We’re announcing two new remote job openings to help grow and sustain our global work toward just, sustainable, and regenerative futures. These full-time roles will strengthen our core operations and communications at the research–practice nexus. Now Hiring 1. Communications Lead Full-time contractor | $50,000–$70,000 USD/year Remote – U.S. time zones
This August, we gathered in Johannesburg to reimagine how transformation happens — bringing with us diverse disciplines, traditions, and ways of knowing. Some moments asked us to sit with discomfort and complexity. Others opened space for play, imagination, and care — all part of a gathering alive with creativity and connection. Nothing captures the energy of TC/ESG25 better than this 3-minute video. Watch the Recap Film!
Keep the momentum going! The Transformations Community and the Earth System Governance Project invite TC/ESG25 participants to build on the conversations sparked in Johannesburg by contributing to a range of post-conference publications. Available pathways include: These opportunities are designed to share your work with wider audiences and deepen the collective learning sparked
In August 2025, over 400 participants from 50+ countries came together in Johannesburg for TC/ESG25, a living experiment in rethinking sustainability transformations through justice, creativity, and collaboration. With 330+ speakers and more than 130 sessions, the conference brought science, art, policy, and community into conversation, building momentum across geographies and
What an incredible journey it has been! After two days filled with rich dialogues, bold ideas, artistic activations, and deep connection, we step into Day 3 — the final day of TC/ESG25. Yesterday brought everything from UNRULY’s moving performance to the plenary Beyond Goals—Pathways to Transformative Change, where Frank Biermann and Karen O’Brien challenged us to
Shifting the Frame — What Real Transformations Demand Following an energizing first day filled with dialogue, insight, and artistic expression, Day 2 of TC/ESG25 invited us to go deeper — beyond the metrics, goals, and declarations, and into the more difficult, necessary work of transformation. From a sobering and provocative
TC/ESG25 is now underway! The official opening of the conference began this morning in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing our community from around the world – all committed to shaping just and sustainable futures. With more than 130 sessions and 330+ speakers spanning climate justice, biodiversity, arts & wellbeing, and systemic change,
The Wits-GCI Transformations and Sustainability Winter School gathered 20 early-career researchers from 11 countries for an unforgettable week in Kruger National Park’s Skukuza Camp. From 11–15 August, the bushveld became both classroom and meeting ground; where cutting-edge discussions on climate change, adaptation, and justice intertwined with early morning game drives,
On August 13, Leocadio Juracán Salomé, a Guatemalan Indigenous campesino leader and invited speaker at the TC/ESG25 conference, was detained at La Aurora Airport while travelling to Johannesburg. He was en route to join colleagues from the Translocal Learning Network to share his experience defending Indigenous land rights and advancing systemic
From immersive theatre and ocean justice storytelling to hands-on art-making, slow fashion, and quiet spaces for reflection, the Creative Arts & Wellbeing program offers moments to pause, connect, and see the conference themes from new perspectives. Featured Exhibitions & Activations EmpatheatreEmpatheatre creates community-rooted theatre that addresses societal challenges through empathy
Whether you’re looking to experience the full 3-day conference or prefer to attend for just a day, we offer flexible options to suit your needs. Join us as we bring together researchers, experts, and community partners to explore key themes in sustainability transformations and global impact. From thought-provoking presentations to
Time is running out! July 1 is the final deadline to register for TC/ESG 2025 in Johannesburg. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a transformative gathering of researchers, practitioners, and artists from around the world. The program is packed with engaging sessions, confirmed speakers, immersive field trips, hands-on workshops, and
The Early Bird deadline for TC/ESG 2025 has been extended to May 18. This gives participants two additional weeks to register at a reduced rate and prepare for the event. If you’re already registered, now is a good time to explore travel options, book add-ons, and review updates. If not,
The Early Career Researcher (ECR) Winter School, co-hosted by the Global Change Institute (GCI) at the University of the Witwatersrand, in collaboration with the Transformations Community and Earth System Governance, offers a pre-conference activity for TC/ESG 2025. Designed for Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral fellows, the Winter School focuses on exploring
Only 10 spots remain for delegates and students to join us at the TCX York Conference, hosted by the University of York. This is a unique opportunity to engage with scholars and experts in exploring strategies for driving transformational change. Together, we’ll focus on organizing effectively to overcome major challenges
📅 May 8th, 2025 | 🕔 17:00–18:30 CEST | 💻 Online The IPBES Transformative Change Assessment (TCA) offers a powerful scientific foundation for just, sustainable futures. But putting it into action requires more than knowledge, it takes commitment, collaboration, and connection. Join the Transformations Community, cCHANGE, and SocSES for a
We’re proud to spotlight our first TC/ESG 2025 Catalysts! David Obura – Marine Biodiversity & Sustainability Expert and Chair of IPBES, sharing insights on biodiversity preservation and global collaboration for sustainability. Karen O’Brien – Human Geography Professor, Co-Chair of the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment, and co-founder of cCHANGE, will continue
Throughout 2024, our AI for Sustainability Transformations initiative sparked powerful conversations at five key events, each designed to explore how AI can drive positive societal change and ethical knowledge co-production. From Critical AI Literacy for Action Researchers to Participatory AI for Community Engagement and Indigenous Perspectives, we created spaces where
Main activities will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, with pre-conference workshops, field trips, and the ECR Winter School hosted in Kruger National Park for a unique mix of natural & urban experiences. 📢 Proposal deadline extended to February 2, 2025!
With decades of experience in climate research, justice, and sustainability, she’ll inspire change through keynotes, panels, and workshops. Stay tuned for more TC/ESG 2025 announcements!
📅 Date: 5 November 2024🕓 Time: 16:00-17:30 SAST🎤 Hosted by: Transformations Community as part of the Transformations Catalysts Dialogue Series Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore how arts-based participatory research within the One Ocean Hub program is reshaping ocean governance. Learn how the arts contribute to a
Join Silvia Barbero (Systemic Design Association), Bruce Goldstein (Transformations Community), and Anna Margolis on Sunday, October 13th, CET 15:00-16:00 for an engaging session at the RSD13: Systemic Design Symposium. The session is part of the “Rivers of Conversations” series organized by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), OsloMet,
We are excited to announce the first Transformations Community X (TCX) event, from June 25-27, 2025. Hosted by the University of York, Organising for Transformation focuses on research and practice supported by experiential workshops. Themes include leadership, governance evaluation, learning, and insights from an applied regional case study of the
🌍 Join Us for the Transformations Community/ESG Conference 2025 in South Africa & Online!We are thrilled to announce the Transformations Community/Earth System Governance Conference 2025, taking place from August 18-21, 2025, at the breathtaking Kruger National Park and online. For the first time, our conference will be hosted in Africa,
We’re excited to announce that Earth Stewardship is hosting the second special issue of our TC23 Conference. Earth Stewardship publishes applied and theoretical articles to promote a broad, intercultural, and participatory foundation for earth stewardship.The journal focuses on many of the themes of our community, including sustainable development, environmental governance,
Discover how energy systems science can drive transformative change in various sectors, fostering equitable and thriving communities. 📅 Date and Time: August 7th, 2024 4 pm – 7pm CET (8 am – 11 am MST) 🌐 Register here: https://www.transformationscommunity.org/workshops This online session will be facilitated by: Key Highlights: Elevate your
In April 2024, the Transformations Community (TC) hosted two online launch events for its new AI project. This initiative explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainability transformations and tackle global challenges. The project’s core objective is to cultivate a collaborative community centered on participatory co-design in sustainability
If you’re driven by a passion for building sustainable and regenerative futures and excel in detailed organization and event management, we want to hear from you! About the Role What We Offer Ideal Candidate Apply today and start your journey in driving global transformations:
We are excited to update you on the Transformations Community’s AI project—a collaborative exploration into the potential and challenges of AI in driving sustainability transformations. More than just a group working on a project, we have become a sharing and learning community where we enrich each other with different perspectives
We’re excited to share insights from our dialogue, ‘Transdisciplinary Pathways for Urban Resilience,’ which took place on April 3rd. This event represented a collaborative effort between University for the Planet and the Transformations Community. It featured Andrea Ramírez-Agudelo, Thieu Besselink, Pavel Luksha, and Bruce Goldstein, who explored a ‘Leadership Sandbox,’
We’ve rescheduled our first session of the Transformations Catalysts Dialogue Series. Join us for a ‘Leadership Sandbox’ exploration, focusing on designing and leading initiatives for urban sustainability transformation. 🔄 New Date & Time:🗓️ April 3rd, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM CET 📌 Register Now:https://lnkd.in/d-knrsQn This collaboration between the
2 weeks ago we wrapped up the SIJ Meet the Authors Symposium on the Proceedings of the #TC23. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, contributing to the vibrant discussions and sharing insights on social-ecological transformations. As we look towards 2024, we’re eager to hear from you. 📖 ✏️
Delve into the rich insights of the Transformations Community’s conference proceedings, highlighted in the third annual special issue of the Social Innovations Journal. This edition, emerging from our dynamic 2023 conferences held in Sydney, Prague, Maine, and online, offers 28 thought-provoking articles. We invite you to join us on January
Team members from the Valuing Sustainability Future Science Platform (VS FSP) participated in the 2023 Transformations Conference, where they joined a global gathering centered around the theme of “Transformative Partnerships for a Better World.” Notably, VS FSP researchers Dr. Sabrina Chakori and Dr. Nicky Grigg led a workshop on sustainability
Check out Lauren Lambert‘s insights in a blog by CzechGlobe about #TC23 as she explores how transformation practitioners engage with diverse perspectives: 📖 : https://sustainablecz.org/2023/08/15/transformations-conference-2023-in-europe/ She also explores the connection between love and transformation, addresses the challenge of incorporating grief into sustainability discussions, and unpacks the diverse meanings of transformations
In July, RIFS researchers – Carolin Fraude, Valerie Cathrin Voggenreiter, Felix Beyers, Nicolai David Herzog along with Fanny Langner (Fachhochschule Eberswalde) and David Manuel Navarrete (Arizona State University), participated in our Transformations Conference 2023, and they are now sharing their key insights, personal reflections, and the messages these stories convey
We are excited to announce that the Transformations Community is now accepting applications to host our next conference, panel, or workshop. We invite individuals, organizations, and institutions from around the world to consider hosting a transformations gathering focused on fostering sustainable, regenerative, and equitable futures. We encourage applications from the
We’ve arranged 3 ways to publish your work associated with the conference: 🌱 Social Innovations Journal is our conference proceedings, offering a quick publication route for action research and reflective practice, emphasizing timely, practitioner-oriented, peer-reviewed contributions. 📅 Deadline: September 13th 🌱 For research with a broader and more theoretical focus, Current Research in
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of Transformations ’23. Thanks to our partners and sponsors, inspiring speakers, dedicated team, and all the incredible participants and collaborators. Your support and collaboration were instrumental in making this event a success! We’ll be making select session recordings available for
We are thrilled to announce the program for Transformations 2023. Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops & much more! Discover the global program in AEST (Sydney) time zone: https://bit.ly/GlobalTC23 Sydney Program (AEST): https://bit.ly/SydneyTC23Prague Program (CEST): https://bit.ly/PragueTC23Online Program (CEST): https://bit.ly/OnlineTC23 This year’s program is carefully crafted to
The 2023 Transformations Conference comes to Sydney and ISF’s! Chris Riedy, Professor of Sustainability Transformations and Director of Graduate Research at ISF, shared his thoughts on the conference and its overarching theme ‘Transformative partnerships for a better world’.
Our November Newsletter captures all the exciting News here at Transformations Community.
The Social Innovations Journal has released their 2022 Special Issue: Sustainability Transformations in Practice Learn more about Social Innovations Journal here.
The Transformations Community (TC) sponsored a series of focused dialogue sessions at Sustainability Research & Innovation Congress 2022 (SRI 2022). These dialogues help us support our members’ work and build community, as well as begin conversations that continue into our conference in 2023. Our dialogues explore what the community has learned about
Purposefully transforming our societies is difficult, complex, and messy. Innovative change strategies often fail and there are no general solutions. And even when we have developed promising possibilities, they may falter when we try to scale them upward and outward. This dialogue focused on developing transformations support structures, which intertwine
Addressing the global challenges highlighted by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals will require a transformation of systems that created the problems in the first place. Knowledge workers are part of that system – our funding and publishing practices are dominated by western colonial paradigms, biases, mindsets, and money. This panel
Transformative change is actually happening in real time, and policy, business and communities are engaging with it in different ways to address the challenges of sustainability. We can and should make a difference in whatever outcomes these transitions and transformations in the making will lead to. Do we get electric
We are delighted to share an infographic of our comprehensive catalog of 110+ systems change education programs, for prospective students and established practitioners. On the catalog page you can suggest any additional programs. Please share with your networks!
https://www.youmattermorethanyouthink.com We are delighted to announce that the eBook version of Karen O’Brien’s new book You Matter More Than You Think: Quantum Social Change for a Thriving World is now open for pre-order via Amazon. You Matter More Than You Think: Quantum Social Change for a Thriving World introduces a
The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods for Social-Ecological Systems This open-access book on methods to study social-ecological systems covers 28 broad groups of methods, featuring contributions from almost a hundred authors in 16 countries. The book is primarily targeted at graduate students, lecturers and researchers working on SES, and has
Research Feature – March 2, 2021 The key to solving the climate crisis is cooperation – or so thinks Future Earth, the global community facilitating research, networking, innovation and knowledge transfer between scientific and non-scientific bodies. Research Features found out more about how the organization came to be, its strategy
Systemic social entrepreneurs are not content with treating the symptoms of social issues. Their holistic and innovative approach focuses on the causes of an issue and brings about incremental, structural and transformational change. A new #C2030 report examines how governments can unlock this potential.
The Weaving Lab has launched the #Whaif initiative. Let us use this opportunity to take a pause and reimagine ourselves, our education system and our world. We have written a 3-part series (1,2,3) outlining our thoughts on what we believe we need to change. If these articles move you, we
Leadership for Sustainability: Strategies for Tackling Wicked Problems a new book that gives readers perspective and skills for promoting creative and collaborative solutions. Blending systems thinking approaches with leadership techniques, it offers dozens of strategies and specific practices that build on the foundation of three main skills: connecting, collaborating, and
