Michael Stauffacher

Michael Stauffacher is a professor at ETH Zürich specializing in transdisciplinary research and environmental sociology. His work bridges scientific excellence with societal relevance, focusing on complex real-world problems through an integrative approach that connects different disciplinary perspectives. He has made significant contributions to sustainability science, particularly in areas such as energy transition, risk governance, and environmental sociology. His research addresses contested infrastructures, including deep geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and the energy-climate change nexus in urban development. Through his innovative methodology of co-designing research with societal actors and co-producing knowledge, he has developed new frameworks for sustainability learning and public participation in technological decision-making. Stauffacher's approach emphasizes close interaction with stakeholders throughout the research process, ensuring that scientific findings translate into practical solutions for environmental and social challenges. His work at ETH Zürich continues to advance methodologies for integrating scientific knowledge with societal needs, fostering solutions that respect both environmental limits and social justice.