The Chair, held by Prof Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs and situated in the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, aims to contribute to addressing theoretical, methodological, and empirical gaps in our understanding of social-ecological systems and resilience. The research employs transdisciplinary approaches that integrate methods from the social and natural sciences, while engaging with stakeholders outside academia. The objective of the Chair is to generate globally relevant insights in this new emerging field, grounded in the southern African context, and contribute to the development of an internationally recognised hub of excellence at Stellenbosch University. Research under the Chair aims to inform transformations toward ecological, social and economic sustainability, by understanding the impacts of human use and governance on the environment, and how changes in the natural environment impact human society, well-being and the economy.​