Global social-ecological systems society launched
2025-03-27 Social-ecological systems researchers worldwide have united to form the Society for Social-Ecological Systems (SocSES) and the Social-Ecological Systems Institute (SESI) of Leuphana University Lüneburg is one of its regional hubs.
On March 27th 2025, they proudly announce its official launch, marking a significant global milestone in advancing social-ecological systems research, practice, and action. SocSES promotes understanding, collaboration, and training in social-ecological systems (SES) research to foster a sustainable and just future and drive practical solutions. The Society will value diverse knowledge frameworks, particularly from the Global South, and support innovative knowledge. It will promote inclusive learning spaces and environmentally sustainable networking practices, with its members dedicated to learning in a collaborative way.
Research field explores complex relationships between humans and natural ecosystems
The study of social-ecological systems – a research field that explores the complex relationships between humans and natural ecosystems, and draws upon the natural and social sciences – spans across multiple disciplines as well as research and practice. Having a dedicated global society will give the field a greater reach and support system by providing an intellectual home, community, and identity for SES researchers, practitioners, and networks. It will also foster a flourishing community advancing the SES field, creating solutions, and driving change toward a just and sustainable future.
SocSES is a collaborative effort between the Resilience Alliance (RA) and the Program on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS), with engagement from various networks, such as the Global Resilience Partnership, the Transformations Community, and other Future Earth Global Research Networks, including the Global Land Project.
The Social-Ecological Systems Institute (SESI) of Leuphana University Lüneburg is proud to become one of the institutional hubs of this global community dedicated to advancing SES knowledge and practice. With its engagement in SocSES, SESI will contribute to advocating for transformative solutions that balance societal impact with just and sustainable futures, emphasizing democratic participation and community engagement to create a more sustainable, just, and resilient world.