ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research - Knowledge that connects

  • News

    Strategically Strengthened, Visually Renewed: ISOE in Transition

    The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) has repositioned itself strategically, substantively, and in terms of its organizational structure.

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    Image: ©2010 DIANE COOK AND LEN JENSHEL 
  • Focustopic Water

    What impact does climate change have on our water resources?

    We develop sustainable management and governance strategies.

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    Image: Tobias Krause – stock.adobe.com
  • NEWS

    Security of supply: ISOE researchers present study on global water stress

    The study on global water stress was commissioned by the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) for its 2025 annual report.

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    Image: alexugalek – stock.adobe.com

Advancing Knowledge for Sustainability —

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.

About the Institute

Our Topics

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  • Focustopic 2025

    Water —

    What impact does climate change have on our water resources? Is water scarcity also a threat in Germany? What challenges does the water industry face?

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  • Biodiversity —

    What are the causes of biodiversity loss? How can we protect biodiversity in the future? How can we create a willingness for change?

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  • Chemical Risks —

    How do chemicals affect health, ecosystems and the economy? How can we create a better understanding and greater awareness of pollutant risks?

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  • Climate Adaptation —

    How can municipalities better prepare for future extreme weather events? What support is needed to enhance their capacity for climate adaptation?

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  • Knowledge and Participation —

    What kind of knowledge is needed for social-ecological transformations? How can the perspectives and experiences of different stakeholder groups be incorporated into this process?

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  • Land Use —

    What is increasing the pressure on land resources? How can a fair and sustainable use of land resources be achieved?

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  • Mobility —

    How can mobility be made sustainable? Why is the transition to sustainable mobility not making significant progress? How can conflicts and obstacles be overcome on the path to a post-fossil mobility culture?

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  • Sufficiency —

    How much do we really need for a good life? Which services and infrastructures enable a sufficient standard of living, consumption, or nutrition?

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  • Transformation —

    Can sustainability be achieved through technological developments alone? How can transformations towards sustainability be shaped in the face of escalating crises and conflicts?

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News and Events

  • International Frankfurt Conservation Center to be established with ISOE as a founding member
    News Biodiversity

    International Frankfurt Conservation Center to be established with ISOE as 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 the long-term preservation of the Earth's system and its biological diversity.

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    Luftaufnahme Wald und Fluss
  • Strategically Strengthened, Visually Renewed: ISOE in Transition
    News

    Strategically Strengthened, Visually Renewed: ISOE in Transition

    The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) has repositioned itself strategically, substantively, and in terms of its organizational structure. Our goal is to contribute more effectively to the necessary transformation toward sustainability, which is becoming increasingly challenging due to current global crises.

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  • Water reuse in the HypoWave+ project: findings from a living lab
    Press Release Water

    Water reuse in the HypoWave+ project: findings from a living lab

    To combat water scarcity, a water-saving technology for agricultural cultivation was developed in the HypoWave+ research project. Here, ISOE has investigated prevalent social and institutional obstacles on the way to implementation. Water expert Dr. Martina Winker is now presenting the results.

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Social-Ecological Research —

At the core of our research lies the question of how transformations toward sustainability can be shaped. Through our transdisciplinary research, we aim to identify opportunities for a sustainable and just approach to water, land, and biodiversity, as well as to urban development and consumption.

Current contributions from our experts

  • “To secure the foundations of life for all within planetary boundaries, economic practices and lifestyles must change. This requires a transformation in the relationship between society and nature.”

    Prof. Dr. Flurina Schneider, Scientific Director
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  • “Sustainable groundwater management is achievable—but only through collaboration. The challenges are too complex to be solved by technical expertise and innovation alone.”

    Dr. Fanny Frick-Trzebitzky, Head of the Practices and Infrastructures Hub
    To the blog

  • “Climate change often affects structurally disadvantaged people more severely, particularly women and those with low incomes. To enable climate-neutral and affordable housing for all, energy and climate policies and measures in the building sector must be designed in a socially and gender-equitable manner.”

    Dr. Immanuel Stieß, Head of the Practices and Infrastructures Hub
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Selected Publications

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International Research Projects

Our international research currently focuses on topics such as green hydrogen, water reuse, plastics in the environment, and desertification.

Good to Know About Us

  • 80

    employees work at ISOE, including 40 researchers and 20 student assistants.

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  • 3 out of 6

    leadership positions are held by women.

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  • 1989

    ISOE was founded in 1989, with an initial team of six employees.

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  • 90

    On average, 90 publications are released per year.

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  • 400

    Since its founding, ISOE has conducted approximately 400 research projects.

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ISOE in the Media