In 2015, Prof. Doris Fuchs, along with a few other researchers from the University of Münster, founded the ZIN. She has since served as its spokesperson. Doris Fuchs took up the position of Director at the Research Institute for Sustainability - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) on 1 October 2023. Alongside her new directorial duties, Doris Fuchs will continue as a Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Münster and remain part of the ZIN Executive Board team. The position of ZIN spokesperson will be assumed by Prof. Dr. Tillmann Buttschardt.