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

The projects presented here showcase the breadth and excellence of environmental, climate, and sustainability research at the University of Vienna and the ECH. They are either listed as Member Projects (hosted at the faculties of ECH members) or ECH Projects, funded by the ECH itself (e.g. ECH Seed Funding Program) or external institutions. Together, they reflect a broad range of research approaches, as well as outreach activities to foster societal impact and change. We feature projects led by ECH members as Principal Investigators (PIs), and projects in which ECH members participate as part of larger research consortia, including Horizon Europe initiatives.

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.

The Climate Change Visualization (Climaviz) Project

29.01.2024 ECH Project

A girl in a white dress stands on barren ground, facing a split Earth—one half burning with fire and smoke, the other showing intact continents and oceans.

Kim Doell from the Department of Psychology is leading the Project "Climaviz".

How do climate change visuals shape beliefs and actions? A team from Psychology and Computer Science explores how different data visualizations influence public perception, policy support, and behavior - paving the way for more effective climate communication.

Assessing Biodegradation of Dopamine-Based Electrochromic Formulations for Ultra-Low Power Flexible Displays by Environmental Microbial Communities

29.01.2024 ECH Project

A square, textured artwork resembling moss, fungi, and coral structures is displayed in a forest setting with tall trees and a mossy ground.

Petra Pjevac from the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science is leading the project "Assessing Biodegradation of Dopamine-Based Electrochromic Formulations for Ultra-Low Power Flexible Displays by Environmental Microbial Communities".

To ensure sustainable electronics truly biodegrade, researchers develop a standardized workflow to test organic materials in soil, water, and sediments.…

Plant Root Exudates as Prophage Inducers

29.01.2024 ECH Project

A petri dish containing a reddish-brown substance, with the center area appearing blurred.

Gina Porras Brenes from the Department of Biological Chemistry is leading the project "Plant Root Exudates as Prophage Inducers".

To combat antibiotic resistance, researchers explore bacteriophage therapy and natural root compounds. The Böttcher and Weckwerth groups investigate how plant-derived molecules might trigger bacterial virus activity - paving the way for new antimicrobial strategies.

Towards Determining the Link Between Land Use Management, Microbial Composition, and Carbon Quality in European Peatlands

29.01.2024 ECH Project

A flat landscape with grassy fields, scattered wetlands, and a row of leafless trees beneath an overcast sky.

Kyle Boodoo from the Department of Geography and Regional Research is leading the project "Towards Determining the Link Between Land Use Management, Microbial Composition, and Carbon Quality in European Peatlands".

Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon, but drainage alters microbial communities and emissions. This project explores how microbes and organic matter interact across peatlands to…