Co-designing research on transgressive learning in times of climate change

•Need for research on transformative and transgressive learning in the SES.•Expansive learning actions for co-design of research.•Reflections on co-design of learning-centred research.

This paper reflects on the epistemological context for the co-design of a research programme on transformative, transgressive learning emerging at the nexus of climate change, water and food security, energy and social justice. It outlines a sequence of learning actions that we, as a group of collaborating partners in a Transformative Knowledge Network (TKN) undertook to co-design a research programme, firstly in situ in various case study contexts, and secondly together across case study contexts. Finally, it provides some reflections and learning points.