Four ways Baylor leads out in human flourishing research

On some level, all research promotes human flourishing. Whether it be scientific research leading to new cancer drugs or cleaner water, engineering research developing new technologies or exploring the final frontier, or ethicists applying insights to address key ethical questions, all research aims to make life better in some fashion — and, clearly, Baylor advances these causes a great deal.

But there’s also research that is specifically about human flourishing — for humanity as a whole, groups of people, specific professions, and more. It’s research that gets to the root of how to help people thrive in multiple dimensions: physical and mental health, spiritual wellbeing, relationships, finances and more. And in higher education, no one else is doing what Baylor is doing in this area:

• Global Flourishing Study: This project alone separates Baylor from the pack. It’s the largest research project ever undertaken to identify the factors that lead to human thriving. The project studies more than 200,000 individuals across 20 countries over a five-year period across multiple domains, in partnership with Harvard, Gallup and the Center for Open Science. Its initial findings have drawn international media attention, and there’s more to come. Co-led by renowned human flourishing researcher Byron Johnson, this project continues to blaze new trails in understanding that can impact public policy, education and more.
• Institute for Global Human Flourishing: The Global Flourishing Project is part of Baylor’s new Institute for Global Flourishing, launched last year to serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary human flourishing research across campus. Led by Dr. Johnson, along with numerous other researchers like associate director Matthew Lee (who joined the Baylor faculty from Harvard), the institute incubates additional human flourishing research that leverages Baylor’s unique role as a preeminent Christian research university.
• Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing: When Dr. Erik Carter came to Baylor in 2022 to serve as the inaugural Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities, he brought a nationally recognized expertise in helping those with a disability find inclusion and belonging in schools, community organizations, churches and more. In this role, he also leads the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, which provides practical clinical services in the community and research efforts nationally. Carter’s research focuses on promoting relationships and belonging for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and equipping organizations to do just that.
• Mental Health Nursing: It’s no surprise that people in the nursing profession face unique demands and challenges as they serve the needs of the sick, injured or disabled. These challenges can take a toll, which is why Dr. Karen Foli, Baylor’s Louise Herrington Endowed Chair in Mental Health Nursing, blazed new trails combining both mental health research and nursing research to “help the helpers.” She came to Baylor in 2024 after having already been established as a leader in the field and author of the groundbreaking book The Influence of Psychological Trauma in Nursing.

These are just a few examples of this growing area, combining Baylor’s Christian mission with a focus on serving our neighbors close to home and around the world.

Sic ’em, Baylor human flourishing researchers!