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International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation [tra:ce]

Research in times of socio-ecological crises

How can ecological and socially just change be achieved?

The continuously worsening climate crisis with dramatic effects worldwide presents humanity with a challenge of the century: the socio-ecological transformation of the economy, state and society. Witten/Herdecke University has founded the International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation [tra:ce] to provide scientific support and make concrete recommendations. The cross-faculty research centre sheds light on social, entrepreneurial and governmental transformation processes towards more sustainability, democracy and justice.

News from the [tra:ce]

Events at [tra:ce]

There are no events at the moment.

Research

The [tra:ce] bundles existing research projects on the socio-ecological crisis at the UW/H. It also initiates, supports and establishes new fields of research across faculties. The focus is on questions of global justice, sustainability and health. With its problem-oriented, transdisciplinary and holistic approach, the research centre aims to have an impact on science, society, business and politics and help shape the transformation.

To this end, the [tra:ce] relies on a broad network of international scientists from various disciplines as well as a large alliance of practice partners from politics, business and society. The [tra:ce]'s research is intended to help enable and strengthen responsible, sustainable and democratic decision-making in times of multiple crises.

Collage of two photos with wind turbines and an oil rig.

[tra:ce] Policy Report

Financing the green transformation: Increase bankability, exit climate-damaging investments, finance unbankable activities

How can political decision-makers strengthen sustainable and climate-friendly investments - and at the same time effectively prevent climate-damaging financial flows? The latest [tra:ce] Policy Report takes a close look at this question.

To the policy report

[tra:ce] Working Paper

Current scientific contributions from the research of the [tra:ce]

The Working Paper Series presents current scientific contributions by [tra:ce] members. It offers insights into ongoing projects, theoretical concepts and empirical analyses relating to the major transformation issues of our time - from sustainable financing and climate justice to sustainable economic systems and social change.

To the working papers

Two people involved in the project are standing in the field.

Theme year 2024:
Planetary Health

At [tra:ce], researchers from our Faculties of Health, Economics and Society and the WittenLab work together to approach the important topic of "Planetary Health" in a joint discourse.

To Planetary Health

Current research projects

Completed research projects

Photo from the audience at an event, a speaker stands at the front and talks about the municipal transformation.

Social transformation

The [tra:ce] aims to influence science, society, business, and politics and help shape the transformation far beyond Witten. To this end, the research center draws on a broad network of international scholars from various disciplines as well as a large alliance of practice partners from politics, business, and society. The [tra:ce]'s research seeks to enable and strengthen responsible, sustainability-oriented, and democratic decision-making in times of multiple crises.

A photo of a demonstration poster that reads "If not now, when then?". Above it is the title of the competition and "Jugendkreativpreis Nachhaltigkeit" (Youth Creative Award for Sustainability)

Youth Creative Award

Imagine this: It's the year 2070 and you live in a sustainable and just world. What does it look like - and how did we get there?

For the Youth Creativity Prize for Sustainability 2025, young people answered exactly this question through creative works. Discover the eleven best submissions here:

To the submissions

Teaching & Didactics

The theories, methods and research findings developed at [tra:ce] are directly incorporated into teaching. They are presented and discussed in regular research colloquia with students, researchers and lecturers. The [tra:ce] offers students a wide range of opportunities to get involved in the research projects as employees in placement semesters or final theses.

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Students wanted!

Would you like to support us with our research or develop your own independent study project?

Become part of the [tra:ce]

Contact us

Do you have any questions or would you like to get in touch?

You are welcome to send general enquiries to tra:ce by email. Dr Sonja Knobbe as Strategic Director and Prof Dr Magdalene Silberberger as Academic Director are also available to you as personal contacts (see contact details below).

Stay informed - and follow the [tra:ce] on Instagram and also check out ourYoutube Channel!

E-Mail

Dr.

Sonja Knobbe

Strategic management

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58448 Witten

Room number: 1.264

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Magdalene Silberberger

Academic management

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: 1.221

M.A.

Luisa Schwab

Secretariat

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58448 Witten

E-Mail

Board of Directors

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Joscha Wullweber

Director

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: C-1.231

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Magdalene Silberberger

Vice Director

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: 1.221

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Claus Volkenandt

Vice Director

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 48
58455 Witten

Room number: NB-1.062.1

Prof. Dr.

Petra Thürmann

Member of the Board of Directors

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: 1.263

Dr.

Andreas Lingg

Member of the Board of Directors

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58448 Witten

Room number: NB-1.F03.2a

Stella Bünger

Member of the Board of Directors

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 44
58448 Witten

Room number: FEZ E.80

Maurice Delaure

Student member of the Board of Directors

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation (tra:ce)

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58448 Witten

E-Mail

International Centre for Sustainable and Just Transformation [tra:ce]