Biological Conservation
Growing change: Promoting insect-friendly behaviour through gardening-framed interventions
Sarah Nieß et al.
2026
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Focus Topic 2026
Change is Possible
Sustainability is under pressure. With its focus topic “Change is Possible,” ISOE shows how transformations can succeed.
Read moreImage: OliverFoerstner – stock.adobe.com![Copenhagen, Denmark - August 23, 2019: Aerial drone view of Superkilen Park in Norrebro district. Designed by the arts group Superflex.]()
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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.
Read moreImage: markobe – stock.adobe.com![]()
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News
Data gap on company cars – tax benefits with consequences?
The so-called “company car privilege” is considered controversial. However, suitable reform proposals currently lack reliable figures.
Read moreImage: M – stock.adobe.com![Aerial View of Sparse Parking Lot with Few Cars]()
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News
Hope in times of climate change – ISOE lecture with philosopher Corine Pelluchon
Lecture series at Goethe University Frankfurt
Read moreImage: yuriygolub – stock.adobe.com; ISOE![]()
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Press Release
Risk prevention for flash floods: Adapting to climate change in arid regions
A recent ISOE Policy Brief recommends measures for risk prevention and better rainwater utilisation.
Read moreImage: AlGhad Newspaper![Flooded Roman Theatre in Amman]()
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News
AI in transdisciplinary research: Opportunities and challenges
A recent ISOE publication shows how AI can be usefully integrated into TDR processes.
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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 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 InstituteOur Topics
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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.]()
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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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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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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![Prof. Dr. Flurina Schneider: Wissenschaftliche Geschäftsführerin des ISOE]()
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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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Growing change: Promoting insect-friendly behaviour through gardening-framed interventions -
Pasture condition in the Mongolian steppe: Cross-validating traditional ecological knowledge and field-based ecological surveys Biological ConservationPasture condition in the Mongolian steppe: Cross-validating traditional ecological knowledge and field-based ecological surveys
Khurelpurev Oyundelger et al.
2026 -
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 -
Reviews and syntheses: Current perspectives on biosphere research 2025: from poly-crisis to poly-solutions Reviews and syntheses: Current perspectives on biosphere research 2025: from poly-crisis to poly-solutions
Friedrich J. Bohn et al.
2025 -
Flash flood management in arid and data-scarce countries: Lessons learnt from Jordan ISOE Policy BriefFlash flood management in arid and data-scarce countries: Lessons learnt from Jordan
Katja Brinkmann et al.
2025 -
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.
2025 -
Groundwater in Europe: Cornerstone for Resilience ISOE Policy BriefGroundwater in Europe: Cornerstone for Resilience
Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky et al.
2025 -
Examining Misconceptions about Plastic-Particle Exposure from Ingestion of Seafood and Risk to Human Health Environmental Science & Technology LettersExamining Misconceptions about Plastic-Particle Exposure from Ingestion of Seafood and Risk to Human Health
Theodore B. Henry et al.
2025 -
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
2025 -
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
2025 -
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.
2025 -
Social-ecological conflicts: An emancipatory conceptual approach by bringing other-than-humans into environmental conflict analysis Environment and Planning E: Nature and SpaceSocial-ecological conflicts: An emancipatory conceptual approach by bringing other-than-humans into environmental conflict analysis
Markus Rauchecker et al.
2025 -
Money4PlasticWaste: Advancing Waste Collection in Bangladesh - Implementation Guide Money4PlasticWaste: Advancing Waste Collection in Bangladesh - Implementation Guide
Michaela Rohrbach et al.
2025 -
Human-centered Academia, or AI-centered Academia? Human-centered Academia, or AI-centered Academia?
Masahiro Ryo et al.
2025 -
Conceptualizing social-ecological practices Environmental SociologyConceptualizing social-ecological practices
Lukas Sattlegger, Luca Nitschke, Immanuel Stieß
2025 -
From Uncertain Futures towards Participatory Problem-Solving Frankfurt Hydrology PaperFrom Uncertain Futures towards Participatory Problem-Solving
Linda Söller
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.
2025
International Research Projects
Our international research currently focuses on topics such as green hydrogen, water reuse, plastics in the environment, and desertification.
