Laura Maria Wallnöfer

Laura Maria Wallnöfer is a post-doctoral researcher and university assistant at the Institute for Marketing and Innovation, Department of Economic and Social Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She earned her Doctorate in Social and Economic Sciences with distinction in 2022, focusing on individual-level environmental sustainability. She holds two Master’s degrees in Sustainable Development and Energy and Transport Management and has conducted research at Aarhus University.

Education:

• PhD in Social and Economic Sciences, BOKU (2022, with distinction)
• MSc in Sustainable Development, University of Graz (2016–2018)
• MSc in Energy and Transport Management, FH Joanneum (2015–2017)
• BSc in Energy, Transport, and Environmental Management, FH Joanneum (2012–2015)

Her research centers on environmental sustainability, sustainable consumption, and behavioral change. She investigates how habits influence spillover effects in pro-environmental behaviors, the role of labeling in reducing food waste, and consumer motivations for regional food consumption. Her work integrates perspectives from marketing, psychology, and sustainability science, contributing to green transitions and climate neutrality strategies in urban contexts.

The 15 most recent publications and presentations reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary sustainability research, particularly in consumer behavior, behavioral spillover, food systems, and climate communication. Her work combines empirical analysis with conceptual synthesis, often addressing policy-relevant topics such as Vienna’s climate neutrality goals and public engagement in sustainability.

Scientific Awards:

• BOKU Sustainability Research Award – Shortlist (2022)

Laura Maria Wallnöfer is actively involved in academic advising, public outreach, and knowledge transfer. She has delivered lectures at Kinderuni Wien, promoting sustainability education for children. She has presented at major international conferences including the AMA Marketing and Public Policy Conference, Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, and the European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production. Her research is embedded in a collaborative academic environment, supervised by Univ. Prof. Dr. Petra Riefler, and includes international collaborations, especially with Aarhus University.

She is not associated with any specific lab or research team beyond the Institute for Marketing and Innovation but participates in interdisciplinary initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action.