, In: Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy. 10, 1, p. 29 - 44 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Forschung für nachhaltige entwicklungen

    Grießhammer, R., Bergmann, M. & Betker, F., 05.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 2, p. 129 - 131 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  16. Published

    Germany – Europe –World 2042: A Transformative Longitudinal Study

    Bergmann, M., Burandt, S., Heinrichs, H., Kümmerer, K. & Lang, D. J., 05.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 2, p. 132-134 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Ecosystem services as a boundary object for sustainability

    Abson, D., von Wehrden, H., Baumgärtner, S., Fischer, J., Hanspach, J., Härdtle, W., Heinrichs, H., Klein, A-M., Lang, D. J., Martens, P. & Walmsley, D., 07.2014, In: Ecological Economics. 103, 7, p. 29-37 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Experience from downscaling IPCC-SRES scenarios to specific national-level focus scenarios for ecosystem service management

    Walz, A., Braendle, J. M., Lang, D. J., Brand, F., Briner, S., Elkin, C., Hirschi, C., Huber, R., Lischke, H. & Schmatz, D. R., 07.2014, In: Technological Forecasting and Social Change. 86, p. 21-32 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Making sense of sustainability transitions locally: how action research contributes to addressing societal challenges

    Wittmayer, J. M., Schäpke, N., van Steenbergen, F. & Omann, I., 02.10.2014, In: Critical Policy Studies. 8, 4, p. 465-485 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. Published

    Resilienz und Reallabore als Schlüsselkonzepte urbaner Transitionsforschung: Zwölf Thesen

    De Flander, K., Hahne, U., Kegler, H., Lang, D. J., Lucas, R., Schneidewind, U., Simon, K-H., Singer-Brodowski, M., Wanner, M. & Wiek, A., 10.10.2014, In: GAIA. 23, 3, p. 284-286 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  21. Published

    Aspekte der Nachhaltigkeit in der ambulanten Versorgung von Menschen mit Demenz

    Baumgardt, J., Radisch, J., Touil, E., Moock, J., Plewig, H-J., Kawohl, W. & Rössler, W., 11.2014, In: Psychiatrische Praxis. 41, 8, p. 424- 431 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    Local levers for change: Mainstreaming ecosystem-based adaptation into municipal planning to foster sustainability transitions

    Wamsler, C., Luederitz, C. & Brink, E., 01.11.2014, In: Global Environmental Change : Human and Policy Dimensions. 29, p. 189 - 201 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Visionen, Institutionen und Infrastrukturen als Elemente der Energietransformation

    Binder, C. R., Hecher, M. & Vilsmaier, U., 06.11.2014, Klima von unten: Regionale Governance und gesellschaftlicher Wandel. Böschen, S., Gill, B., Kropp, C. & Vogel, K. (eds.). 1 ed. Frankfurt am Main: Campus Verlag, p. 267-286 20 p.

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

  24. Published

    Lebensweltgestaltung junger Frauen mit türkischem Migrationshintergrund in der dritten Generation : "Mama, erzähl mir neue Sachen, deine sind schon veraltet"

    Bülbül-Emanet, S., 18.12.2014, Wiesbaden: Springer VS. 199 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesBook

  25. 2015
  26. Published

    Creating Space for Change: Real-world Laboratories for Sustainability Transformations: The Case of Baden-Württemberg

    Schäpke, N., Singer-Brodowski, M., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 2015, In: GAIA. 24, 4, p. 281-283 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  27. Published

    Principles for sustainable urban places: the why, what and how

    John, B. & Lüderitz, C., 2015, Dialogues of Sustainable Urbanisation: Social Science Research and Transitions to Urban Contexts. Condie, J. & Cooper, A. M. (eds.). Penrith, N.S.W.: University of Western Sydney, p. 13-18 6 p.

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

  28. Published

    Well-being and Prosperity beyond Growth: Discursive Struggles in the German Enquete Commission on Growth, Prosperity and Quality of Life

    Soetebeer, I., 2015, In: GAIA. 24, 3, p. 179-187 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  29. Published

    Nuclear accidents call for transdisciplinary nuclear energy research

    Gralla, F., Abson, D., Møller, A. P., Lang, D. J., Vilsmaier, U., Sovacool, B. K. & von Wehrden, H., 01.2015, In: Sustainability Science. 10, 1, p. 179-183 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  30. Published

    Towards a thick understanding of sustainability transitions - Linking transition management, capabilities and social practices

    Rauschmayer, F., Bauler, T. & Schäpke, N., 01.01.2015, In: Ecological Economics. 109, p. 211-221 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  31. Published

    The Monster and the polar bears: constructing the future knowledge landscape of synthetic biology to inform responsible innovation.

    Withycombe Keeler, L. & Foley, R. W., 02.01.2015, In: Journal of Responsible Innovation. 2, 1, p. 81 - 84 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  32. Published

    Wirtschaftsethik: Vom freien Markt bis zur Share Economy

    Oermann, N. O., 10.02.2015, 1 ed. München: C.H. Beck Verlag. 127 p. (C. H. Beck Wissen; vol. 2845)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearchpeer-review

  33. Published

    Actor Analysis in Case Studies for (regional) Sustainable Development

    Burandt, S., Gralla, F. & John, B., 19.02.2015, In: Envigogika. 10, 1, 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Linking stakeholder survey, scenario analysis, and simulation modeling to explore the long-term impacts of regional water governance regimes

    Withycombe Keeler, L., Wiek, A., White, D. D. & Sampson, D. A., 04.2015, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 48, p. 237-249 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  35. Published

    Understanding the modes of use and availability of critical metals-An expert-based scenario analysis for the case of indium

    Weiser, A., Lang, D. J., Schomerus, T. & Stamp, A., 01.05.2015, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 94, p. 376-393 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  36. Published

    Auf der Suche nach Räumen generativer Bildung

    Brandner, V., Winter, P. & Vilsmaier, U., 28.05.2015, Bildung und ungleiche Entwicklung : Globale Konvergenzen & Divergenzen in der Bildungswelt. Faschingeder, G. & Kolland, F. (eds.). 1 ed. Wien: New Academic Press, p. 74 - 92 19 p. (Historische Sozialkunde / Internationale Entwicklung; vol. 34)(Journal für Entwicklungspolitik / Ergänzungsband; vol. 26).

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

  37. Published

    Zur Integration von Wissenschaft und Praxis als Forschungsmodus: Ein Literaturüberblick

    Bergmann, M., Brinkmann, C., Huang-Lachenmann, J-T., Rödder, S. & Schuck-Zöller, S., 08.2015, Hamburg: Climate Service Center Germany, 76 p. (Report; vol. 23).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsResearch

  38. Published

    A review of urban ecosystem services: six key challenges for future research

    Lüderitz, C., Brink, E., Gralla, F., Hermelingmeier, V., Rau, A-L., Abson, D., Lang, D. J., von Wehrden, H., Wamsler, C., Sasaki, R., Partelow, S., Meyer, M., Lisa, N. & Panzer, L., 01.08.2015, In: Ecosystem Services. 14, p. 98-112 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  39. Published

    The private sector in climate governance: Opportunities for climate compatible development through multilevel industry-government engagement

    Mildorfová-Leventon, J., Dyer, J. C. & Van Alstine, J. D., 01.09.2015, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 102, p. 316 - 323 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published
  41. Published

    Case-based Mutual Learning Sessions: knowledge integration and transfer in transdisciplinary processes

    Vilsmaier, U., Engbers, M., Luthardt, P., Maas-Deipenbrock, R. M., Wunderlich, S. & Scholz, R. W., 01.10.2015, In: Sustainability Science. 10, 4, p. 563-580 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  42. Published

    Operationalising Competencies in Higher Education for Sustainable Development

    Wiek, A., Bernstein, M. J., Foley, R. W., Cohen, M., Forrest, N., Kuzdas, C., Kay, B. & Withycombe Keeler, L., 26.10.2015, Routledge Handbook of Higher Education for Sustainable Development. Barth, M., Michelsen, G., Rieckmann, M. & Thomas, I. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 241-260 20 p. 16. (Routledge International Handbooks Series).

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

  43. Published

    A cognitive mapping approach to understanding public objection to energy infrastructure: The case of wind power in Galicia, Spain

    Upham, P. & García Pérez, J., 01.11.2015, In: Renewable Energy. 83, p. 587-596 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    How much sustainability substance is in urban visions? An analysis of visioning projects in urban planning

    John, B., Keeler, L. W., Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 01.11.2015, In: Cities. 48, p. 86 - 98 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Envisioning the Future of Water Governance: A Survey of Central Arizona Water Decision Makers

    White, D. D., Withycombe Keeler, L., Wiek, A. & Larson, K. L., 17.11.2015, In: Environmental Practice. 17, 1, p. 25-35 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  46. Published

    The IRENA Project Navigator: Developing bankable renewable energy projects

    Roesch, R., Sánchez, C. G. R., Benmarraze, S., Salgado Gonzalez, A. & Bohr, K., 01.12.2015, In: Development (Basingstoke). 58, 4, p. 556-563 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  47. 2016
  48. Published

    An experience-based learning framework: Activities for the initial development of sustainability competencies

    Caniglia, G., John, B., Kohler, M., Leonie, B., Wiek, A., Rojas, C., Laubichler, M. & Lang, D. J., 2016, In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 17, 6, p. 827-852 26 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. Published

    Disentangling the Pathways and Effects of Ecosystem Service Co-Production

    Palomo, I., Felipe-Lucia, M. R., Bennett, E. M., Martín-López, B. & Pascual, U., 2016, In: Advances in Ecological Research. 54, p. 245-283 39 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. Published

    “ Freiheit, die ich meine": Ist Freiheit ein zeitloser Wert?

    Oermann, N. O., 2016, Freiheit und Gemeinwohl: ewige Gegensätze oder zwei Seiten einer Medaille?. Papier, H-J. & Meynhardt, T. (eds.). Berlin: Tempus Corporate GmbH, p. 71-86 16 p.

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

  51. Published

    Governance approaches to address scale issues in biodiversity management – current situation and ways forward

    Mildorfová-Leventon, J., Newig, J., Schaal, T. & Velten, S., 2016, Lund: Lund University, 4 p. (MULTAGRI Policy Brief; no. 3/2016).

    Research output: Working paperResearch communication reportsTransfer

  52. Published

    Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning for Sustainable Development

    Cörvers, R., Wiek, A., de Kraker, J. & Lang, D. J., 2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media, p. 349-358 10 p. 29

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

  53. Published

    Sustainability Ethics

    Oermann, N. O. & Weinert, A., 2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer, p. 175-192 18 p.

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