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. 2016
  2. Published

    A new valuation school: Integrating diverse values of nature in resource and land use decisions

    Jacobs, S., Dendoncker, N., Martín-López, B., Barton, D. N., Gomez-Baggethun, E., Boeraeve, F., McGrath, F. L., Vierikko, K., Geneletti, D., Sevecke, K. J., Pipart, N., Primmer, E., Mederly, P., Schmidt, S., Aragão, A., Baral, H., Bark, R. H., Briceno, T., Brogna, D., Cabral, P., De Vreese, R., Liquete, C., Mueller, H., Peh, K. S. . H., Phelan, A., Rincón, A. R., Rogers, S. H., Turkelboom, F., Van Reeth, W., van Zanten, B. T., Wam, H. K. & Washbourn, C. L., 01.12.2016, In: Ecosystem Services. 22, Part B, p. 213-220 8 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  3. Published

    Contrasting changes in the abundance and diversity of North American bird assemblages from 1971 to 2010

    Schipper, A. M., Belmaker, J., de Miranda, M. D., Navarro, L. M., Böhning-Gaese, K., Costello, M. J., Dornelas, M., Foppen, R., Hortal, J., Huijbregts, M. A. J., Martín-López, B., Pettorelli, N., Queiroz, C., Rossberg, A. G., Santini, L., Schiffers, K., Steinmann, Z. J. N., Visconti, P., Rondinini, C. & Pereira, H. M., 01.12.2016, In: Global Change Biology. 22, 12, p. 3948-3959 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

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

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

    Research output: Books and anthologiesSpecial Journal issueResearch

  5. Published

    The role of sustainability in nuclear energy plans: What do national energy strategies tell us?

    Gralla, F., John, B., Abson, D. J., Møller, A. P., Bickel, M., Lang, D. J. & von Wehrden, H., 01.12.2016, In: Energy Research and Social Science. 22, p. 94-106 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Albert Schweitzer: A Biography

    Oermann, N. O., 24.11.2016, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 288 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesMonographsResearch

  7. Published

    Tentative Theses on Transformative Research in Real-World Laboratories: First Insights from the Accompanying Research ForReal

    Schäpke, N., Stelzer, F., Bergmann, M. & Lang, D. J., 01.11.2016, In: Technikfolgenabschätzung. 25, 3, p. 45-51 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

  8. Published

    Understanding role models for change: a multilevel analysis of success factors of grassroots initiatives for sustainable consumption

    Grabs, J., Langen, N., Maschkowski, G. & Schäpke, N., 15.10.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 134 , Part A, p. 98-111 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

  9. Published

    An applied methodology for stakeholder identification in transdisciplinary research

    Leventon, J., Fleskens, L., Claringbould, H., Schwilch, G. & Hessel, R., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 763-775 13 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  10. Published

    Utilizing international networks for accelerating research and learning in transformational sustainability science

    Keeler, L. W., Wiek, A., Lang, D. J., Yokohari, M., van Breda, J., Olsson, L., Ness, B., Morato, J., Segalas, J., Martens, P., Bojorquez-Tapia, L. A. & Evans, J., 01.09.2016, In: Sustainability Science. 11, 5, p. 749-762 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Sustainability assessments designed for multiple functions: five cases about water resources, nanotechnologies and communities

    Wiek, A., Kuzdas, C., Foley, R., Withycombe Keeler, L., Forrest, N. & Kay, B., 12.08.2016, Sustainability Assessment: Applications and Opportunities. Gibson, R. B. (ed.). London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, p. 127-145 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Published

    Systematic student-driven literature reviews in sustainability science: An effective way to merge research and teaching

    Abson, D. J., Gralla, F., Lang, D. J., Rau, A. L., von Wehrden, H., Lüderitz, C. & Meyer, M., 15.04.2016, In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 119, p. 229-235 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  15. Published

    The farmer as a landscape steward: Comparing local understandings of landscape stewardship, landscape values, and land management actions

    Raymond, C. M., Bieling, C., Fagerholm, N., Martin-Lopez, B. & Plieninger, T., 01.03.2016, In: Ambio. 45, 2, p. 173-184 12 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  16. 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

  17. Published

    Why protect nature? Rethinking values and the environment

    Chan, K. M. A., Balvanera, P., Benessaiah, K., Chapman, M., Díaz, S., Gómez-Baggethun, E., Gould, R., Hannahs, N., Jax, K., Klain, S., Luck, G. W., Martín-López, B., Muraca, B., Norton, B., Ott, K., Pascual, U., Satterfield, T., Tadaki, M., Taggart, J. & Turner, N., 09.02.2016, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). 113, 6, p. 1462-1465 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsComments / Debate / ReportsResearch

  18. Published

    Spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem services provision in Southern Patagonia

    Martínez Pastur, G., Peri, P. L., Lencinas, M. V., García-Llorente, M. & Martín-López, B., 01.02.2016, In: Landscape Ecology. 31, 2, p. 383-399 17 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  19. Published

    Other spaces: Parks as societal mirrors

    Vilsmaier, U., 14.01.2016, Parks of the Future: Protected Areas in Europe Challenging Regional and Global Change. Hammer, T., Mose, I., Siegrist, D. & Weixlbaumer, N. (eds.). 1 ed. München: oekom verlag GmbH, p. 113-121 9 p.

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

  20. Published

    An idea and a person whose time had come: How Albert Schweitzer became a postwar icon

    Oermann, N. O., Thate, M. J. & Widmann, E., 01.01.2016, Albert Schweitzer in Thought and Action: A Life in Parts. Carleton-Paget, J. & Thate, M. J. (eds.). Syracuse University Press, p. 319-329 11 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

  21. Published

    An integrative analysis of energy transitions in energy regions: A case study of ökoEnergieland in Austria

    Hecher, M., Vilsmaier, U., Akhavan, R. & Binder, C. R., 01.01.2016, In: Ecological Economics. 121 , Januar 2016, p. 40-53 14 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  22. Published

    BaWü-labs on their way: Progress of real-world laboratories in Baden-Württemberg

    Wagner, F., Schäpke, N., Bergmann, M., Lang, D. J. & Stelzer, F., 01.01.2016, In: GAIA. 25, 3, p. 220-221 2 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  23. Published

    Ecosystem services values in Spain: A meta-analysis

    Quintas-Soriano, C., Martín-López, B., Santos-Martín, F., Loureiro, M., Montes, C., Benayas, J. & García-Llorente, M., 01.01.2016, In: Environmental Science & Policy. 55, p. 186-195 10 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  24. Published

    The value of time in biological conservation and supplied ecosystem services: A willingness to give up time exercise

    García-Llorente, M., Castro, A. J., Quintas-Soriano, C., López, I., Castro, H., Montes, C. & Martín-López, B., 01.01.2016, In: Journal of Arid Environments. 124, p. 13-21 9 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  25. Published

    Sustainable Development and Material Flows

    John, B., Möller, A. & Weiser, A., 01.2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, p. 219-230 12 p.

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

  26. 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

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. 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

  31. 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

  32. Published

    The diffusion of sustainable family farming practices in Colombia: an emerging sociotechnical niche?

    Ortíz, W. & Vilsmaier, U., 2016, International Sustainability Transitions Conference. p. 1 - 69 70 p.

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

  33. Published

    Towards a Real-world Laboratory: A Transdisciplinary Case Study from Lüneburg

    Bernert, P., Haaser, A., Kühl, L. & Schaal, T., 2016, In: GAIA. 25, 4, p. 253-259 7 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  34. Published

    Transformational Sustainability Research Methodology

    Wiek, A. & Lang, D. J., 2016, Sustainability Science: An Introduction. Heinrichs, H., Martens, P., Michelsen, G. & Wiek, A. (eds.). Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media, p. 31-41 11 p. 3

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

  35. Published

    Virtuelle Mobilität und Kompetenzerwerb: Wie durch international vernetzte Online-Seminare Kompetenzen für eine heterogene, globale Informationsgesellschaft vermittelt werden können - Dargestellt am Beispiel des Global Classrooms

    Vogt, J. C., Leonie, B. & John, B., 2016, Bildung und Hochschule: Impulse für Studium und Lehre am Beispiel des Leuphana College. Beck, K., Bothe, T., Glaser, T., Heuer, C., Schütz, J. & Seifert, A. (eds.). 1 ed. Münster: Waxmann Verlag, p. 171-204 34 p.

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

  36. 2015
  37. 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

  38. 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

  39. 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

  40. 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

  41. 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

  42. 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

  43. Published
  44. 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

  45. 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

  46. 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

  47. 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

  48. 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

  49. 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

  50. 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

  51. 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

  52. 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