Dr. phil. habil. Susanne Koch

• Wissenschaftssoziologie
• Umweltgovernanceforschung
• Science and Technology Studies
• Social Epistemology
• Valuation Studies
• Gender Studies und Post-koloniale Theorie
• Ungleichheitsforschung

• In-Forest. Eine multi-methodische Studie zu Ungleichheit und epistemischen Effekten in der Waldforschung, 01.02.2022-31.01.2026

Zeitschriftenaufsätze, Bücher und Buchkapitel (peer-reviewed):

• Koch, S., Tetley, C., Strelnyk, O., Sunagawa, S., Boshoff, N., Uisso, A. J., Ngwenya, S. (2025). Reproducing inequality: collaboration habitus and its epistemic implications in African-European research projects on forests. Minerva. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-025-09570-6
• Strelnyk, O., Koch, S., Tetley, C., Sunagawa, S., & Uisso, A. J. (2024). Science as a field of struggle: Gendered experiences of African scholars doing forest governance research. Forest Policy and Economics, 169, 103339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2024.103339
• Koch, S., Varga, J. (2024). All that matters are forests and seas? Practising relevance in interdisciplinary environment-focused social science fields. Minerva. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-024-09556-w
• Boshoff, N., Ngwenya, S., Koch, S., Dudek, J., Strelnyk, O., Costas, R., Uisso, A.J. (2024): Geographical inequalities in global forest science: A bibliometric perspective. Forest Policy and Economics 165, 103250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2024.103250.
• Tetley, C. and Koch, S. (2024): Narratives of research collaboration for sustainability at the global science-policy interface: A vehicle for inequality or transformation? Environmental Science and Policy (155), 103708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103708
• Koch, S. (2024): “The Local Consultant Will Not Be Credible”: How Epistemic Injustice is Experienced and Practised in Development Aid. In: Altanian, M. and Baghramian, M. (Eds): Testimonial Injustice and Trust. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon; New York, 478–489.
• Koch, S. and Tetley, C. (2023): What ‘counts’ in international forest policy research? A conference ethnography of valuation practice and habitus in an interdisciplinary social science field. Forest Policy and Economics (154), 103034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2023.103034
• Boncourt, T., Koch, S. and Matviichuk, E. (2023): International scientific associations and conferences as agents in the unequal circulation of knowledge. In: Keim, W. et al. (Eds): Routledge Handbook of Academic Knowledge Circulation. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon; New York, 169-181.
• Koch, S. and Matviichuk, E. (2021): Patterns of inequality in global forest science conferences: An analysis of actors involved in IUFRO World Congresses with a focus on gender and geography. Forest Policy and Economics (129). doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2021.102510
• Koch. S. (2020): Epistemische Ungleichheit unter „Entwicklungsexpert*innen“: eine empirische Analyse unter Einbeziehung philosophischer, dekolonialer und postkolonialer Perspektiven. polylog. Zeitschrift für interkulturelles Philosophieren (44).
• Koch, S. (2020): Responsible research, inequality in science and epistemic injustice: an attempt to open up thinking about inclusiveness in the context of RI/RRI. Journal of Responsible Innovation 7 (3), pp. 672-679. doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2020.1780094
• Koch, S. (2020): „The local consultant will not be credible“: How epistemic injustice is experienced and practised in development aid. Social Epistemology – A Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Policy 34 (5), pp. 478-489. https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2020.1737749
• Koch, S. (2018): Identifying enabling factors of science-policy interaction in a developing country context: A case study of South Africa’s environment sector. Forest Policy and Economics (91), pp. 36-45. doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2017.07.007
• Koch, S. (2017): International influence on forest governance in Tanzania: Analysing the role of aid experts in the REDD+ process. Forest Policy and Economics (83), pp. 181-190. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2016.09.018
• Koch, S. and Weingart, P. (2016): The Delusion of Knowledge Transfer: The Impact of Foreign Aid Experts on Policy-making in South Africa and Tanzania. Cape Town: African Minds.
• Koch, S. (2015): The Impact of Foreign Experts on Policymaking in Young Democracies – A Comparative Analysis of South Africa and Tanzania. Dissertation. Bielefeld: Universität Bielefeld.

Weitere Veröffentlichungen:

• Boshoff, N., Ngwenya, S., Uisso, A., Koch, S., Costas, R., Dudek, J. (2024). Different representations of forest science in bibliographic databases and the (in-)visibility of Tanzanian research: applying an epistemic (in-)justice lens. 28th International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (STI2024), Berlin. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14171521
• Koch, S. (2024): Gender in research. Chapter in: Elias Andersson, Gun Lidestav and Maria Johansson (eds), 2024, Gender analysis of IUFRO: Identifying opportunities to enhance gender equality across the IUFRO network. Report prepared by the IUFRO Task Force on Gender Equality, IUFRO, pp. 4-6. URL: https://www.iufro.org/fileadmin/material/science/task-forces/tf-gender-equality/Gender-analsyis-of-IUFRO-240620.pdf
• Koch, S., Ludwig, D., Boshoff, N., Boakye-Danquah, J., & Mbiah, A. F. T. (2024). Science as a site of inequality. Environmental Science & Policy, 103917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103917
• Koch, S. (2024) Gender balance and geographical representation at IUFRO World Congresses. Chapter in: Andersson, E., Lidestav. G. and Johansson, M. (eds), Gender analysis of IUFRO: Identifying opportunities to enhance gender equality across the IUFRO network. Report prepared by the IUFRO Task Force on Gender Equality, IUFRO, pp. 31-32. URL: https://www.iufro.org/fileadmin/material/science/task-forces/tf-gender-equality/Gender-analsyis-of-IUFRO-240620.pdf
• Koch, S. (2024): (In-) equality, diversity and inclusion in forest science: why it matters. Lecture Article in the Massive Open Online Course “Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Forestry-related Sectors (ForGEDI)”. SLU Global, University of Padova, IUFRO.
• Koch, S. (2021): Researching conferences as spaces of valuation: a pragmatic approach. Preprint published on SocArXiv. doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/8sxtp
• Koch, S. (2021): Conferences as constitutive spaces of scientific fields. Conference Inference: Blogging the World of Conferences. 26. July 2021.
• Koch, S. (2021): Contextualising epistemic injustice in aid: On colliding interests, colonialism and counter-movements. Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective 10 (2), pp. 14-21. wp.me/p1Bfg0-5FQ.
• Koch, S. (2020): Why responsible research must tackle inequality in science (not only, but especially during a global pandemic). Fourth Quadrant Research Network Blog. 21 December 2020.
• Koch, S. (2020): On (not) feeling virtual vibes: an academic mother’s EASST/4S online conference experience. EASST Review 39 (2).
• Koch, S. (2020): Of Hopes and Struggles: How Young African Scientists Experience Working Conditions in Academia (A Review of The Next Generation of Scientists in Africa). Backchannels (18.05.2020).
• Lund, J. F., Bukhi Mabele, M., Koch, S. (2016): Norway’s Tanzania REDD+ adventure. Another forestry experiment gone awry. Development Today 12-13, pp. 14-15.

Reviews for scientific journals:

Critical Policy Studies, Forest Policy and Economics, Journal of Political Ecology, Journal of Responsible Innovation, Land Use Policy, Minerva, Society & Natural Resources, Allgemeine Forst- und Jagdzeitschrift

Reviews of books and commissioned studies, e.g.:

·        Halvorsen, T., Orgeret, K.S., Krøvel, R. (Eds.), 2019. Sharing knowledge, transforming societies: The NORHED programme 2013-2020. African Minds, Cape Town.

·        Pokorny, B. et al, 2019. Forests as Global Commons: International Governance and the role of Germany, AG Global Commons der Wissenschaftsplattform Nachhaltigkeit 2030 (with K. Böhling)

Review activity for the German Research Foundation (DFG)

Konferenzbeiträge (mit peer-review)

• Boshoff, N., Ngwenya, S., Uisso, A., Koch, S., Costas, R., Dudek, J. (2024): Different representations of forest science in bibliographic databases and the (in-)visibility of Tanzanian research: applying an epistemic (in-)justice lens. 28th International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators 2024, Humboldt University Berlin, 20.09.2024. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14171521

• Sunagawa, S., Koch, S., Boshoff, N., Ngwenya, S., Uisso, A.J. (2024). Forest governance research in Tanzania: Analysing social and epistemic patterns in scientific publications. 3rd International TAFORI Scientific Conference ‘Restoring forest landscapes for sustainable development and climate change mitigation’. Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, Arusha, 13.12.2024

• Boshoff, N., Ngwenya, S., Uisso, A., Koch, S., Costas, R., Dudek, J. (2024). Different representations of forest science in bibliographic databases and the (in-)visibility of Tanzanian research: applying an epistemic (in-)justice lens. 28th International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators 2024. Humboldt University Berlin, 20.09.2024

• Varga, J., Koch, S. (2024). Riding the waves: navigating relevance, hope and loss in social science research about oceans and forests. 11^th Joint EASST/4S Meeting: Making and Doing Transformations. Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 16.07.2024

• Koch, S. (2024). Gender and geography as inequality dimensions in forest research: insights from a multi-method study. 5^th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM5). University of Helsinki, 11.04.2024 

• Koch, S., Tetley, C. (2024). What ‘counts’ in international forest policy research? A study on valuation practice and habitus in an interdisciplinary social science field generating forest-related knowledge, data and evidence. 5^th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM5). University of Helsinki, 10.04.2024

• Koch, S. (2023). Wie lassen sich Ungleichheiten in der Waldforschung soziologisch untersuchen? Ein multi-methodischer Ansatz mit praxeologischer Perspektive. 1. Soziologisches Waldsymposium. Universität Jena, 01.12.2023

• Rogelja, T., Wallin, I., Lidestav, G. (…) Koch, S. (…) (2023). Bridging the education–practice gap through the forthcoming Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Gender equality and diversity in forest-related sectors (forGEDi). IUFRO Extension & Knowledge Exchange Conference ‘Forest Knowledge Exchange: Advancing Innovation with Tradition’. Padova, 07.10.2023

• Koch, S., Boshoff, N., Costas, R., Dudek, J., Ngwenya, S., Strelnyk, O., Sunagawa, S., Tetley, C., Uisso, A. J. (2023). Researching inequalities in global forest science: insights from a multi-method study. 27th International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (STI-ENID 2023). Leiden University, 29.09.2023

• Tetley, C., Koch, S. (2023). Experimenting with researcher positionality: A reflexive study of inequality in academic collaborations for sustainability. The case of forest governance. 6th Nordic STS conference. University of Oslo, 07.06.2023

• Koch, S., Tetley, C. (2022). Too orthodox to be transformative? An examination of forest policy research and its role in tackling the deforestation crisis. EASST 2022 – The Politics of Technoscientific Futures. Madrid, 07.07.2022

• Koch, S. (2022). Grasping the scientific self of forest policy researchers: insights from a praxeological study. 4th International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM4). European Forest Institute (EFI), University of Life Sciences Vienna (virtual). 28.04.2022

• Boncourt, T., Koch, S., Matviichuk, E. (2021). Les associations et conferences scientifiques international comme agents de la circulation inégale des connaissances. Journée d’étude Congrès Scientifiques et Réseaux Savants. GIS URFIST-Laboratoire Géographie-cités, Paris, 08.12.2021

• Koch, S. (2021). What ‘counts’ in (forest) science? Examining conferences as spaces of academic valuation practice. 4S Annual Meeting (virtual). 06.10.2021

• Koch, S. (2021). Wald in der Dauerkrise und die Rolle der Forstwissenschaften in deren (Nicht-) Bewältigung. Gemeinsamer Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Soziologie (DGS) und Österreichische Gesellschaft für Soziologie (ÖGS). Universität Wien (virtual), 25.08.2021

• Koch, S. (2021). (Wie) lassen sich virtuelle Konferenzen beobachten? Einblicke und Fragen aus einer explorativen ethnografischen Studie zu (Be-)Wertungspraktiken in der Waldforschung. Workshop Digitale qualitative Forschung – grundsätzliche Ansätze und aktuelle Herausforderungen unter Pandemie-Bedingungen. LMU (virtual), 21.05.2021

• Matviichuk, E., Koch, S. (2021). Gender- and geography-related inequalities in global forest science conferences: an actor-centred analysis of IUFRO World Congresses. 3^rd International Forest Policy Meeting (IFPM3). Freiburg University (virtual), 18.03.2021

• Koch, S. (2020). Inequality in science as subject of scholarly debate: a multi-disciplinary research synthesis. Joint EASST/4S Conference. University of Prague (virtual), 19.08.2020

• Koch, S. (2019). (How) does ‘responsible research’ relate to ‘epistemic justice’? An attempt to open up thinking about inclusiveness in science by linking disconnected discourses. International Summer School ‘Responsible Innovation Cultures’. Munich Center for Technology in Society, 15.10.2019

• Koch, S. (2016). Integrating science into environmental policymaking: insights from South Africa. IUFRO International and Multi-disciplinary Scientific Conference ‘Forest-related policy and governance: Analyses in the environmental social sciences’. Bogor Agricultural University, 05.10.2016

• Koch, S. (2016). Preventing ‘partnership’, perpetuating dependence: The detrimental effects of knowledge hierarchies on international cooperation. DSA 2016 Conference: Politics in Development. University of Oxford, 14.09.2016

• Koch, S. (2016). External experts’ influence on forest governance in Tanzania. 1st International Forest Policy Meeting, University of Göttingen,18.03.2016

• Koch, S. (2014). Undermining democracy? The impact of expert advice on policy processes and governance in aid receiving countries. 12th Development Dialogue 2014: Rethinking Democracy. International Institute of Social Studies, 16.10.2014

• Koch, S. (2014). Shaping the fabrics of the state: The impact of external experts on policy processes and governance in young African democracies. ASAUK (African Studies Association of the UK) Conference 2014. University of Sussex, 11.09.2014

Eingeladene Vorträge:

• Koch, S. (2024): Wie sich Ungleichheiten in der Waldforschung manifestieren und reproduzieren: Empirische Einblicke einer multi-methodischen Studie. Online Veranstaltungsreihe des Netzwerks Soziologische Waldforschung. 22.02.2024

• Koch, S., Boshoff, N., Costas, R., Dudek, J., Ngwenya, S., Strelnyk, O., Sunagawa, S., Tetley, C., Uisso, A. J. (2024): Investigating inequalities in the field of forest science: insights from a multi-method study. Sociology of Science Seminar. Technische Universität Berlin, 08.02.2024

• Koch, S. (2022): Science as a field of struggle: investigating inequalities and their epistemic effects in forest (policy) research. Symposium “Resilience in Food and Health Systems”. Center for Life Science Management and Policy, Straubing, 03.06.2022.

• Boshoff, N. and Koch, S. (2022): Science and 'inequality': insights from Africa and environmental fields.  CWTS Diversity and Inclusion in Global Science Seminar Series. Leiden University, 20.05.2022.

• Koch, S. (2021): Tackling inequalities on stage and backstage of science conferences. Invited Key Note Talk. ISC workshop: Inclusive and accessible science communication. International Science Council, 15.09.2021.

• Koch, S. (2020): Epistemic injustice and discriminatory credibility judgment of (scientific) experts: linkages and parallels between international cooperation and global science. Philosophisches Seminar der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 12.11.2020

• Koch, S. (2019): The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: a lever for transforming the social and epistemic fabrics of science? Workshop “The Eco-Social Development Paradigm, the SDGs and Universities”, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 28.11.2019

• Koch, S. (2019): The perpetuation of epistemic inequality by development cooperation. Invited talk. National SDG Conference Bergen, Day Zero Workshop “Decolonizing and democratizing knowledge”, University of Bergen, Bergen, 06.02.2019

• Koch, S. (2018): Good intentions, detrimental effects: Why foreign aid experts harm young democracies. Invited Talk. Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, Oslo, 16.03.2018

• Koch, S. (2017): The calamitous coupling of science and politics. Invited Talk. Alumni Symposium: Science Policy Interfaces, Research Academy Leipzig, Universiy of Leipzig, Leipzig, 29.11.2017