Since 1998 the Helmholtz Association has been doing research with the aim to contribute to the operationalization of the general principle of sustainability. The series “Global Sustainable Development – Sustainability Research within the Helmholtz Association” (formerly: Global Sustainable Development – Perspectives for Germany) makes the results of these long-term research activities accessible to interested people from science, politics, economy, and the general public. It also provides a forum for further societal discussion on sustainable development which is supported by research. ITAS had the main responsibility in the joint research project “Global Sustainable Development – Perspectives for Germany” of the HGF and is the publisher of the book series.