Transition strategies for cities combine scenarios of technological conversion with social and ecological visions for sustainable urban development. Cities become "real-world laboratories" for research both examining and supporting sustainable development. Different strategies can be combined and studied in an integrated fashion: climate and resource protection, climate adaptation, the conversion of energy systems and transport infrastructures, new models of production and consumption.

The geographic setting of our institute gives us a rewarding research environment. Working closely with the city of Wuppertal and all its stakeholders has always been part of our research.

North Rhine-Westfalia and the towns and cities of the old industrial Ruhr area are facing the challenge of locally implementing the Energiewende and contributing to regional and national climate commitments. At the same time they are in the middle of a deep transformation; the economy, demography and social makeup of the region are changing noticeably. Together with our partners the Wuppertal Institute is applying its integrative approach to these challenges.

In addition, we cooperate with cities and regions throughout Germany plus international and interdisciplinary research networks with a transdisciplinary approach. The integrative approach aims at a deeper understanding of the synergies and conflicting goals of ecological and social urban development, energy and resource aspects as well as requirements for buildings, mobility, economy, and open space design.