This paper presents a case study from the Center for International Research (CIBR) at HAN International School of Business, which has employed a systematic change management approach to transition toward sustainability. The objective of this paper is to clarify this process through the introduction of a six-step framework named TRANSITION and it reflects particularly the involvement of the research team in the process. Based on this framework, the center first aligns its direction with the strategic plan of the university, emphasizing the imperative to prioritize sustainability in its research agenda. Second, the research team conducts an inventory of existing knowledge and expertise, grouping efforts, and assessing individual progress. Third, the team develops a shared vision by defining the research team’s domain as transitioning toward sustainability. Subsequently, the team establishes four distinct research lines and integrates both short-term and long-term goals. Lastly, it is vital for researchers to embrace these changes, thereby enhancing the skills of certain researchers and transferring knowledge to colleagues and the community. This paper introduces the TRANSITION framework developed at CIBR to realign the research center toward sustainability.