Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

The aim of research and teaching at our institute is to make an active contribution to shaping societal transformation towards sustainability. We work on appropriate scientific and philosophical foundations as well as on ways to include different (civil) societal actors in research processes.

The institute is subdivided into the following four core areas: (i) Sustainability Ethics (ii) Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research, (iii) Sustainability Science and (iv) Social Sustainability.

Main research areas

Unsere Forschung deckt ein breites Spektrum an thematischen und methodischen Zugängen ab. Innerhalb der Fakultät Nachhaltigkeit am Schnittpunkt von natur- und sozialwissenschaftlich fokussierter Forschung angesiedelt, ist unsere Arbeit geprägt durch inter- und transdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit - innerhalb der Universität und über ihre Grenzen hinaus.
Im Rahmen dieser Kooperationen arbeiten wir lösungsorientiert und zielen darauf ab, im wechselseitigen Austausch zwischen Wissenschaftlern/-innen unterschiedlicher Disziplinen sowie relevanten gesellschaftlichen Akteuren sozial robustes Wissen zu erzeugen.

Forschungsschwerpunkte und Kernkonzepte

Sustainability Science
Transdisziplinäre Nachhaltigkeitsforschung
Nachhaltigkeitsethik

  1. Published
  2. 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

  3. Published

    Epilog - Und wo sind wir? Reflexionen auf den Ort der/des Forschenden in der raumbezogenen qualitativen Sozialforschung

    Vilsmaier, U., 2013, Raumbezogene qualitative Sozialforschung. Dörfler, T. & Rothfuß, E. (eds.). Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, p. 287-307 21 p.

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

  4. Published

    Erratum to "Generic functions of railway stations-A conceptual basis for the development of common system understanding and assessment criteria" [Transp. Policy 18 (2010) 446-455]

    Zemp, S., Stauffacher, M., Lang, D. J. & Scholz, R. W., 08.2011, In: Transport Policy. 18, 4, p. 648-648 1 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  5. Published

    Ethik

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

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsTransfer

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Published

    Experiments and evidence in sustainability science: A typology

    Caniglia, G., Schäpke, N., Lang, D. J., Abson, D. J., Lüderitz, C., Wiek, A., Laubichler, M., Gralla, F. & von Wehrden, H., 15.12.2017, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 169, p. 39-47 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  9. Published

    Exploring fruitful links between real-world laboratory and disciplinary research Introduction of the DKN Future Earth working group LinkLab

    Weiser, A., Wanner, M., Stelzer, F., Lang, D. J., Berger, H., Förster, A., Liedtke, C., Micklitz, H. W., Niewöhner, J., Parodi, O., Potthast, T., Schneider, F., Sörgel, F., Ziehl, M. & Ziemer, G., 27.10.2023, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society. 32, 3, p. 335-337 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Exploring the Capacity of Water Framework Directive Indices to Assess Ecosystem Services in Fluvial and Riparian Systems: Towards a Second Implementation Phase

    Vidal-Abarca, M. R., Santos-Martín, F., Martín-López, B., Sánchez-Montoya, M. M. & Suárez Alonso, M. L., 01.06.2016, In: Environmental Management. 57, 6, p. 1139-1152 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Exploring the potential of SMEs to build individual, organizational, and community resilience through sustainability-oriented business practices

    DiBella, J., Forrest, N., Burch, S., Rao-Williams, J., Ninomiya, S. M., Hermelingmeier, V. & Chisholm, K., 01.2023, In: Business Strategy and the Environment. 32, 1, p. 721-735 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Published

    Facilitating regional energy transition strategies: Toward a typology of regions

    Lutz, L. M., Lang, D. J. & Wehrden, H., 01.09.2017, In: Sustainability. 9, 9, 17 p., 1560.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    Facing the heat: A systematic literature review exploring the transferability of solutions to cope with urban heat waves

    Hintz, M. J., Lüderitz, C., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 06.2018, In: Urban Climate. 24, p. 714-727 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. Published

    Falling “fortresses”: Unlocking Governance Entanglements and Shifting Knowledge Paradigms to Counter Climate Change Threats in Biodiversity Conservation

    Ghosh, A., Sen, A., Dutta, K. & Ghosh, P., 01.02.2022, In: Environmental Management. 69, 2, p. 305-322 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  17. Published

    Farmers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies in South Africa's Western Cape

    Talanow, K., Topp, E., Loos, J. & Martín-López, B., 01.01.2021, In: Journal of Rural Studies. 81, p. 203-219 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  18. Published

    Five priorities to advance transformative transdisciplinary research

    Augenstein, K., Lam, D. P., Horcea-Milcu, A. I., Bernert, P., Charli-Joseph, L., Cockburn, J., Kampfmann, T., Pereira, L. M. & Sellberg, M. M., 01.06.2024, In: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 68, 11 p., 101438.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  19. Published

    Food forests: Their services and sustainability

    Albrecht, S. & Wiek, A., 10.07.2021, In: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development . 10, 3, p. 91-105 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  20. 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

  21. Published

    Food Security, Women, and Higher Education in Aceh

    Shamadiyah, N. & Amalia, N., 17.12.2022, In: Proceedings of Malikussaleh International Conference on Multidisciplinary Studies (MICoMS). 3, 6 p., 00053.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearch

  22. 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

  23. Published

    Forschendes Lernen in der Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaft

    Vilsmaier, U. & Meyer, E. M., 05.2017, Forschendes Lernen: Wie die Lehre in Universität und Fachhochschule erneuert werden kann. Mieg, H. A. & Lehmann, J. (eds.). Frankfurt: Campus Verlag, p. 357-366 10 p.

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

  24. 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

  25. Published

    Forschungsförderung unter dem Aspekt transdisziplinärer Integrationsaufgaben

    Bergmann, M., 2008, Transdisziplinäre Forschung: Integrative Forschungsprozesse verstehen und bewerten. Bergmann, M. & Schramm, E. (eds.). Frankfurt a. M./New York: Campus Verlag, p. 293-315 23 p.

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

  26. Published

    Freiheit als Wert? Neue Beobachtungen zu einer alten Debatte

    Oermann, N. O., 06.2016, In: Orientierungen zur Wirtschafts- und Gesellschaftspolitik. 143, p. 18-25 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesEducationpeer-review

  27. 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

  28. Published

    Freiwilligkeit und Zwang: Einführung in den Schwerpunkt

    Plewig, H.-J., 2007, In: Zeitschrift für Jugendkriminalrecht und Jugendhilfe. 18, 4, p. 356-357 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  29. Published

    From niche to mainstream: the dilemmas of scaling up sustainable alternatives

    Augenstein, K., Bachmann, B., Egermann, M., Hermelingmeier, V., Hilger, A., Jäger-Erben, M., Kessler, A., Lam, D., Palzkill, A., Suski, P. & von Wirth, T., 15.10.2020, In: GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Societa. 29, 3, p. 143-147 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  30. Published

    Fußball, Menschenfeindlichkeit und Diskriminierung

    Zick, A. & Winands, M., 2013, Polizei und Fußball: Analysen zum rituellen Charakter von Bundesligaspielen. Feltes, T. (ed.). Frankfurt, p. 143-152 10 p. (Schriftenreihe Polizieren: Polizei, Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft; vol. 6).

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

  31. Published
  32. Published

    Gender perspectives in resilience, vulnerability and adaptation to global environmental change

    Ravera, F. (Editor), Iniesta-Arandia, I. (Editor), Martín-López, B. (Editor), Pascual, U. (Editor) & Bose, P. (Editor), 01.12.2016, Secaucus: Springer Verlag. 393 p. (AMBIO; vol. 45, no. 3 (Supplement))

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  33. Published

    Generic functions of railway stations: A conceptual basis for the development of common system understanding and assessment criteria

    Zemp, S., Stauffacher, M., Lang, D. & Scholz, R. W., 03.2011, In: Transport Policy. 18, 2, p. 446-455 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. 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

  35. Published

    Gesellschaftlichen Wandel gestalten: Forschendes Lernen

    Vilsmaier, U. & Prien-Ribcke, S., 2013, Forschendes Lernen Forum für gute Lehre : Konferenzbroschüre. Binas, E. & Mieg, H. A. (eds.). Fachhochschule Potsdam, p. 70-71 2 p.

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

  36. Published

    Globales Denken? Zum Wirkungszusammenhang von Forschungspraxis, Erkenntnisfeld und der Art zu denken

    Vilsmaier, U., 03.2016, Wissenschaft und Globales Denken. Gmainer-Pranzl, F. & Schottenhammer, A. (eds.). Frankfurt a.M. u.a.: Peter Lang Verlag, p. 109-127 19 p. (Salzburger interdisziplinäre Diskurse; vol. 7).

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

  37. Published

    Globalisierung und die Verantwortung des Einzelnen: Protestantische Perspektiven

    Oermann, N. O., 2010, Damit Ihr Hoffnung habt: Das Buch zum Ökumenischen Kirchentag 2010. Catenhusen , W.-M., Großmann , T., Lechner, S. & Sattler, D. (eds.). Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus, p. 165-169 5 p.

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

  38. 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

  39. 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

  40. Published

    Governance Challenges at the Interface of Food Security and Biodiversity Conservation: A Multi-Level Case Study from Ethiopia

    Jiren, T. S., Leventon, J., Jager, N. W., Dorresteijn, I., Schultner, J., Senbeta, F., Bergsten, A. & Fischer, J., 04.2021, In: Environmental Management. 67, 4, p. 717-730 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  41. 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

  42. Published

    Grenzarbeit in integrativer und grenzüberschreitender Forschung

    Vilsmaier, U., 2018, Grenzen: Theoretische, konzeptionelle und praxisbezogene Fragestellungen zu Grenzen und deren Überschreitungen. Heintel, M., Musil, R. & Weixlbaumer, N. (eds.). 1 ed. Wiesbaden: Springer VS, p. 113-134 22 p. (RaumFragen: Stadt — Region — Landschaft).

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

  43. Published

    Grenzüberschreitung und Integration: Die formative Evaluation transdisziplinärer Forschung und ihre Kriterien

    Bergmann, M. & Schramm, E., 2008, Transdisziplinäre Forschung: integrative Forschungsprozesse verstehen und bewerten. Bergmann, M. & Schramm, E. (eds.). Frankfurt a. M./New York: Campus Verlag, p. 149-175 16 p.

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

  44. Published

    "Gute Kinder schlechter Eltern": Familienleben, Jugendfürsorge und Sorgerechtsentzug in Hamburg, 1884 - 1914

    Richter, J., 2011, Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. 666 p. (VS Research)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  45. Published

    Gutes Leben vor Ort

    Heinrichs, H. (Editor), Kirst, E. (Editor) & Plawitzki, J. (Editor), 09.01.2017, Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag. 253 p. (Initiativen zum Umweltschutz; vol. 90)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  46. Published
  47. Published
  48. 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

  49. Published

    Human–nature connectedness as a ‘treatment’ for pro-environmental behavior: making the case for spatial considerations

    Klaniecki, K., Leventon, J. & Abson, D. J., 01.09.2018, In: Sustainability Science. 13, 5, p. 1375-1388 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  50. 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