Isabella Uhl-Hädicke

Mag. Dr. Isabella UHL-HÄDICKE, BA

Mag. Dr. Isabella UHL-HÄDICKE, BA
Head AG Umweltpsychologie

Department of Psychology
Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg

Tel.: 0043 662 8044 5158
Fax.: 0043 662 8044 5126
E-Mail:

Web:  https://isabella-uhlhaedicke.at/

Research Group: AG Umweltpsychologie

Education

  • 2012 -2017: PhD at the Department of Psychology , University of Salzburg, including research stays at the Environmental Psychology Department of the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
    Dissertation topic: “Too scared to act? Unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen von bedrohlichen Klimawandelinformationen und verpflichtenden Umweltgesetzen”
  • 2006–2012: Diploma studies in Psychology, University of Salzburg, including a study‑abroad semester at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA.
  • 2009–2012: Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, University of Salzburg.

Focus: Sustainability Communiation

Professional Experience

  • since 2016: Senior Scientist in Environmental Psychology at the Department of Psychology and core member of the sustainability initiative PLUS Green Campus, University of Salzburg.
  • since 2011: Expert in climate change communication and sustainability; bridging science and practice through lectures, workshops, and consulting for decision‑makers, companies, NGOs, media, and the interested public
  • since 09/2023: Lecturer in Environmental Psychology in the degree programme Sustainable Solutions (SOL) at the University of Applied Sciences Wels.
  • 2022: Author of the popular-scientific book „ Warum machen wir es nicht einfach? Die Psychologie der Klimakrise“, published by Molden Verlag
  • 2022: Weekly TV show on climate change and human behaviour in Studio 2 (ORF 2), together with Marcus Wadsak.
  • since 2012: Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg.
  • 2012 – 2013 Research project staff member, Division of Social Psychology, University of Salzburg.
  • 2010 – 2012

    Research intern and student assistant, Divisions of Social Psychology and Economic & Organizational Psychology, University of Salzburg.

Board & Advisory Roles

Awards & Honors

  • 2022: Environmental Merit Award of the State of Salzburg ( Umwelt-Verdienstzeichen)
  • 2021: Nomination for Austria 21 – Austrian of the Year in the category Science
  • 2016: Research grant of the University of Salzburg
  • 2013: Marie Andeßner Dissertation Fellowship
  • 2012: Otto Wittschier Science Award
  • 2012: Merit Scholarship of the University of Salzburg

Research

Climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time. To effectively counteract its negative consequences, it is essential to motivate individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviour. Dr. Isabella Uhl-Hädicke’s research examines how effective voluntary and mandatory strategies are in encouraging people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, and what unintended side effects may arise. She investigates how individuals respond to threatening climate change information across different cultures. Her goal is to identify the conditions under which people become more open to climate change information—and when they are more likely to respond with resistance.

Third Mission

Isabella Uhl-Hädicke supports companies, NGOs, policymakers, and the broader public in applying scientific insights related to environmental and climate protection. She aims to act as a mediator between science and practice, contributing to a livable and sustainable future. Her popular science book „ Warum machen wir es nicht einfach? Die Psychologie der Klimakrise“ was published by Molden Verlag in February 2022. In 2021, she was nominated for Austrian of the Year. In 2022, she co‑hosted a weekly climate series on ORF with Marcus Wadsak. She regularly gives talks and is present in national and international media.