Jens Newig

Prof. Dr. Jens Newig is a Professor for Governance and Sustainability at Leuphana University (since 2014) and Head of the Institute of Sustainability Governance (INSUGO) since November 2019. He holds a W3 professorship and has led the Center for the Study of Democracy as an associated member. His career includes roles as an Assistant Professor at Osnabrück University (2001–2010) and temporary professorships at Leuphana.

• Education: Dr. iur. (summa cum laude) in Environmental Law from Dresden Technical University (2002), Diploma in Geo-Ecology from Bayreuth University (1998), and studies in Environmental Management at Université Paris 7.
• Fellowships: German Academic Exchange Service, German National Academic Foundation.

Research Interests: Focuses on sustainable governance frameworks, participatory policy-making, and the effectiveness of environmental policies. Specializes in energy and environmental law, climate policy, and transdisciplinary governance models. His work bridges legal, political, and ecological dimensions of sustainability.

Grants & Leadership: Secured an ERC Starting Grant (2011–2016) and oversees INSUGO’s research initiatives. Leads projects on democratic innovation, energy policy, and global sustainability challenges.

• Awards: ERC Starting Grant (noted as a prestigious early-career award).
• Teaching: Courses on sustainability politics, public law, and energy policy. Advises on doctoral and master’s research.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Institute of Sustainability Governance and collaborates with researchers like Jelena Bäumler, Clara-Sophie Baschant, and Dorothe Lütkemöller. Active in initiatives such as the German-South African Dialogue on Democracy and the SteuerBoard Energie project.