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3296528 
Journal Article 
Sustainability science: a review, an analysis and some empirical lessons 
Spangenberg, JH 
2011 
Yes 
Environmental Conservation
ISSN: 0376-8929
EISSN: 1469-4387 
38 
3 
275-287 
WOS:000296086500002 
Sustainability science has developed from a new research
field into a vibrant discipline in its own right, with scientific conferences, journals and
scientific societies dedicated to its pursuit. Characterized more by its research purpose than by
a common set of methods or objects, sustainability science can be subdivided into the more
traditional disciplinary-based science for sustainability and the transdisciplinary science of
sustainability. Whereas the former consists of more descriptive, analytical and basic science,
the latter is characterized by reflexivity and applicability; on a meta level, the emergence of
the latter can be understood as a new step in the evolution of science. This review provides an
overview of the state of sustainability science, identifying action orientation, integrated
assessments and interdisciplinarity as overall characteristics. The review also focuses on
methodological issues, highlighting differences in project organization and management, and the
ways in which stakeholder participation can be organized in interdisciplinary and
transdisciplinary research projects. Sustainability science is recognized as essential for
progress towards sustainability, and as an opportunity to bring science closer to the people,
requiring significant changes in the way science is organized and conducted. 
extended peer community; post normal science; research management; science policy interface; sustainability science; transdisciplinarity