Baylor University Launches Institute for Global Human Flourishing

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-709-5959
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WACO, Texas (April 30, 2025) – Baylor University today announced the launch of the Institute for Global Human Flourishing, placing Baylor as a global leader for research on faith and human flourishing, as well as the epicenter for global flourishing research/practice alongside research partners at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program. This transformational Baylor initiative aligns with University’s Pro Mundo (For the World) vision and the commitments in the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan to cultivate flourishing individuals and communities around the globe, increase student and faculty well-being and elevate Baylor’s research aims to global issues of high impact.

The announcement comes as Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) joined Harvard, Gallup and the Center for Open Science today in Washington, D.C., to unveil the First Wave findings on human flourishing from the groundbreaking Global Flourishing Study (GFS). The GFS is one of the most comprehensive studies of human well-being ever undertaken, and its initial findings paint a picture of flourishing today which is defined as “living in a state in which all aspects of a person’s life are good.” Future waves of GFS data will enable researchers to apply annual findings to scientifically rigorous, causal studies of the factors that lead to flourishing – providing additional streams of research for the Institute for Global Human Flourishing as well as the GFS research team.

“I am grateful that Baylor’s mission aligns so perfectly with the bold vision to launch the Institute for Global Human Flourishing. This extraordinary commitment positions Baylor to be a leader not only in advancing scientific knowledge via the Global Flourishing Study and related research, but it will also provide the infrastructure to offer much needed resources and tools to support the application of this knowledge to power a global flourishing movement,” said Byron R. Johnson, Ph.D., inaugural director of the Institute for Global Human Flourishing, co-principal investigator of the GFS and current ISR director.

Leveraging that knowledge and understanding gained from the GFS research along with world-class methodology and tools being created, the Institute will bring Human Flourishing to life at Baylor University, as well as extend its reach and impact to the community, the country and the world. 

“In her inaugural address, President Linda Livingstone said, ‘The world needs a Baylor.’ She was right that the world needs Baylor University – as a Christian Research 1 university – to advance a vision of Human Flourishing that is evidence-based, practical, faith-animated and inspirational,” said Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D. “The Institute for Global Human Flourishing is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst for transformative impact on individuals and communities while also engaging students, alumni, faculty, staff, Texas and the world in a shared pursuit of Human Flourishing, fostering a life of purpose, well-being and meaningful contribution.”

In addition to its rigorous research with the Global Flourishing Study, future plans for the Institute include expanding interdisciplinary research, extending research partnerships with universities beyond Harvard and inviting doctoral and post-doctoral students along with endowed chairs and fellowships. While expanding flourishing across the University, the Institute also plans to implement Communities of Practices (CoP) for Flourishing at Baylor. A CoP is a group of people united by a shared practice who learn to improve together through regular interaction. The CoP approach has created meaningful and lasting collaborations rooted in the care and commitment that is essential for advancing flourishing. In addition, the establishment of an “innovation laboratory” will enable translational research and development of practical, repeatable processes and tools for carrying out flourishing in the church, local and state organizations, government, businesses and private industry and non-profits.

“Congratulations to Baylor, Dr. Byron Johnson and your teams on creating and engineering this new once-in-a-century Institute for Global Human Flourishing,” said Jim Clifton, chairman of Gallup, which coordinated the data collection for the Global Flourishing Study. “You have an enormous responsibility, and that is to dig deep into the current state of life on earth and find a thousand breakthroughs and discoveries that change the course of humankind.”

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.