The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) is one of the leading independent institutes for sustainability research. We develop scientific foundations and sustainable concepts for politics, civil society and business – regionally, nationally and internationally.
Social-ecological transformation facing headwinds – Review of the ISOE conference
What are the consequences of the rise of populist thinking and targeted disinformation for social-ecological sustainability research? We discussed this with the guests at our ISOE conference – in a focused, constructive, and even cheerful atmosphere.
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 will discuss these questions in the ISOE lecture at Goethe University Frankfurt on 5 February 2026.
International Frankfurt Conservation Center in Frankfurt: ISOE is a founding member
A competence center for conservation and sustainable development is being established in Frankfurt am Main. The Frankfurt Conservation Center (FCC), co-founded by ISOE, aims to contribute to biodiversity preservation, climate protection and social-ecological development.
Microplastics in seafood: Public perception and scientific evidence
Plastic particles are ubiquitous – even in food. Seafood is often considered to be particularly contaminated. A recent study compares public perception and scientific data and places the risks in context with other sources of microplastic particle exposure.
Risk prevention for flash floods: Adapting to climate change in arid regions
Extreme weather hits water-scarce regions particularly hard: heavy rainfall in countries in the Middle East and North Africa often leads to devastating floods. A recent ISOE Policy Brief recommends measures for risk prevention and better rainwater utilisation.
Water infrastructures in transition: Sustainable transformations in sensitive landscapes
In the new InfraSETS research project, water experts at ISOE are addressing the question of how water infrastructures in particularly sensitive karst landscapes can be transformed in a sustainable manner.
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.
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.
Our work thrives thanks to partnerships that bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. We warmly thank you for your ideas, your trust, and the open exchange, and we look forward to continuing our journey together in shaping a responsible and sustainable future in the year to come.
