The following initiatives at BOKU, according to the Core Group for Sustainability, have transformative potential, meaning they could contribute to fundamental changes at BOKU:

1. Climate Neutrality Goal: Achieving a two-thirds reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040 (net-zero emissions)

In 2023, BOKU made a fundamental decision regarding climate neutrality, setting the goal of a two-thirds reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040 as a long-term climate neutrality target (net-zero emissions).

The figures from the 2023 Sustainability Report show significant progress (a reduction in emissions since the base year 2019 by approximately 57%, from 21,999 tCO2eq to 9,512 tCO2eq, see BOKU Sustainability Report 2023, page 118). This brings the 2030 goal within realistic reach. The switch to certified green electricity has made a significant contribution to the successes achieved so far, although it did not necessitate fundamental changes at the university. The reductions achieved in business travel, on the other hand, indicate that there have been changes in the behavior of scientists and the scientific system (e.g., increased online exchanges, train travel instead of flights).

In the energy sector, BOKU is also dependent on developments at the national and regional levels (e.g., reduction pathways of energy suppliers, Austria's energy policy). The coming years will show whether fundamental changes will indeed take place—these will be necessary to achieve BOKU's ambitious climate neutrality goal.

 

2. Organizational Unit for Transformative Sustainability Science

The performance agreements between BOKU and the Ministry of Science for 2025-2027 include the establishment of a university organizational unit for transformative sustainability science and the appointment of a professorship in this field (pages 26-27). This initiative aims to strengthen research that explicitly seeks to advance the socio-ecological transformation of society. It has the potential to lead to fundamental changes at BOKU, such as:

  • Enhancing theoretical and methodological competencies in the field of transformative science
  • Shifting the understanding of science and its evaluation criteria
  • Increasing the networking of transformative researchers

These changes are expected to significantly impact BOKU's approach to sustainability and its role in promoting sustainable development.

 

3. Changes in the Evaluation of Science

DBOKU has been a member of the "Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment" (CoARA) since spring 2024. This membership resulted from an initiative by the Sustainability Research Working Group.

CoARA advocates for a reform of research assessment, recognizing that current practices often set incorrect incentives, lead to distortions within the scientific community, and hinder collaboration. CoARA has formed a broad alliance working together to implement changes while respecting the unique characteristics of different organizations.

The coalition promotes broader and more diverse methods for evaluating research, including a stronger focus on qualitative assessments, responsible use of quantitative indicators, revising and developing criteria, raising awareness, and transparent communication about the reforms. CoARA's principles are outlined in 10 commitments.

Specifically, BOKU is expected to present a plan within one year (2025) detailing how it will implement the agreement. A report showing concrete progress is due after five years. In the 2025-27 performance agreements, BOKU has committed to:

  • Gradually implementing the CoARA Core Commitments by adapting performance evaluation criteria in the areas of research & innovation, teaching, third mission and societal engagement, science communication, and knowledge transfer (Chapter A2.3.1), considering both quantitative and qualitative criteria.
  • Adapting performance evaluation criteria to account for the individual life phases of researchers (weighting and adjusting criteria).
  • Ensuring the complete, quality-assured documentation of all relevant achievements as a basis for a research and teaching assessment reform at BOKU.

Contacts:

Vice-Rector Christian Obinger is the contact person in the Rectorate. For interest or questions, please contact Lisa Bohunovsky or Johannes Buyel, who represent BOKU operationally in the network. Also represented in the working group are Horst Mayr, Anna Hikl (FIS), Thomas Guggenberger, and Mariella Hager (Quality Management). The working group maintains continuous exchange with the Sustainability Research Working Group.