PEAK-EXPERT

Severin Hornung

Severin Hornung is a professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck and co-founder of several international networks that focus on socio-ecological responsibility and sustainability in work, economy, and society. In his research, he investigates how ecological sustainability structures are established and how they affect the environmental engagement of individuals and organizations.

About

Severin Hornung first studied Industrial Engineering at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, followed by a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences at the Technical University of Munich, accompanied by a semester abroad studying Organizational Theory and Behavior at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. In 2005, he obtained his doctorate at the Chair of Psychology at the TU Munich. Teaching and research activities in Munich were followed by academic residencies in Sheffield, Hong Kong (2009-2013) and Pittsburgh (2017-2019). In 2017, he habilitated at the University of Innsbruck. Since 2024, he has held the professorship for Applied Psychology I with a focus on social-ecological responsibility and sustainability in work, economy and society.

In his research, he particularly analyzes the role of neoliberal ideologies in socio-ecological and psychological crises. He focuses on democratic and sustainable organizational practices as well as the dialectic between systemic transformation and individual behavioral change. At the interface of personal and institutional action, he also focuses on the socio-ecological mentalities of labor unions and employee representatives.

In addition to research and teaching, he is actively involved in the “Scientists for Future” (S4F) network, thus contributing directly to social transformation.