Research

Our University already hosts a large number of research projects related to sustainability. However, the knowledge generated here has not yet been pooled to make it more visible. We therefore aim to increase the visibility of current research projects on sustainability which will also strengthen our internal research networks.

• F.1.1.1 Developing a system to highlight the sustainability aspects of research projects
• F.1.1.2 Gathering, structuring, and presenting sustainability-related research at the University on a digital platform
• F.1.1.3 Introducing an annual sustainability award for completed doctorates open to submissions from all fields
• F.1.1.4 Testing new networking formats for sustainability researchers at our University as well as other research locations, and collecting examples of good practice

The societal transformation needed to achieve sustainability calls for practical solutions that can be easily applied to different areas of everyday life. In order to conduct research that addresses societal issues, our research process needs to incorporate knowledge from a wide range of stakeholders in civil society, politics and business.

We therefore aim to support participative and cooperative research formats on sustainability and to initiate university-wide dialogues on transdisciplinary research.

• F.1.2.1 Further developing advisory services and staff training on transdisciplinary research formats and their funding (e.g. living labs or citizen science)
• F.1.2.2 Working more closely with local and regional partners and supporting researchers in participating in exchange formats

Successfully tackling global challenges in the wake of current crises requires dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders from all regions of the world. This approach offers an enriching diversity of perspectives on global issues. However, equal dialogues are often impeded by existing knowledge hierarchies as well as economic and political power imbalances between the Global North and the Global South.

We therefore aim to strengthen international networks and raise awareness for asymmetries and inequalities in international research cooperation.

• F.1.3.1 Strengthening international and multilateral cooperation with a focus on promoting equal partnerships with researchers from the Global South         
• F.1.3.2 Developing staff training on North-South research cooperation and raising awareness for different knowledge types and hierarchies among researchers

Many funding providers recognize the relevance of sustainability research for society. There are now many programmes that promote research related to sustainability. We support our researchers in acquiring funding from these programmes and in exploring new fields of research for sustainable development.

• F.1.4.1 Developing and implementing event formats that promote sustainability-related research projects
• F.1.4.2 Incorporating sustainability into advisory services for third-party funding

To support societal transformations towards sustainability, research itself must be designed in a way that is as sustainable as possible. Higher education institutions should be role models for sustainable practices.

We therefore aim to reduce our carbon footprint in research as much as possible and to thoroughly analyse conflicting goals between our resource use and research quality. However, focusing on sustainability criteria must not result in disadvantages for specific research fields.

• F.2.1.1 Measuring the amount of resources used in our research activities and developing suggestions for reducing consumption at faculty and institute level
• F.2.1.2 Developing subject-specific training and resources on sustainable research, especially in the areas of laboratory work and digital data management
• F.2.1.3 Supporting JenaVersum in establishing a web application for the coordinated use of research infrastructure (large-scale equipment and scientific services)
• F.2.1.4 Complying with internal guidelines when planning and organizing academic events (congresses, workshops, conferences)
• F.2.1.5 Developing guidelines for sustainable business travel
• F.2.1.6 Striving to have the University’s research facilities and laboratories certified (e.g. according to 'My Green Lab' or similar standards)

When it comes to collecting, processing and storing research data, digital platforms offer a wide range of possible applications and innovations for everyday research. We will consider their impact on our emissions and energy consumption and develop ways to combine our digitalization and sustainability strategies.

• F.2.2.1 Measuring the carbon footprint resulting from our Computer Centre and from services, computing and storage facilities provided by third-parties for our research institutes, units and facilities and identifying potential carbon savings
• F.2.2.2 Raising awareness about the environmental impact of research activities that require a lot of data storage and developing recommendations for the efficient use of server space and computing capacities to be used in existing courses and training materials
• F.1.1.1 Establishing sustainable research data management in accordance with the FAIR Principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) to facilitate the use of existing research data

Appreciating diversity and reducing structural discrimination are central demands in the discourse on global sustainability goals. Naturally, these demands also apply to research. Access to academic professions is still unequally distributed based on categories such as age, gender, skin colour, origin and disability.

We therefore aim to promote socially sustainable research, reduce discrimination and embrace the potential of diversity in our research teams.

• F.2.3.1 Raising awareness of unequal access to academia, e.g. by offering anti-discrimination training (this is especially recommended as preparatory training for people involved in recruitment and appointment procedures)
• F.2.3.2 Encouraging first-generation students to apply for student assistant positions to facilitate access to a career in academia
• F.2.3.3 Reviewing options for establishing further support systems and mentoring programmes (especially for early career researchers) to combat discrimination based on sexism, racism, classism or ableism.