Research and Sustainability

Applying the principles of both inter- and transdisciplinary research is crucial in achieving sustainable development. University Research Priority Programs, cross-faculty Centers of Competence, associated institutes and researchers at numerous departments contribute to sustainability research at UZH.

Current information on sustainability-related research and aspects of sustainability in the research process can be found in the Sustainability Report.
Sustainability Report

The RealTransform project tests so-called real-world experiments at all participating universities. Various stakeholders work equally on a specific issue of sustainable development. Members of administration, technical staff, scientists and students work together on a problem and develop solutions for the university. This is intended to contribute to a new culture of cooperation.
RealTransform project

The Sustainability Hub advises scientists on the integration of aspects and strategies of sustainable development. Ethical requirements, and fundamental issues of sustainability research, including the topic of inter- and transdisciplinarity and its methods play an important role in this context. If you have any questions about sustainable development in research, please contact Dr. Jeannette Behringer.
Send an e-mail to Dr. Jeannette Behringer

On this subpage you can find out more about research on sustainable development topics at UZH.
more about research on sustainable development topics

In a rapidly changing environment with global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality, inter- and transdisciplinary play a crucial role in research and teaching. Inter- and transdisciplinarity help with understanding system dynamics and dealing with conflicting goals.
Inter- and transdisciplinarity in research at UZH

The project «Reflecting on and Discussing Roles of Scientists in Sustainability Transformations» (REDIRO) of the SCNAT Science and Policy Platform, in which the Sustainability Hub is involved, makes an important contribution to reflecting on the role of science in the societal transformation towards sustainable development.
more about REDIRO

UZH makes itself available to its staff, students and researchers to facilitate innovative measures for sustainable operations. 
more about UZH as subject of research

As part of the RealTransform project, so-called real-life experiments are to be implemented and a community of practice is to be established.
Project RealTransform

Below the Community tab, networks are listed in which UZH is active with regard to sustainable development issues.
Sustainability networks

Sustainable development plays an important role in research and teaching, particularly in the Una Europa network, through one of a total of six Self-Steering Committees (SSC-S). The following are represented on the UZH Self-Steering Committee on Sustainable Development:

• Prof. Dr. Maria Santos, Professor for Earth System Sciences
• Prof. Dr. Jan Seibert, Professor for Hydrology and Climate and Delegate for Sustainability at the University of Zurich
• Prof. Dr. Stefano Battiston, Associate Professor for Sustainable Finance
• Dr. Jeannette Behringer, Head of Sustainable Development in Research and Teaching, UZH Sustainability Hub

more about Una Europa