About the Global Flourishing Conference
To support the translation of interdisciplinary knowledge into practical tools, the conference explores two interconnected tracks:
1. Understanding and measuring flourishing across cultures
Researchers are demonstrating that it is possible to identify the dimensions and determinants of flourishing, both those that are common across cultures and those that differ. The conference showcases the latest scientific understanding and measurement of why people flourish and how they can be supported to flourish, including global surveys and indexes of flourishing and novel research studies in social psychology, neurobiology and other fields.
2. Innovations for flourishing amid modern challenges
Insights about how and why humans flourish are being translated into practical innovations to promote flourishing. The conference explores promising applications of flourishing science from around the world, including: tools for listening and learning in a polarized world; innovations in character education; the science of spiritual practice; the science of forgiveness; artificial intelligence and moral judgment; economic policy and flourishing; and flourishing in adversity.
2023 Program Advisory Council
The Global Flourishing Conference is designed under the guidance of a program advisory committee consisting of leading academics:
What can science teach us about how to help more people flourish amid the compounding crises of the 21st century? Which breakthrough innovations will support us to grow, be resilient, and adapt in the face of adversity? How does flourishing differ by culture, and what can we learn from each other to flourish together?
When humans flourish, it means we are on a journey toward a life that is holistically good – encompassing physical and mental well-being. It also means finding fulfillment through relationships and bonds, and living with purpose and building character. When humans flourish, we have agency and can direct our own lives.
Only recently have scientists demonstrated that it is possible to empirically measure and study flourishing in its different dimensions. It is the intention of this conference to support the development of this burgeoning academic field and bring together dynamic combinations of researchers across the physical, biological, and social sciences with scholars in philosophy, history, art, theology and other relevant fields.
“The qualities that define a flourishing life such as meaning and purpose are foundational to how we all will thrive – not merely survive – in a challenging world.”
Dr. Andrew Serazin, Former President, Templeton World Charity Foundation
