Roland W. Scholz

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About

Roland W. Scholz is a pioneering scholar in transdisciplinary sustainability science, whose work bridges human-environment systems, risk perception, and the societal impacts of technological transitions. His research integrates cognitive psychology, decision theory, and complex systems analysis to address global challenges such as resource management, land-use conflicts, and digital transformation. Scholz is best known for developing the concept of "transdisciplinarity" as a methodological framework for co-producing knowledge between science and society, a contribution that has shaped sustainability research worldwide. His most-cited paper, "Unintended Side Effects of Digital Transition: Perspectives of Japanese Experts" (2017, 36 citations), critically examines how digitalization alters cognitive processes and real-world representations, revealing hidden risks in socio-technical systems. With over 300 publications and more than 12,000 citations, Scholz has profoundly influenced environmental psychology and sustainability science. He has also led major international projects, including the Swiss National Science Foundation's "Sustainable Land Use" program, and served as a key advisor to the UN on human-environment interactions. His work remains essential for researchers navigating the ethical and systemic implications of technology-driven change.