Interdisciplinary research at the ECH explores the complex dynamics of environmental change – bridging humanities, natural and social sciences to generate impactful knowledge.
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.
Working together on better practices and processes to create a cleaner planet
Environmental changes require multiscalar responses at the urban, regional, and global level
Preserving biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure a common future
A global sustainable transformation needs social, cultural, and institutional change
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.
Aiko Voigt at the Department for Meteorology and Geophysics is leading the “KlipPer” project.
The central goal of KlipPer is to make the findings and data from climate modeling usable for the design and operation of a resilient PV infrastructure in Austria in a changing climate.
Thilo Hofmann at the Department of Geosciences is leading the “Ocurrence and Remediation of PFAS” project.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their widespread presence in the environment and associated health risks.
Alina Brad from the Department of Political Sciences and Etienne Schenider from the Department of Development Studies are part of the “FOCAL-Points” project.
Achieving climate neutrality by 2040 requires major transformations in all parts of society. Demand-side solutions are increasingly acknowledged as potentially powerful levers towards climate-change mitigation, reducing emissions by…
Acharya, P., Yegon, M. J., Haferkemper, L., Misteli, B., Griebler, C., Vitecek, S., & Attermeyer, K. (2025). Leaf Conditioning and Shredder Activity Shape Microbial Dynamics on Fine Particulate Organic Matter Produced During Decomposition of Different Leaf Litter in Streams. Microbial Ecology, 88(1), 18. Article 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-025-02515-2
Krasenbrink, J., Hanson, B. T., Weiss, A. S., Borusak, S., Tanabe, T. S., Lang, M., Aichinger, G., Hausmann, B., Berry, D., Richter, A., Marko, D., Mussmann, M., Schleheck, D., Stecher, B., & Loy, A. (2025). Sulfoquinovose is exclusively metabolized by the gut microbiota and degraded differently in mice and humans. Microbiome, 13(1), Article 184. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02175-x
García-Rodríguez, A., Lenzner, B., Velasco, J. A., Schertler, A., Omer, A., Seebens, H., Capinha, C., Gallardo, B., Dullinger, S., & Essl, F. (2025). The global distribution patterns of alien vertebrate richness in mountains. Nature Communications, 16(1), Article 1977. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57214-w
Jobst, M., Guerreiro, I., Payros, D., Oswald, I. P., Fernandes, A. S., Warth, B., & Del Favero, G. (2025). New approach methodologies for risk assessment of urinary occurring toxicants. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 302, Article 118649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118649
Leite, F. A. S., Howard, E. L., Pinheiro, C., Parola, A. J., Maggini, L., & Laia, C. (2025). Screen printing and in situ electropolymerization as a simple manufacturing method to produce long cycling lifetime electrochromic indicators. Flexible and Printed Electronics, 10(3), Article 035002. https://doi.org/10.1088/2058-8585/adea87
Dietrich, D., & Gehrig, T. (2025). Talk and the City: How Far to Trust Bankers (Not) Calling for Bailouts. Working Paper of the Centre for Responsible Banking & Finance.
Nouioua, R., Hanf-Dressler, T., Dullinger, S., Voigt, C. C., & Maas, B. (2025). Warming winters disrupt bat activity and hibernation in mediterranean olive agroecosystems. Global Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03828
Oechsner, S., Rae, R., & Felt, U. (2025). Should I provide my health data for research? Citizens assessing the value of data provision. Big Data & Society, 1-12. https://doi.org/0.1177/20539517251361117
Gehrig, T., & Dietrich, D. (2025). Talk and The City: How Far to Trust Bankers (Not) Calling for Bailouts? Centre for Economic Policy Research CEPR.
Bale, N. J., Fujimura, H., Pjevac, P., Koenen, M., Ikeda, H., Itagaki, S., Yamamoto, Y., Palmetzhofer, J., Sedlacek, C. J., Palabikyan, H., Sinninghe Damsté, J. S., Wagner, M., Shiigi, H., & Daims, H. (2025). Unusual Plastoquinones in Non-Phototrophic Nitrifying Bacteria. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 17(4), Article e70174. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.70174
Our research newsletter ‘ECHO’ provides you with the latest and most exciting information from the fields of environmental and climate research.
