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34 1 “E3 -Production see p and the ltra- fficient actory (see p. 114) Lighthouse projects. Sustainability management practices for research organizations Criteria such as the degree of interdisciplinary and transdisci- plinary work are important features of a responsible research process (Fig. 1), based on the conclusions from the “Guide to Sustainability Management in Non-university Research Institu- tions/(LeNa)” group project. Coordinated by Fraunhofer, sci- entists and experts from the administrations and management of 25 institutions of the three participating national German research organizations (Fraunhofer, Leibniz, and Helmholtz) have been working together in the project since 2013 (Fig. 2). The goal is to produce a joint understanding about the contribution of research organizations to sustainable develop- ment. A guide is to be developed containing a framework for action with clearly set-out options, practical tips, and inspiring examples of best practice. The guide addresses the trio of top- ics “socially responsible research”, “personnel”, and “facilities and operations”. These will be treated in greater depth and expanded upon in three further sub-projects by interpreting fundamental principles and management processes based on international sustainability standards in the context of research. A dialog that included external stakeholders as well Fraunhofer IGB as a trailblazer for sustainability Fraunhofer IGB goals such as “Global Health”, “Water and Sanitation for All”, and “Sustainable Energy and Electricity for All” exemplify the relevance of our research topics. In a similar manner, sustainability is an interdisciplinary topic that has an effect on the ways we conduct research. Fraunhofer IGB has been engaged in work beyond its own research remit through the Fraunhofer Sustainability Network since 2007, develop- ing strategies and guidance there for integrating aspects of sustainability into research. Prof. Thomas Hirth, co-founder of the Network and its spokesperson through the end of 2015, has been a trailblazer for professionalizing and strategi- cally anchoring sustainability management practices in the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and at Fraunhofer IGB in Stuttgart. Besides the international debate, the research agenda at the national and uropean levels also reflects the e pectation by society that research and development be oriented more toward the great challenges of our time, not just accompany- ing our transition to a sustainable society, but shaping this transition as well. The complexity of the problems demands close cooperation between various research institutions, as well as with those who have empirical knowledge and experience, though not scientists. Systematic approaches and user-oriented development of solutions are already being implemented by researchers at Fraunhofer IGB, such as in the RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIETAL CHALLENGES 2 + 3 The global effects of social imbalances and regional crises were felt to an unusual extent in 2015. At the same time, the United Nations passed new goals for sustainable development (Fig. 1). These address the environment, economy, and society in an equal measure. HIGHLIGHTS 2015