Institute of Environmental Systems Sciences

The Institute of Environmental Systems Sciences investigates ways to support the transition to a more sustainable future. Therefore, we study transition, innovation, and adaptation processes that are part of socio-technical and socio-ecological systems at various levels.

We base our research on systems sciences, innovation, and transition sciences, as well as on sustainability science, and develop and apply inter- and transdisciplinary methods to analyse and model complex systems, establish scenarios and transition pathways, and assess policies and strategies.

The institute is characterized by the disciplinary diversity of its members. Highly motivated and excellent researchers who work in diverse fields of the natural, social, and formal sciences collaborate in solving real-world problems.

We are highly committed to promoting young scientists and to research-led teaching in the study programmes of Environmental Systems Science, the international Joint Master Programmes in Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, and in Global Studies.

All members are actively engaged in national and international (stakeholder) networks in the areas of teaching, research, and practice. We interact with different stakeholders, policy makers, professionals, and the general public, and initiate both mutual learning processes and knowledge exchange.