Social-Ecological Research

What has to happen to get consumers to apply their knowledge on sustainable consumption to their everyday shopping habits? Which population groups are most affected by the consequences of anthropogenic climate change and the necessary adaptation strategies? Does the withdrawal of the public sector from the fields of water, electricity and gas supply harbour risks with regard to social justice and environmental protection, or does it open up more scope for sustainable action?

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The "Social-Ecological Research" funding priority is characterized by the interdisciplinary pooling of knowledge to provide scientific contributions to solving concrete social problems of sustainability. The focus is on climate protection and biodiversity, the sustainable design of utilities (water, energy, waste), sustainable consumption, dealing with new types of "systemic" risks such as the infiltration of information and communication technologies in all areas of life and the use of new technologies (such as nano and genetic technologies).

As a rule, this requires interdisciplinary cooperation between researchers in the natural and the social sciences. As these are problems of everyday life, research must look beyond the science system and take into account the expert knowledge which exists in practice (transdisciplinarity). All societal stakeholders - consumers, municipalities, companies and civil society - are therefore involved in the research process in different ways. The objective is sustainable development, i.e. the ecological modernization of society without neglecting mankind's desire for social justice and prosperity. This is a highly complex task which is at the top of the Federal Government's research agenda.

Taking into account the results of a programme evaluation, the second phase of the funding priority began in 2006. Capacity building at universities and non-university research institutions was accorded an important role.

Based on the positive experience of the first funding phase, the funding of junior research groups in the field of social-ecological research has been continued with the second phase starting in 2009. Twelve selected junior research groups are conducting research into different aspects from the fields of adaptation to climate change, sustainable energy systems, eco system services, biodiversity, and policy advice.

Through specific funding of thematic, interdisciplinary junior research groups, talented young scientists can continue to build their skills in the areas of inter- and transdisciplinary research through 2013. This aims also at strengthening the link between non-university and university research.

In addition to infrastructure funding and support for young scientists, funding for additional thematic research projects is available.  Funding for topic-specific projects addresses current problems that arise owing to the conflict of interests between the social system and the natural environment.

Ten collaborative research projects within the thematic focus entitled From Knowledge to Action - New Paths towards Sustainable Consumption will conclude their research activities at the end of 2011. The projects' objective is to identify and analyze any roadblocks that might hinder applying knowledge gained, taking into consideration the consumer perspective and personal action.

The most recent thematic focus - Social Dimensions of Climate Protection and Climate Change - has seen twelve projects launched in 2011 whose research is meant to:

• improve understanding of the social causes and impacts of climate change;
• aid in shaping climate protection and adaptation measures by involving all segments of the population and foster societal acceptance;
• strengthen social and humanistic skills in the area of climate research;
• relate scientific findings on climate change and technical, planning and economic tools for implementing climate protection measures and adaptation strategies to social issues

in order to, firstly, identify and correctly assess potential conflicts in good time and, secondly, to identify possible ways of action (including unexpected ones).

Information on the different projects is available on the Ministry's website about the social-ecological research funding programme.