About the UniFR_ESH
The University of Fribourg Environmental Sciences and Humanities Institute (UniFR_ESH Institute) was founded in July 2019. It is an interdisciplinary institute supported by all five faculties of the University of Fribourg. In its research and teaching it integrates all disciplines relevant to the environmental challenges of today, concerns of sustainability and questions relating to climate change and biodiversity governance and communication.
The UniFR_ESH Institute is dedicated to research, teaching and continuing education in the interdisciplinary fields of environmental sciences and humanities with a special focus on environmental ethics and cultural perceptions of environmental challenges. Through its teaching, consulting and publications the institute aims to make its research outputs accessible to the general public, including industry, public administration and national and international institutions. Within the University of Fribourg, it contributes to the promotion of synergies in teaching and research regarding environmental topics and sustainability.
Research
Research at the institute examines environmental challenges relating to climate, biodiversity, food systems, and the treatment of animals from the interdisciplinary perspective of environmental humanities. One focus lies on ethical issues arising from environmental practice, the challenges of normative environmental justice, and the differentiation of responsibilities for environmental measures (Group Wallimann-Helmer). A second focus is put on the cultural perception of nature and biodiversity, as well as the role of narratives and the ethical, aesthetic, and emotional values they convey in communicating environmental concerns (Group Keller).
Teaching
At the bachelor level, the UniFR_ESH institute coordinates three minors with the following specializations: Environmental Sciences, Environmental Law, Applied Environmental Management. At the master level it is responsible for the M.Sc. program Environmental Sciences and Humanities. In all programs, the UniFR_ESH Institute teaches classes focusing on the ethical implications of environmental policy and action. Finally, connected to its research topics the UniFR_ESH Institute offers the possibility of doctoral studies in the Environmental Humanities.
saguf Membership
The UniFR_ESH is an institutional member of the Swiss Academic Society for Environmental Research and Ecology (saguf), which promotes environmental and sustainability research in Switzerland.