ISOE Policy Brief
Flash flood management in arid and data-scarce countries: Lessons learnt from Jordan
Katja Brinkmann et al.
2025
Available online
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ISOE Conference 2025
What next for social and ecological transformation in the face of headwinds?
We are living in challenging times. Climate change mitigation and sustainability are becoming less important in politics and society. At the same time, resistance to necessary changes is growing. At our 2025 conference, we would like to discuss how we can still shape socio-ecological transformations.
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News
AI in transdisciplinary research: Opportunities and challenges
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities for transdisciplinary research (TDR). But what does responsible use of AI look like? A recent ISOE publication shows how AI can be usefully integrated into TDR processes.
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News
Working together against desertification – NamTip project strengthens knowledge transfer in Namibia
NamTip research project in Namibia: How desertification can be prevented in Namibia’s savanna ecosystem and how scientific findings can be put to effective use locally.
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NEWS
Security of supply: ISOE researchers present study on global water stress
The study on global water stress was commissioned by the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) for its 2025 annual report.
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Advancing Knowledge for Sustainability —
The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) is one of the leading institutes for sustainability research. We develop scientific foundations and forward-looking concepts for social-ecological transformations. Together with our partners in science and society, we create spaces for change towards sustainability.
About the InstituteOur Topics
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Focustopic 2025
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?
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Biodiversity —
What are the causes of biodiversity loss? How can we protect biodiversity in the future? How can we create a willingness for change?
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Chemical Risks —
How do chemicals affect health, ecosystems and the economy? How can we create a better understanding and greater awareness of pollutant risks?
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Climate Adaptation —
How can municipalities better prepare for future extreme weather events? What support is needed to enhance their capacity for climate adaptation?
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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?
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Land Use —
What is increasing the pressure on land resources? How can a fair and sustainable use of land resources be achieved?
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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?
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Sufficiency —
How much do we really need for a good life? Which services and infrastructures enable a sufficient standard of living, consumption, or nutrition?
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Transformation —
Can sustainability be achieved through technological developments alone? How can transformations towards sustainability be shaped in the face of escalating crises and conflicts?
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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
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Go to Profile“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![]()
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To the blog“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![]()
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Go to Profile“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![]()
Selected Publications
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Flash flood management in arid and data-scarce countries: Lessons learnt from Jordan -
From Uncertain Futures towards Participatory Problem-Solving Frankfurt Hydrology PaperFrom Uncertain Futures towards Participatory Problem-Solving
Linda Söller
2025Available online
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A critical assessment of the applicability of EU regulation 2020/741 for the development of a risk management plan for hydroponic water reuse Water ReuseA critical assessment of the applicability of EU regulation 2020/741 for the development of a risk management plan for hydroponic water reuse
Marc Beckett et al.
2025 -
Why context matters: understanding transdisciplinary research through the lens of nine context factors Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science ResearchWhy context matters: understanding transdisciplinary research through the lens of nine context factors
Farina L. Tolksdorf et al.
2025Available online
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Opportunities and Risks of Using AI Technologies in Transdisciplinary Research ISOE-Materialien Soziale ÖkologieOpportunities and Risks of Using AI Technologies in Transdisciplinary Research
Florian Keil, Melina Stein
2025Available online
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Most habitat's and species' assessments in German Natura 2000 sites reflect unfavourable conservation states Basic and Applied EcologyMost habitat's and species' assessments in German Natura 2000 sites reflect unfavourable conservation states
Julia S. Ellerbrok et al.
2025Available online
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Groundwater in Europe: Cornerstone for Resilience ISOE Policy BriefGroundwater in Europe: Cornerstone for Resilience
Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky et al.
2025Available online
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Advancing Water Reuse through Technical and Social Innovation: Insights from a Living Lab in German Hydroponic Agriculture Abstract Book Oral Presentations. 14th IWA International Con...Advancing Water Reuse through Technical and Social Innovation: Insights from a Living Lab in German Hydroponic Agriculture
Heide Kerber, Michaela Rohrbach, Martina Winker
2025Available online
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Risk Management and Validation of Water Reuse in a Hydroponic System Abstract Book oral Presentations. 14th IWA International Con...Risk Management and Validation of Water Reuse in a Hydroponic System
Marius Mohr et al.
2025Available online
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Conceptualizing social-ecological practices Environmental SociologyConceptualizing social-ecological practices
Lukas Sattlegger, Luca Nitschke, Immanuel Stieß
2025Available online
International Research Projects
Our international research currently focuses on topics such as green hydrogen, water reuse, plastics in the environment, and desertification.
