Escalating socio-ecological crises demand profound, non-linear transformations that reconfigure socio-technical and socio-ecological systems toward equitable and regenerative futures. The Focal Area on Sustainability Transformations (AF1) positions itself as a hub for theoretical, methodological, and empirical excellence on governance, agency, and just transitions. Bringing together researchers from the social and natural sciences, AF1 is uniquely equipped to address the complexity of contemporary sustainability challenges through integrated and systemic perspectives. We seek to understand and actively shape the depth, breadth, and speed of transformations by integrating perspectives on socio-technical transitions with socio-ecological, regenerative approaches and justice. Grounded in inter- and transdisciplinarity and attentive to power, vulnerability, and equity, AF1 combines a strong focus on local and global contexts—conducting research in diverse settings such as oceanic nations and post-disaster regions—to generate insights that inform global sustainability efforts while addressing specific place-based challenges. Through reflexive engagement with diverse epistemologies—including feminist, decolonial, and post-growth perspectives—and a strong expertise in participatory methods, we aim to co-create actionable knowledge that supports inclusive, place-based, and regenerative pathways across territories.