Research themes

The metabolism of an urban system describes the material flows entering, staying and leaving the urban system (i.e. energy, water, food, waste). To analyze the human-environment interactions, we draw on the concepts of urban metabolism and social-ecological systems research. We conceptualize the dynamics to be driven by consumption behavior, institutional structures and technical change.

Urban systems follow certain development paths and many of the developments currently taking place are based on decisions taken in the past. To better understand, design, and help implement pathways towards more sustainable living conditions in urban areas, it is important to analyze the development patterns and dynamics of sustainability transitions in an urban context. System science as a practice-oriented research approach allows to disentangle complex interdependencies between structures and processes on various scales and over time.

The transition of urban systems towards sustainability requires an understanding of what sustainability is and how it is perceived by different stakeholder groups. It has been shown that sustainability research might encompass three aspects. A systemic aspect, i.e. how can the system analyzed be properly represented? A normative component, i.e. what does it mean for an urban system to be sustainable? A participatory or governance perspective, i.e. when do we need to include whom in the assessment and implementation process.

How is sustainability research intertwined with society and which role can it play for societal change?  In order to enquire into this link, we apply a meta-perspective on research practices in the field of sustainability and develop new methods and analytical tools to better grasp inter- and transdisciplinary research processes. Relying primarily on qualitative research methods, we aim at an enhanced understanding of science-practice interactions in participatory and transdisciplinary research processes. Furthermore, we put into focus the intended societal impacts of sustainability research and identify influence factors that potentially shape their emergence. Within our analyses, we systematically consider both the perspectives and narratives of scientific actors as well as of practice actors.