Petra Schweizer-Ries

Prof. Dr. Petra Schweizer-Ries is a Professor at Bochum University of Applied Sciences since 2011, focusing on sustainability from a social science perspective. She previously held academic positions at Saarland University, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

• Habilitation: Environmental Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg (2009)
• Doctorate: Psychology (Dr. phil.), Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg (1997)
• Studies: Psychology Diploma, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg (1986–1992)

Her research bridges transformative sustainability science and environmental psychology, emphasizing participatory evaluation methods, human-technology interactions, and sustainable energy communities. She explores energy transitions in mountain regions, solar power adoption, and behavioral changes related to shared resources.

Recent publications highlight living lab approaches, energy-saving experiments, and sustainable university development. Her work spans urban mobility patterns, public acceptance of biomass plants, and community energy projects, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with environmental challenges.

• International Association for People-Environment Studies (IAPS)
• German Society for Psychology (DGPs) – Sections for Environmental Psychology and Organizational Psychology
• German Solar Energy Society (DGS)
• International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Prof. Schweizer-Ries leads the Environmental Psychology Research Group at the Center for Social World Research and Method Development. She has contributed to energy efficiency competitions and participated in global dialogues on sustainability sciences.