• News

    Addressing conflicts constructively

    New research project PathChange on the restoration of wetlands

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    Image: Magica - stock.adobe.com Hochmoor Hohes Venn Eifel
  • Focus Topic 2026

    Change is Possible

    Sustainability is under pressure. With its focus topic “Change is Possible,” ISOE shows how transformations can succeed.

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    Image: OliverFoerstner – stock.adobe.com Copenhagen, Denmark - August 23, 2019: Aerial drone view of Superkilen Park in Norrebro district. Designed by the arts group Superflex.
  • News

    Intelligent coupling of resources

    ISOE project reSYNERGY investigates hydrogen production from municipal wastewater

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    Image: Martin Mecnarowski - stock.adobe.com Aerial view of wastewater treatment plant with settling tanks.
  • Press Release

    Frankfurt Conservation Center Opens

    A New Platform for International Biodiversity and Nature Conservation

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    Image: Daniel - stock.adobe.com Blick auf die Frankfurter Skyline
  • Press Release

    City of Frankfurt Awards Goethe Plaque to ISOE Co-Founder Thomas Jahn

    The Goethe Plaque is presented to figures in cultural life in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

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    Image: Anja Jahn Porträtfoto Thomas Jahn
  • News

    Artificial cooling – understanding the challenges of modern cooling infrastructures

    The CultCryo research project is investigating how global cooling infrastructure can be made more sustainable and equitable.

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    Image: markobe – stock.adobe.com

Advancing Knowledge for Sustainability —

The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) is one of the leading institutes for sustainability research. We do the scientific groundwork and then develop forward- looking concepts for social-ecological transformations. Together with our partners in science and society, we create space for a shift towards sustainability.

About the Institute
  • Focustopic 2026

    Change is Possible —

    Sustainability is under pressure. With its focus topic “Change is Possible,” ISOE shows how transformations can succeed.

    Go to Topic Page
    Copenhagen, Denmark - August 23, 2019: Aerial drone view of Superkilen Park in Norrebro district. Designed by the arts group Superflex.
  • Biodiversity —

    What are the causes of biodiversity loss? How can we protect biodiversity in the future? How can we create a willingness for change?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Chemical Risks —

    How do chemicals affect health, ecosystems and the economy? How can we create a better understanding and greater awareness of pollutant risks?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Climate Adaptation —

    How can municipalities better prepare for future extreme weather events? What support is needed to enhance their capacity for climate adaptation?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Knowledge and Participation —

    What kind of knowledge is needed for social-ecological transformations? How can the perspectives and experiences of different stakeholder groups be incorporated into this process?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Land Use —

    What is increasing the pressure on land resources? How can a fair and sustainable use of land resources be achieved?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Mobility —

    How can mobility be made sustainable? Why is the transition to sustainable mobility not making significant progress? How can conflicts and obstacles be overcome on the path to a post-fossil mobility culture?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Sufficiency —

    How much do we really need for a good life? Which services and infrastructures enable a sufficient standard of living, consumption, or nutrition?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Transformation —

    Can sustainability be achieved through technological developments alone? How can transformations towards sustainability be shaped in the face of escalating crises and conflicts?

    Go to Topic Page
  • Water —

    What impact does climate change have on our water resources? Is water scarcity also a threat in Germany? What challenges does the water industry face?

    Go to Topic Page

News and Events

All Posts
  • POLLEN Conference 2026


    POLLEN Conference 2026

    Universitat de Barcelona & Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona

    Lectures and Workshops: Dženeta Hodžić, David Kuhn, Markus Rauchecker

    pollenpoliticalecology
  • The International Politics of Just Food System Transformations


    The International Politics of Just Food System Transformations

    Helmholtz Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V., Berlin

    Panel discussion with Lukas Drees "How can we improve collaboration between researchers and practitioners? What is needed in the current geopolitical context and backlash against sustainability?"

    rifs-potsdam
  • EASA2026 – Anthropology: Possibilities in a Polarised World


    EASA2026 – Anthropology: Possibilities in a Polarised World

    European Association of Social Anthropologists, Posen, Polen

    Lecture Anna Brietzke: „Contested care practices in a forest: Shaping power, identities, and transformations“

    easaonline
All Events

Social-Ecological Research —

At the core of our research lies the question of how transformations toward sustainability can be shaped. Through our transdisciplinary research, we aim to identify opportunities for a sustainable and just approach to water, land, and biodiversity, as well as to urban development and consumption.

Current contributions from our experts

  • “To secure the foundations of life for all within planetary boundaries, economic practices and lifestyles must change. This requires a transformation in the relationship between society and nature.”

    Prof. Dr. Flurina Schneider, Scientific Director
    Go to Profile
    Prof. Dr. Flurina Schneider: Wissenschaftliche Geschäftsführerin des ISOE
  • “Sustainable groundwater management is achievable—but only through collaboration. The challenges are too complex to be solved by technical expertise and innovation alone.”

    Dr. Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky, Head of the Practices and Infrastructures Hub
    To the blog
  • “In times of multiple crises and increasing headwinds for sustainability, we need spaces where conflicts can be negotiated openly and democratically. Transdisciplinary research can help create such spaces—and thus open up new pathways for transformation.”

    Dr. Michael Kreß-Ludwig, Head of Research Unit Transdisciplinarity
    Go to Profile

Selected Publications

International Research Projects

Our international research currently focuses on topics such as green hydrogen, water reuse, plastics in the environment, and desertification.

  • LIMO – Land Use and Integrated Modelling
    Steppe in Namibia
    Land Use Biodiversity

    LIMO – Land Use and Integrated Modelling

    The research project investigates the dynamics of land use changes and their effects on ecosystem services and biodiversity.

    Go to Project
  • WaReNam – Water reuse strategy for Namibia
    Water

    WaReNam – Water reuse strategy for Namibia

    Um Rahmenbedingungen für die Umsetzung von Wasserwiederverwendung zu schaffen, integriert das Projekt WaReNam innovative Technologien, Wissenstransfers, adaptive Governance und Kapazitätsentwicklung auf verschiedenen Ebenen.

    Go to Project
  • ORYCS – Wildlife-based management strategies in Namibia
    Oryxantilopen (Symbolbild)
    Land Use Biodiversity

    ORYCS – Wildlife-based management strategies in Namibia

    ORYCS investigates the suitability of wildlife management strategies as a climate-friendly land use option. Together with stakeholders, it develops conflict-regulating approaches.

    Go to Project
  • EPoNa – Water Reuse in Northern Namibia
    Abwasserteichanlage in Outapi in Nordnamibia
    Water

    EPoNa – Water Reuse in Northern Namibia

    The aim of the project is to improve the performance of wastewater pond facilities. To this end, ISOE is investigating aspects of governance and developing management structures and financial controlling procedures.

    Go to Project
  • SASSCAL – Water-related vulnerabilities and risk in Southern Africa
    Landschaft in Namibia
    Water Land Use

    SASSCAL – Water-related vulnerabilities and risk in Southern Africa

    The project team is analysing to what extent water-related vulnerabilities and risks for the population and ecosystems are developing within the context of global change and how these might conceivably be reduced.
    Go to Project
  • CuveWaters – Sustainable Water Management in Namibia
    Landschaft in Namibia
    Water

    CuveWaters – Sustainable Water Management in Namibia

    The aim of CuveWaters is to support and improve Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the northern Namibian Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. ISOE is supervising and co-ordinating this international joint project.
    Go to Project

Good to Know About Us

  • 80

    employees work at ISOE, including 40 researchers and 20 student assistants.

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  • 3 out of 6

    leadership positions are held by women.

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  • 1989

    ISOE was founded in 1989, with an initial team of six employees.

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  • 90

    On average, 90 publications are released per year.

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  • 400

    Since its founding, ISOE has conducted approximately 400 research projects.

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ISOE in the Media