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When Dr. Byron Johnson first suggested the idea that is now the Global Flourishing Study<\/a>, responses from potential collaborators ranged from \u201ca pie in the sky\u201d to \u201ccrazy.\u201d Now, it\u2019s being called a \u201cdream come true\u201d and the \u201clargest initiative of its kind ever to study human flourishing.\u201d<\/p>\n The Global Flourishing Study<\/a> is off and running, a massive research project that aims to uncover what its means to live well and to thrive\u00a0around the world. A partnership between Baylor, Harvard University, Gallup, and the Center for Open Science, the study is being led by Dr. Byron Johnson<\/a>, distinguished professor of the social sciences and director of Baylor\u2019s Institute for Studies of Religion<\/a>. And while the dollar amount is certainly eye-popping — with $43.4 million in grants from a variety of sources, it\u2019s the largest funded research project in Baylor history — its impact will be even more impressive.<\/p>\n Over the next five years, the Global Flourishing Study will survey 240,000+ people across 22 nations worldwide about a variety of factors related to human flourishing, such as close relationships, mental and physical health, material stability and more. Further, it will apply scientific research methods to study the impact of faith on human flourishing across a variety of global religions.<\/p>\n [MEDIA: Watch the launch of the\u00a0Global Flourishing Study<\/a> || Listen to Dr. Byron Johnson’s recent appearance on the Baylor Connections<\/em> podcast<\/a>]<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s another aspect of the study that particularly excites researchers: it\u2019s longitudinal. That means researchers will survey the same people repeatedly throughout the life of the study. Gallup, a partner on the project, describes a longitudinal approach as the \u201choly grail\u201d –scientists get causal data, not just correlational data. Most surveys of this magnitude survey different people each year because of the cost and efforts involved in surveying a representative sample repeatedly. The funding applied to this project amplifies the value scientists see in this approach. Johnson says the data will impact not only higher education, but has the potential to shape public policy, healthcare, religious organizations and more.<\/p>\n