M. A. Future Studies (Free University Berlin)

Jana Holz has a background in political science, future studies and sociology. At the IÖW her research focuses on socio-ecological and bioeconomic transformation processes, as well as lines of social conflict and how these can be resolved in a local, participatory, fair and democratic manner.  

Parallel, she is doing her doctorate at the Friedrich-Schiller-Univeristy Jena on social relationships with nature in industrial forestry in Finland. Previously, she analyzed regional transformation processes as part of the junior research group “Mentalities in Flux (flumen)”.

Projects

Main focus

• Human-nature-relationships
• Socio-ecological transformation processes
• Bioeconomy / forest-based bioeconomy
   

Experience

• Since 04/2026: Researcher at the IÖW
• 2019 – 2025: Researcher at the Institute of Sociology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
• 2016 – 2019: Project coordinator with netzwerk n e.V.  
• 2016 – 2017: Project associate with Förderverein Wachstumswende e.V.
   

Education

• Since 2019: PhD candidate at the Institute of Sociology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
• 2013 – 2016: M. A. Future Studies, Free University Berlin
• 2009 – 2012: B. A. European Studies, Maastricht University with a semester abroad at University Loughborough (UK)
• 10/2008 – 06/2009: Studium Generale, Leibniz College Tübingen
   

Commitment and committees

• Reviewer for international scientific journals
• Member of DKN Future Earth working group “Rethinking Sustainable Development through Post Growth“ (2024 – 2026)