30 Years of ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research in Frankfurt am Main

Off into the present. Shaping the social-ecological future today

ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research celebrates its 30th anniversary in November. Founded in 1989 as an independent scientific institution in Frankfurt am Main, ISOE is today one of the leading institutes for sustainability research in Germany. With its conference on 28 November, ISOE invites you to take a critical look at the present and to recognize and make use of the possibilities...Read more

Sustainability research in the social media

The ISOE on Instagram

Today, more than one billion people worldwide are using the Instagram online service, with around 15 million in Germany alone. As a mixture of microblog and audio-visual platform, the channel appeals above all to target groups who appreciate the visual strength of short news reports. With its launch on Instagram, ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research particularly addresses juveniles and...Read more

Environmentally friendly mobility

Research results from Switzerland on sustainable mobility behaviour

Switzerland is regarded as exemplary in terms of “multi-optional traffic behaviour” and that means that many people already rely on an environmentally friendly transport mix. The flexible combination of all forms of transport such as cars, busses, trains, walking or riding a bicycle is important for the transformation of the transport sector. The use of a mix of different means of transport offers...Read more

Tipping points in ecosystems

Measures to preserve the savannas in Southern Africa

The savannas in Namibia are among the driest regions on earth. As grazing land they are of great importance for livestock and game. However, changing climatic conditions and increasing intensity of land management endanger the unique savanna landscape. Since the beginning of the year, ISOE – Institute for Social-Ecological Research has been working as a cooperation partner in the two...Read more

Major ‘Fridays for Future’ demonstration on 20 September 2019

ISOE supports the ‘Global Week of Climate Action’ 

For months now, young people have been striking for proper climate protection and a future without a climate in crisis under the motto #FridaysForFuture. On Friday, 20 September, when the Federal Government in Berlin is due to decide on the next steps in its climate policy, the youth will again take to the streets. A major demonstration, planned for the whole of Germany, and the ‘Global Week of...Read more

Laboratory study PlastX research group

Plastic consumer products contain harmful and unknown substances

The PlastX research group detects thousands of chemicals in plastic products—three out of four products contain harmful substances. Plastic products are ubiquitous. Although considered indispensable in many areas of life thanks to their versality and practicality, are they really harmless? The PlastX research group led by the Institute of Ecological Research (ISOE) has examined everyday products...Read more

International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main

IAA in times of social change: When the traffic transition steals the show from the leading trade fair

It was foreseeable that vehicles that did not comply with climate targets or nitrogen oxide limits would one day no longer be saleable . Nevertheless, automobile manufacturers have been reluctant to develop sustainable vehicle concepts that are suitable for the transition. Their belated innovations, which they will present at the IAA in Frankfurt, can hardly distract from the fact that in autumn...Read more