The article discusses the emergence of sustainability science as a research program that aims to address the complex interactions between nature and society to achieve sustainable development. It highlights the need for science and technology (S&T) to play a crucial role in this transition, emphasizing the importance of problem-driven research and collaboration between scholars and practitioners. The authors trace the historical development of S&T contributions to sustainability, from early efforts in renewable resource management to more recent initiatives in energy systems, ecosystem resilience, and industrial ecology. They argue that while significant progress has been made, more needs to be done to integrate S&T with practical solutions and local priorities. The article also outlines the core conceptual questions and methodological challenges being addressed by sustainability science, including the integration of dynamic interactions between nature and society, and the development of adaptive management systems. Finally, it notes the growing international and local efforts to advance sustainability science, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and the ongoing evolution of its scope and criteria.The article discusses the emergence of sustainability science as a research program that aims to address the complex interactions between nature and society to achieve sustainable development. It highlights the need for science and technology (S&T) to play a crucial role in this transition, emphasizing the importance of problem-driven research and collaboration between scholars and practitioners. The authors trace the historical development of S&T contributions to sustainability, from early efforts in renewable resource management to more recent initiatives in energy systems, ecosystem resilience, and industrial ecology. They argue that while significant progress has been made, more needs to be done to integrate S&T with practical solutions and local priorities. The article also outlines the core conceptual questions and methodological challenges being addressed by sustainability science, including the integration of dynamic interactions between nature and society, and the development of adaptive management systems. Finally, it notes the growing international and local efforts to advance sustainability science, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and the ongoing evolution of its scope and criteria.