P5: Human-Environment-Networks

Complex systems, patterns of perception, interactions

Objectives

The aim of the Human-Environment Networks (MUN) profile line is to contribute to a breakthrough in the understanding of complex human-environment networks and thus create the basis for meeting the central challenges of the current century. The focus is on topics such as agriculture, soil and nutrition. The profile line pursues a NEXUS approach in order to highlight the deficits of isolated approaches and the associated neglect of interactions and to overcome the resulting problematic system boundaries and sustainability deficits. One example of this is the water-energy-food nexus.

The profile line aims to develop innovative research approaches and projects at the interfaces between the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Specific plans include coordinated applications for third-party funding in the field of human-environment networks (BMBF, VW Foundation, DFG, DFG Research Training Group), the development of interdisciplinary courses and teaching content (lecture series, seminars), the establishment of a regional platform and the organization of events on environmental and sustainability issues with other stakeholders from science, business, politics and society (e.g. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, German Federal Environmental Foundation) and active participation in international global change research networks (Future Earth).

Structure

Around 30 scientists from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities are involved in the profile line. The disciplinary breadth of the researchers involved enables scientific work on human-environment networks at interdisciplinary interfaces.

In order to promote interdisciplinary research on human-environment networks that takes account of the objectives of the profile line and to implement interdisciplinary cooperation at Osnabrück University in the long term, the profile line has adopted a two-level structure: A lower level, at which central thematic clusters are pursued in line with the formulated objectives, and a higher level, which ensures the networking of the sub-focus areas and the synopsis of research results. In detail, the following thematic clusters have been formed:

• Transformative learning - governance of sustainability transformations
• Problem awareness and governance: land use, land competition and soil protection
• Cultural semantics of social change: nexus and narrative
• Vulnerability of ecosystems to disruption: Causes and consequences

On the one hand, the division into sub-focus areas reflects different thematic priorities that correspond to the previous research achievements and interests of the scientists involved; on the other hand, it corresponds to the logic of acquiring third-party funding as successfully and broadly as possible, which should be undertaken in a targeted manner in manageable teams. This pursues the dual strategy of promoting distinct thematic approaches in their diversity and at the same time supporting profiling at the level of the entire research focus, i.e. initiatives for joint projects in the thematic clusters in which several professorships/working groups are involved are supported, while at the same time the integration and external presentation of the entire profile line is promoted through joint activities and publications.