How is a topic such as microplastics socially problematised? How can consumers use plastics more sustainably? And what role do the interests and perceptions of different actors play in international plastics regulation? These and other questions are posed by social scientists in a number of joint research projects funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the framework of the research focus "Plastics in the Environment". In this poster series, social science research from ten joint research projects is presented and first interim results are briefly and concisely summarised.

This infographic illustrates the research objects of the joint research projects with a social science component in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment" along the value chain and with a view to the addressed societal sectors. In addition, the graph indicates the target groups to which the project results are directed and whether these are mainly options for action or risk assessments.

Ecologic Institute designed a programme flyer as part of the visual identity for the project "Plastic in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions." The programme flyer was developed and designed to provide relevant content on conference context, agenda, and the venue in a concerted way to participants.

This assessment system is the first of its kind with an integrated approach to assess sustainability and the transformative potential of civil society initiatives.

How can the recycling of construction materials in Germany be further expanded and professionalised? What needs to be changed so that more high-quality recycled construction materials can be used, especially in high-rise construction? The stakeholder analysis by Ecologic Institute focuses on these questions. Based on interviews with actors in the construction industry, concrete proposals for measures will be presented.

In January 2019, Germany made a big step towards a coal phase-out: A stakeholder commission established by the federal government agreed on a schedule for plant retirement and on measures to support coal regions. For experts and journalists seeking to understand the context of the phase-out decision, scientists from the German Institute for Economic Research, Ecologic Institute, and the Wuppertal Institute have developed a comprehensive reader detailing what is at stake. The publication explains why the phase-out is needed and how it can become a success.

The ideal of economic growth goes back to the period of industrialisation, when development and growth meant almost the same thing: Progress. But what happens in a society where it is clear that resources are limited? Marius Hasenheit of Ecologic Institute and Viola Nordsieck discuss these questions in the discussion paper "Aspects of Group-Related Misanthropy in Nature and Environmental Protection". The discussion paper is available for download.

In the winter term 2018/2019 Doris Knoblauch, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute, organized the seminar "Think Tank Policy Consulting" at the Otto Suhr Institute (OSI) of the Free University Berlin. It was the first time that this seminar was held by an Ecologic Institute researcher at the OSI. Similar courses have been taught before at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences.

Which trends and developments characterise the energy system in the overlapping phases of the energy transition? Which opportunities and which risks are borne by digital technologies and data-based business models in pursuit of an ecologically-oriented energy transition? How do the structures of players change and what challenges do different actors face? These questions are the subject of a short study written by Lisa Meinecke and Christine Lucha of Ecologic Institute. The study is available for download.

The fifth Water Framework Directive Implementation Report of the Commission reveals significant improvements in knowledge and reporting on the Water Framework Directive compared to the previous cycle. More Member States reported in a timely manner, with more comprehensive, relevant and reliable information. As part of a consortium, Ecologic Institute supported the preparation of the report. The Commission report is available for download.

With the start of the three-year dialogue for food waste reduction in the out-of-home sector forum, the prevention of food waste in out-of-home catering is being systematically tackled. This process will develop cross-industry guidelines for action and adopt binding targets. Ecologic Institute supports the implementation of the process and dialogue. Stephanie Wunder moderated the kick-off event.

"More organic, more regional food, fit for the future – Transition of food systems through urban-rural cooperation" was the motto of this year's STADTLANDBIO Congress. Stephanie Wunder presented the policy recommendations of the research project "Rural Urban Nexus". She focused on the relevance of secure access to land for regional food producers.

In January 2019, the stakeholder workshop "Using the Subsoil to Better Prepare for Droughts – An Acceptance Analysis of Measures to Enhance the Subsoil" of the BMBF-funded BonaRes project "Soil³ – Sustainable Subsoil Management" took place in Bonn. The aim of the workshop was to discuss the prevailing opinions on subsoil management measures. Ecologic Institute researchers discussed with farmers and other ecological actors under which conditions they would implement or support these measures. The protocol is available for download.

Residues of veterinary pharmaceuticals may enter water and soil via manure and dung. Farmers can reduce this environmental impact through their farming practices. These teaching materials were designed for agricultural vocational schools. They contain worksheets, information on classroom design and background information for teachers. The teaching materials are available to teachers and learners for free use.

Residues of veterinary pharmaceuticals may enter water and soil via manure and dung. Farmers can reduce this environmental impact through their practices. These teaching materials have been designed for advanced learners in agriculture. They consist of presentation slides and accompanying background material. The slides are designed for a 90-minute lecture. The teaching materials are available for teachers and learners to use freely.