Our mission

Why does the research and promotion of planetary health behaviour require a dedicated institute?

Because of the scale and complexity of the challenge. Neither climate protection nor health promotion can be fully understood through a single behavioural science perspective.

At the IPB, we take an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together psychology, cognitive science, sociology, education, and communication studies to examine planetary health behaviour. In addition, we build bridges—through existing and newly established networks—to climate and environmental sciences, medicine and health research, economics, political science, and other relevant fields.

Our goal: We seek to understand human behaviour to promote health and protect the climate and the environment.

Cornelia Betsch

In our research, we aim to understand what influences planetary health behaviour. These insights can help shape effective political frameworks and clear, explanatory communication.

Professor Dr Cornelia Betsch (Health Communication)

Prof. Dr. Guido Mehlkop

I aim to explain why people break social norms, expectations and rules, or behave in ways that harm themselves or others, despite negative consequences. Why are so many people worried about the climate but fail to act?

Professor Dr Guido Mehlkop (Sociology)

Prof. Dr. Tilmann Betsch

How do people make decisions? What role do habits play, how do decision-making and judgement skills develop? How does scientific literacy emerge, and how can we counter anti-enlightenment tendencies in society?

Professor Dr Tilmann Betsch (Psychology)

Mirjam Jenny

My goal is to empower individuals and organizations at the intersection of science, society, and politics to make evidence-based, risk-informed, and sustainable decisions—and to communicate them effectively.

Dr Mirjam Jenny (Health Communication)

Prof. Dr. Johannes Bauer

I am particularly interested in what happens when scientific knowledge conflicts with everyday knowledge. How can misconceptions about specific topics be addressed?

Professor Dr Johannes Bauer (Educational Research)

Fabian Prochazka

My research focuses on the role the internet plays in public communication and opinion formation. At the IPB, I am particularly interested in journalism and online discourse on climate change.

Assistant professor Dr Fabian Prochazka (Communication Studies)

Leyla Dogruel

I am interested in understanding the role that local media play in conveying and negotiating global issues, such as climate change, and how local journalism contributes to addressing the climate crisis at the community level.

Professor Dr Leyla Dogruel (Communication Studies)