Key elements of what is associated with sustainability are "the social impact, in particular distributive justice and participation, as well as the freedom to shape one's own life" (Holzbaur 2020, p. 36). These very essential elements of what is associated with sustainability are "the social impact, in particular distributive justice and participation, as well as the freedom to shape one's own life" (Holzbaur 2020, p. 36). These social aspects are therefore at the centre of sustainability and correspond to the SDG goals that current and future generations should be able to meet their needs and that everyone should be included in social life (inclusion) and decision-making processes (participation) (ibid.). To this end, for example, the definition of quality of life or prosperity must be rethought. To this end, the concept of transformation towards sustainability has moved to the centre of the discussion (see Sommer/Welzer 2017, among others). In this major project of society, research is also required in very different areas. After all, it is clear that balancing social, ecological and economic challenges can only come close to succeeding if the relevant research attempts to link conceptual and practical knowledge in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner and thus works to develop innovative and transformative power.

At the conference, more than 30 researchers discussed, among other things, research projects that deal with questions of quality of life of certain social groups, justice or participation, or methodological approaches that are being developed and tested in the research of young researchers and that can help, for example, to identify and stimulate social innovations and new social practices and behaviours and to change organisations and forms of regulation.

A more detailed conference report can be found on the homepage of the doctoral research centre for social work.