Hanna Helander

Dr. Hanna Helander is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for Environmental and Sustainability Sciences at the University of Freiburg, currently on acting leave. She also serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kassel, Germany, focusing on bioeconomy monitoring and environmental footprint accounting. Her interdisciplinary background spans human-environment interactions, circular economy transitions, and socio-technical systems.

Education:

• MSc in Civil Engineering (Socio-technical Systems), Uppsala University, Sweden (2016)
• BSc in Socio-technical Systems, Uppsala University, Sweden (2016)

Research interests include applying systems perspectives to socio-ecological interactions, particularly environmental footprint accounting of bio-based resources and industrial food systems. Her work emphasizes national consumption footprints, dietary patterns, and ecological limits. Current projects include the SYMOBIO 2.0 initiative, analyzing consumption trends and sustainability.

Teaching: She employs flipped classroom methods in courses like Environmental Sustainability Assessments & Resource Management. She is affiliated with the University of Freiburg’s Center for Sustainability and Climate Research (UCF) and the University of Kassel’s Centre for Environmental Systems Research.

Professional Service: Member of the International Society of Industrial Ecology (ISIE) and SCORAI, with editorial roles at monitoring-bioeconomy.org.