Environment and Climate Research Hub

Our Research

Interdisciplinary research at the ECH explores the complex dynamics of environmental change – bridging humanities, natural and social sciences to generate impactful knowledge.

Overview | Focus Areas | Projects

Shaping Tomorrow: The Impact of Today’s Research

We are motivated to deliver scientific research that contributes to the protection of our climate and environment. We work jointly in excellent cross-disciplinary teams beyond the border of each discipline on research ideas and collaborations.

At the University of Vienna, one of the biggest and most renowned in Europe, we want to advance environmental research for society. We use the strength of networking excellent expertise of individual disciplines in our research hub.

We focus on training, education and excellent qualification of our members. We constantly develop our knowledge and competencies further to develop innovative concepts and approaches for solutions in the areas of environment and climate.

We want to shape society – as an education institution, a hub and a partner for dialogue. For this reason, we educate students and early career scientists and enter active dialogues with civil society and decision-makers in government and society.

Composition of 4 pictures showing different people discussing with each other and presenting

Our Focus Areas

Projects

Research projects are hosted at the specific Faculty of ECH members. The selection here reflects the diverse range of research excellence at the University of Vienna in the field of environment, climate change and sustainability. We list projects led by ECH members as a PI, or those in which they are part of a larger consortium such as in Horizon Europe projects.

Exploring Social Perceptions of Chlordecone and Other Phytochemical Compounds

22.04.2025 ECH Project

A large banana plantation stretches into the distance, with hills, scattered houses, and power lines visible under a partly cloudy sky

Giorgio Brocco from the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology is leading the project "Exploring Social Perceptions of Chlordecone and Other Phytochemical Compounds".

How do communities in Martinique perceive chemical pollution? This project explores emotional, cultural, and psychological responses to chlordecone exposure - combining ethnography and surveys to inform future public health…

From Lab to Litigation: Translating Scientific Evidence to the Court

22.04.2025 ECH Project

People seated at a conference table with documents and microphones; the focus is on one person’s hands holding papers.

Stephanie Nitsch from the Department of Law is leading the project "From Lab to Litigation".

How is science used in court? This project explores how environmental evidence has shaped private law cases since the 1960s - highlighting challenges and best practices in climate and pollution litigation to support a more just and sustainable legal future.

From Decay to Delay: Organic Matter’s Fate in Soils, Inland Waters, and Ocean

22.04.2025 ECH Project

A snow-capped mountain rises behind a forested lake, with a stream winding through green meadows under a clear sky.

Katrin Attermeyer from the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology is leading the project "From Decay to Delay".

How does organic matter decay affect climate? This project tests how microbes break down plant material across ecosystems, aiming to unify understanding of carbon cycling. Through experiments and expert collaboration, it lays the groundwork for future environmental research.