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08.05.2025

Kassel Institute for Sustainability at the DKN Summit 2025: Inspired, Connected, Critical

@Forschung

The Kassel Institute for Sustainability (KIS) recently participated in the DKN Summit held from February 19th to 21st, 2025, a key event for researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of sustainability and academia. The summit, which gathered a diverse community of scholars and sustainability experts, provided a platform for deep discussions and knowledge sharing. KIS was well-represented, with a substantial delegation of researchers and the central office contributing actively to the event.

The Kassel Institute for Sustainability (KIS) recently participated in the DKN Summit held from February 19th to 21st, 2025, a key event for researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of sustainability and academia. The summit, which gathered a diverse community of scholars and sustainability experts, provided a platform for deep discussions and knowledge sharing. KIS was well-represented, with a substantial delegation of researchers and the central office contributing actively to the event.

Engaging Panels and Thought-Provoking Discussions

During the summit, KIS researchers hosted several panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of sustainability science. These panels highlighted the Institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary approaches and advancing sustainability in various contexts. Among the featured discussions were:

  • "Where does Sustainability Science meet the Humanities in Leveraging Change?" hosted by Agnieszka Komorowska, Andra Milcu, and Arcadie Botnaru, which explored the role of the humanities in shaping sustainability discourse.
  • "Discussion on the Need and Possible Options for the Organization of a DACH Association for Sustainability" led by Stefan Lechtenböhmer and colleagues, focusing on the potential for cross-border collaboration in the German-speaking regions of Europe.
  • "Transdisciplinary Interface Management in Sustainability Science Projects: Good Practices, Institutionalization, and Training" hosted by Andra Milcu and others, which discussed the challenges and opportunities of managing transdisciplinary sustainability projects.
  • "Sustainability at the Origin: Mining as a Global Transformation Field" with Anna Schomberg, Stefan Lechtenböhmer, Andreas Gutmann, and others, highlighting the role of mining industries in global sustainability transformations.
  • "Co-Creation: More Than a Trend? Building an Interdisciplinary Approach to Joint Understanding across Sustainability Research Streams" presented by Mahsa Motlagh and Ina M. Sieber, addressing how collaborative efforts across disciplines can strengthen sustainability research.
  • "Advancing Sustainability in Teaching and University: Best Practices and Challenges" by Sarah Wedde, Franziska M. Hoffart, and Stefan Lechtenböhmer, focusing on integrating sustainability into academic curricula and university structures.

These discussions not only demonstrated the diverse expertise at KIS but also reflected the Institute’s role in driving the dialogue in the Sustainability Science Community.

Reflections on the Summit: A Platform for Collaborative Growth

Following the summit, KIS reflected during the regular internal research colloquium Sustainability Café on the experiences and insights gained during the event. The feedback from participants confirmed that KIS is perceived as an important institution in sustainability research. The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach, which brings together under one roof scholars from various disciplines, was highlighted as a key strength in promoting impactful Sustainability Science.

The feedback from participants at the summit attested a high quality of KIS study programs, with a particular emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary learning. 

Young KIS-researchers in particular appreciated the opportunity to engage with scientists from fields outside their own, enriching their understanding of sustainability challenges from multiple perspectives. There was also a call for creating more structured opportunities for early-career researchers to engage in these interdisciplinary discussions. Many participants expressed a desire for dedicated formats that could support young scientists in building networks and gaining experience in transdisciplinary research settings.

Funding Sustainability Science: A Call for Change

A crucial point of discussion at the summit was the ongoing challenge of securing funding for sustainability research. Members of the KIS expressed concerns over the tendency of large funding organizations to prioritize disciplinary (basic) research. Sustainability Science, however, does not form its own discipline in a traditional sense. Rather, it operates as an “arena” of knowledge.

KIS researchers emphasized the need for funding mechanisms that recognize and support the inherent interdisciplinary nature of sustainability science, allowing research in this area to flourish without the constraints of traditional disciplinary boundaries. As one KIS member put it, the essence of sustainability science lies in its ability to thrive in discomfort—“making yourself comfortable in the uncomfortable”— and funding structures must align with this principle to enable meaningful progress.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Future of Sustainability Science

The discussions at the DKN Summit 2025 reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative funding approaches, and critical self-reflection in shaping the future of acting and researching in Sustainability Science. As KIS continues its path of development as a young institution, the Institute remains committed to creating a space for knowledge exchange, fostering the growth of early-career researchers, and advocating for more flexible and inclusive research funding policies.

As the Institute moves forward, it will continue to build bridges between disciplines, push the boundaries of existing practices and ways of thinking, and will hopefully inspire the next generation of sustainability researchers.