The interdisciplinary research group addresses the social dimensions of sustainability and contemporary socio-ecological transitions through the lens of equity and justice. Research activities focus on key challenges including: the impacts of transitions on social, economic and territorial inequalities, particularly regarding access to and distribution of resources; power dynamics that generate, reproduce and reinforce gender and intersectional inequalities, with a specific focus on R&I ecosystems; individual and collective forms of citizen participation in transition processes; environmental, climate and energy justice; and socio-ecological perceptions, knowledge and practices.

Research is grounded in a systemic perspective and draws on multiple analytical lenses, including political ecology, gender studies and intersectional approaches. The group adopts qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method and participatory methodologies to investigate complex phenomena across multiple scales and levels of analysis. Methodological robustness relies on the use of statistical and econometric models, social network analysis tools, gendered innovation approaches, ethnographic methods and case-study research.

The group’s overarching goal is to generate knowledge that contributes to more just, equitable and democratic societies. In addition, the team carries out policy analysis and evaluation activities related to public policies, research and innovation projects, and sustainability programmes, with expertise in gender equality, energy transitions and climate action.
The group is also strongly engaged in research valorisation and public engagement through science communication and outreach activities, participation in science festivals, the design of training initiatives targeting both the wider public and civil society stakeholders.

The team brings together expertise from multiple disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, political science, sustainability science, social statistics, gender studies and science communication. It coordinates and contributes to a range of nationally and European-funded research projects, with consolidated experience within the European Commission Research Framework Programmes. Group members participate in various national scientific networks, including the working group Natura, Ricerca e Società at DSSTTA-CNR, ESPAnet, AIS, SISEC, Voci per il Clima; and international ones, includingINSNA Sunbelt, WISER, EASSN, EIGE, GENERA, CoARA, EERA.