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.

  1. 2015
  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 2014
  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. Published

    Anständig Geld verdienen? Eine protestantische Wirtschaftsethik

    Oermann, N. O., 2014, 1 ed. Freiburg: Herder Verlag. 389 p. (Herder Spektrum; vol. 6571)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  27. Published

    Das Bild der Anderen erforschen: Fotografisch-visuelle Methoden zum partizipativen Erforschen von Lebenswelten

    Vilsmaier, U. & Brandner, V., 2014, Qualitative Methoden in der Entwicklungsforschung. Dannecker, P. & Englert, B. (eds.). Wien: Mandelbaum Verlag, p. 197-214 18 p.

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

  28. Published

    Die Backsteinstadt Lüneburg im Wandel der Baustile - eine Einleitung

    Seidel, A., 2014, Die Backsteinstadt Lüneburg: Ursprünge − Entwicklungslinien − Technikgeschichte. Pries, M. & Seidel, A. (eds.). Norderstedt: Books on Demand GmbH, p. 7-12 6 p. (Lüneburger Geographische Schriften; vol. 2).

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

  29. Published

    Educating sustainability change agents by design: Appraisals of the transformative role of higher education

    Brundiers, K., Savage, E., Mannell, S., Lang, D. J. & Wiek, A., 2014, Palgrave Studies in Global Higher Education. Fadeeva, Z., Galkute, L., Mader, C. & Scott, G. (eds.). Palgrave Macmillan, p. 196-229 34 p. (Palgrave Studies in Global Higher Education).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  30. 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

  31. 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

  32. 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

  33. 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

  34. 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

  35. 2013
  36. Published

    IUCN and perspectives on biodiversity conservation in a changing world

    Beumer, C. & Martens, P., 12.2013, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 22, 13-14, p. 3105-3120 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  37. Published

    A systematic review of guiding principles for sustainable urban neighborhood development

    Lüderitz, C., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 10.2013, In: Landscape and Urban Planning. 118, October, p. 40-52 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  38. Published

    Non-technical success factors for bioenergy projects-Learning from a multiple case study in Japan

    Blumer, Y. B., Stauffacher, M., Lang, D. J., Hayashi, K. & Uchida, S., 09.2013, In: Energy Policy. 60, 9, p. 386 - 395 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  39. Published

    Pesticide and Greenhouse Gas Externalities from US Agriculture: The Impact of their Internalization and Climate Change

    Shakhramanyan, D. N. G., Schneider, U. A. & McCarl, B. A., 01.08.2013, In: Climate Change Economics. 4, 3, 28 p., 1350008 .

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  40. Published

    A review of transdisciplinary research in sustainability science

    Brandt, P., Ernst, A., Gralla, F., Lüderitz, C., Lang, D., Newig, J., Reinert, F., Abson, D. & von Wehrden, H., 08.2013, In: Ecological Economics. 92, August, p. 1-15 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  41. Published

    Nachhaltige Wissenschaft in der akademischen Ausbildung: Das Programm einer transformativen Bildung an NaWis-Institutionen

    Chrubasik, N., Ernst, A., Lang, D. J., Schneidewind, U., Simon, K-H., Singer-Brodowski, M. & Vilsmaier, U., 06.2013, In: GAIA. 22, 2, p. 132-134 3 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  42. Published

    A Global Classroom for International Sustainability Education

    Wiek, A., Bernstein, M. J., Laubichler, M., Minteer, B., Lang, D. J. & Caniglia, G., 04.2013, In: Creative Education. 4, 4A, p. 19 - 28 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  43. Published

    Collaboration between the natural, social and human sciences in Global Change Research

    Holm, P., Goodsite, M. E., Cloetingh, S. A. P. L., Agnoletti, M., Moldan, B., Lang, D. J., Leemans, R., Moeller, J. O., Buendía, M. P., Pohl, W., Scholz, R. W., Sors, A., Vanheusden, B., Yusoff, K. & Zondervan, R., 04.2013, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 28, Special Issue, p. 25-35 11 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  44. Published

    US agricultural sector analysis on pesticide externalities – the impact of climate change and a Pigovian tax

    Shakhramanyan, D. N. G., Schneider, U. A. & McCarl, B. A., 04.2013, In: Climatic Change. 117, 4, p. 711-723 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  45. Published

    Comparative analysis of public environmental decision-making processes: A variable-based analytical scheme

    Newig, J., Adzersen, A., Challies, E., Fritsch, O. & Jager, N. W., 20.02.2013, Lüneburg: Institut für Umweltkommunikation der Universität Lüneburg, 65 p. (INFU Discussion Paper; no. 37).

    Research output: Working paperWorking papers

  46. Published

    The role of universities in fostering urban and regional sustainability

    Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 01.01.2013, Institutional and Social Innovation for Sustainable Urban Development. Mieg, H. A. & Töpfer, K. (eds.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 393 - 411 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  47. Published

    Abweichendes Verhalten von Kindern und Jugendlichen

    Kohlschmidt, A., 2013, Praxisratgeber zur Betreuung und Beratung von Kindern und Jugendlichen: Problemsituationen, Unterstützungsangebote und rechtliche Möglichkeiten in besonderen und schwierigen Lebenslagen. Krüger, R. (ed.). Merching: Forum Verlag Herkert GmbH, Vol. 2. p. 1-34 34 p.

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

  48. Published

    Climate change: An amplifier of existing health risks in developing countries

    Huynen, M. M. T. E., Martens, P. & Akin, S-M., 2013, In: Environment, Development and Sustainability. 15, 6, p. 1425-1442 18 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  49. 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

  50. 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

  51. 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

  52. Published

    Plausibility indications in future scenarios

    Wiek, A., Withycombe Keeler, L., Schweizer, V. & Lang, D. J., 2013, In: International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy. 9, 2-4, p. 133-147 15 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  53. Published

    Supporting sustainability transitions by enhancing the human dimension via empowerment, social learning and social capital

    Schäpke, N., Omann, I., Mock, M., Wittmayer, J. M. & von Raggamby, A., 2013, Pathways, Transitions and Backcasting for Low-Carbon and Sustainable Lifestyles : SCORAI Europe Workshop Proceedings, SCORAI Europe & InContext Workshop, 7-8 October 2013, Rotterdam, The Netherlands . Quist, J., Wittmayer, J., Umpfenbach, K. & Bauler, T. (eds.). Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative Europe, p. 277-293 17 p. (Sustainable Consumption Transitions Series; vol. 3).

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