A group of people hold an inflatable globe in the air together.

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]

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

Zwei Projektbeteiligte stehen auf dem Acker.

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

<zhe [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.

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. An overview of events with a sustainability focus can be found on our sustainability page.

View over the shoulder of a man looking at a screen with a laptop in front of him.

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

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

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

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Claus Volkenandt

Member of the Board of Directors

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

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 48
58455 Witten

Room number: NB-1.062.1

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

Klarita Nestler, M.S. European

Member of the Board of Directors

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

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: C-2.377

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]