The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) is one of the leading independent institutes for sustainability research in Germany. We develop scientific foundations and sustainable concepts for politics, civil society and business – regionally, nationally and internationally.
Sustainable Development Under Pressure. Change Is (Still) Possible!
Sustainability is losing priority, and social resistance is growing. With its focus theme “Change Is Possible,” ISOE highlights concrete opportunities for change – and brings together insights from its research that show how transformations can succeed.
Addressing conflicts constructively: New research project PathChange on the restoration of wetlands
The PathChange research project develops, together with actors from science, policy, and practice, approaches for the constructive handling of conflicts surrounding the restoration of wetlands.
Frankfurt Conservation Center Opens: A New Platform for International Biodiversity and Nature Conservation
The Frankfurt Conservation Center establishes a new platform for international biodiversity and nature conservation in Frankfurt. ISOE brings its expertise in social-ecological biodiversity research to the network.
Collecting Nature’s Sounds: Citizen Scientists Wanted for Biodiversity Monitoring
The Bio-O-Ton research project is seeking citizens who can use their smartphones to help identify changes in natural areas across as wide an area as possible. The audio recordings made by these citizen scientists will thus contribute to an early warning system for biodiversity.
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. A research team is now collecting empirical data on the ecological, social, and tax implications of the regulation in Germany.
Artificial cooling – understanding the challenges of modern cooling infrastructures
In light of the climate crisis and rising global energy demand for cooling, the team working on the CultCryo research project is investigating how global cooling infrastructure can be made more sustainable and equitable.
Hope in times of climate change: ISOE lecture with philosopher Corine Pelluchon
What distinguishes hope from optimism? And how can hope become the key to sustainable change? French philosopher Corine Pelluchon addressed these questions in this year's ISOE lecture at Goethe University Frankfurt.
City of Frankfurt am Main Awards Goethe Plaque to ISOE Co-Founder Thomas Jahn
On June 2, 2026, the City of Frankfurt will honor Dr. Thomas Jahn with the prestigious Goethe Plaque. This award is presented to figures in cultural life in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Thomas Jahn is a co-founder of the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE).
Social-ecological conflicts: conceptualising other-than-humans as conflict parties. From actors to coalitions: advancing a social-ecological conflict perspective beyond anthropocentrism
