Research Profile

One of our main research areas is sustainable nutrition. This concept encompasses all food-related decisions, from purchase and preparation to consumption and food waste. The impact of these decisions on the environment, physical and mental health, and social justice is a central focus. Classic examples of relevant behaviors in this area include the consumption of meat, sugar, fruits, and vegetables, as well as behaviors like food waste or the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Our goal is to understand and explain these behaviors and to support consumers in shifting their dietary habits toward more sustainable options. We view individuals' eating behaviors embedded in a broad food system, investigating the influence of environmental factors like food availability and pricing in the immediate surroundings, as well as societal factors such as political or cultural frameworks.

Our analytical focus is on the individual, seeking to understand the interactions between consumers' personal characteristics and the complex contexts in which they make decisions. By gaining a better understanding of what drives certain behaviors, we can develop targeted strategies for behavior change.

Our second major research objective is to identify which strategy works for whom and in which context, to promote sustainable nutrition. In this work, we consider important topics such as social justice and pursue a collaborative approach with consumers and other relevant stakeholders in the development of behavioral interventions.

Another focus of our research is the impact of nature contact on well-being, health, and nature connectedness. We study how specific features of urban green spaces influence the perceptions and experiences of residents and visitors.

Urban green spaces are, for many people, the only opportunity to interact with nature in their daily lives. Our research focuses on the influence of ecological features of these spaces, such as biodiversity or naturalness, on physical and mental health. Interactions with nature are crucial for strengthening individual nature connectedness, which in turn can influence environmental and dietary behaviors as well as overall well-being.

We explore how nature connectedness can be enhanced, especially in urban areas. A key focus is understanding which specific characteristics of green spaces have positive effects on nature connectedness. Another goal of our research is to investigate whether, and how, childhood nature contact contributes to a stronger nature connectedness in adulthood. Our research aims to provide practical recommendations for designing urban green spaces that promote well-being and nature connectedness.

A further key area of our research is the public acceptance of policy measures, especially those aimed at promoting sustainable, healthier, and socially just lifestyles. We focus on policy measures in consumption areas such as food, mobility, energy, and clothing.

We study a wide range of policy measures and instruments with varying degrees of intervention—from education, information dissemination, and nudges to taxes, subsidies, and regulations. Our research examines the acceptance of these measures on an individual level and their potential to drive behavior change—i.e., the extent to which behaviors can be modified.

In our DARWIN research project, for example, we work closely with consumers on the topic of genetically modified foods, developing and testing interventions that aim to increase public knowledge and transparency for consumers.

Our methodological approach is based on two key pillars: research with practical relevance and societal impact, and the application of modern scientific methods to develop precise solutions.

Previous research shows that behavioral intentions do not always lead to actual behavior. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on measuring real behavior with high validity and specificity. A central aspect is identifying behaviors that significantly contribute to sustainability and health at the population level. Successful behavior change requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence behavior. To analyze the processes and mechanisms that shape consumer behavior, we use established theories and models. While these theories offer many strengths, they also have limitations, such as insufficient consideration of variability across contexts, time periods, and individuals. Our research aims to further develop these theories and enhance their relevance for behavioral sciences.

A more precise understanding of behaviors is achieved through an idiographic or individualized approach, which focuses on individual differences. In addition to classic methods like surveys and experiments, we employ techniques such as Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), also known as Experience Sampling Method (ESM). These approaches allow us to develop individualized and adaptive interventions that support consumers in real-time, based on their unique characteristics and needs.