In an issue focusing on "Transformative Science" of the German-language journal "Ökologisches Wirtschaften", Thomas Jahn of the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOeE) and R. Andreas Kraemer of Ecologic Institute present the Ecological Research Network (Ecornet) and explain the historic, current, and expected future roles of the participating, independent policy-relevant research institutes.

With their specialization on trans-disciplinary sustainability research, the Ecornet institutes serve important functions in the current reformation of the research and science system towards a structure and science culture that contributes more to sustainable development. The institutes are called upon to:

• Strengthen involvement in academic teaching, in cooperation with universities
• Expand the use of participatory research approaches to address societal challenges
• Further develop scientific processes and methods to provide better linkages among society, business, administration, and policy-making
• Develop comprehensive quality criteria on excellence, relevance, and impact of science