In February 2025, the DKN Sustainability Science Summit took place in Berlin under the motto “Advancing Sustainable Development.” Continuing the series of German Future Earth Summits, the event was organized by the German Committee Future Earth (DKN) and provided a platform for around 250 participants from Germany and abroad. With three plenary panel discussions and more than 30 parallel sessions, the summit enabled extensive exchange on new scientific findings, research needs, and aspects of research funding in the field of sustainability science.
One of the high-level panel discussions was titled "Transformation in Sustainability Science – Transformation of Sustainability Science". The panel featured:
- Prof. Daniela Jacob (GERICS, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon), who also serves as Chair of the DKN (German Committee Future Earth)
- Dr. Christiane Joerk (DFG – German Science Foundation)
- Marco Fritz (DG RTD, European Commission)
- Dr. Stephan Bartke (German Environment Agency)
- Moderator Prof. Michael Bollig (University of Cologne)
The debate centered on how sustainability science itself must evolve to better support transformative change towards sustainability. The discussions highlighted several critical aspects that need to be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability science and its contributions to society.
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
Clarifying Research Impact:
Sustainability science spans from basic research to transdisciplinary co-production and implementation. As noted by Dr. Stephan Bartke, there is a pressing need for clear theories of change, where funding programs and projects explicitly define their expected contributions to sustainability. Mapping different research foci is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability science and its potential impact. This aligns with the broader objectives of IG EPAS and the CASRI project, which aim to enhance systemic, actionable, and transversal sustainability research.
Bridging Science, Policy and Funding:
A recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of collaboration among research funders. Better alignment between national and European funding priorities is essential to reduce fragmentation and support long-term impact. Dr. Stephan Bartke pointed to the CASRI initiative as an example of strengthening national-EU and research-policy linkages. The CASRI project, initiated through a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action, aims to coordinate and enhance systemic, actionable, and transversal Sustainability Research and Innovation across Europe.
Defining Roles in Knowledge Uptake:
Prof. Dr. Daniela Jacob, Chair of the DKN and Director of GERICS, stressed that sustainability science often lacks a clear division of responsibilities between researchers generating knowledge and public administration or other stakeholders responsible for implementing findings. Defining these roles more explicitly would help prevent overburdening scientists and ensure that research results lead to real-world change. She also emphasized that funding models should reflect this reality, supporting not just the research itself but also the structured uptake and application of findings in policy and practice.
Overcoming Barriers to Transdisciplinary Science:
Sustainability science must break free from institutional barriers that discourage interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. Dr. Christiane Joerk (DFG) pointed out that recognizing sustainability science as an established discipline—similar to agricultural or spatial sciences—could enhance its institutional standing and improve funding opportunities. She emphasized that interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research are increasingly valued by funding agencies, yet the career paths and evaluation criteria still need to reflect this shift.
Aligning National and EU Research Strategies:
Marco Fritz (European Commission) discussed how Horizon Europe is promoting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. However, national and EU funding strategies must align more closely to accelerate sustainability research and its integration into policy. He highlighted the "Do No Significant Harm" principle as a vital mechanism for ensuring that research projects actively contribute to sustainability.
Redefining Research Excellence:
Prof. Michael Bollig (University of Cologne) and other panellists agreed that research excellence should not only be measured by academic publications but also by the real-world impact of findings. Universities must establish dedicated structures for transdisciplinary research, akin to the robust administrative support they have developed for securing funding.
Linking to IG EPAS and CASRI
Stephan Bartkes participation in the panel was motivated by the goals of the Interest Group on Sustainability Research and Solutions (IG EPAS). Established in 2022 as part of the EPA Network, IG EPAS facilitates strategic research collaboration among European Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs). The group works to enhance science-policy interfacing by leveraging EPAs’ dual role in research valorisation and policy shaping.
A core element of IG EPAS’s current work is the CASRI project, launched through a successful Horizon Europe call. CASRI aims to coordinate and enhance sustainability research and innovation across Europe by creating a systemic and actionable framework for joint efforts. The project seeks to close gaps in understanding the interactions between national and European environmental and sustainability research agendas.
The summit offered valuable insights and reinforced the need for collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches to address sustainability challenges.
For more information about the CASRI project, visit CASRI.eu.
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