Accelerate

Global Flourishing Research at Baylor

What could we do for humanity if we understood why individuals and societies flourish? It’s a question Baylor University is leading the way to answer.

The Global Flourishing Study (GFS) is a first-of-its kind, worldwide study to uncover the factors that enable individuals and societies to thrive. More than 200,000 participants in 20+ countries are participating in the $43.4 million longitudinal study over a five-year period. Co-led by Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion Director Byron Johnson, Ph.D., this landmark study is conducted alongside leading research partners at Harvard University, Gallup and the Center for Open Science. 

Serving neighbors around the globe through elite research is a natural fit for Baylor University. Learn how the Global Flourishing Study will impact individuals, advance human flourishing scholarship, and support policymakers and leaders in their efforts to help their communities thrive.

Global Flourishing News Feed

Apr. 30, 2025
Global Flourishing Study Maps the Topography of the Human Experience

Generational, financial, geographical and spiritual differences top flourishing findings. 

Apr. 30, 2025
Baylor University Launches Institute for Global Human Flourishing

Institute establishes Baylor as a global leader for research on faith and human flourishing, as well as the epicenter for global flourishing research/practice alongside Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program.

Apr. 30, 2025
READ: Turns Out, GDP Doesn't Buy Happiness

GFS researchers highlight dichotomy between a nation's GDP and reported flourishing in a New York Times editorial.

Apr. 30, 2025
STUDIES: Nature Portfolio Features 35 Articles From Global Flourishing Study

A deep dive into the data from the First Wave of the Global Flourishing Study, featuring insights from more than 200,000 people across 22 countries.

Apr. 30, 2025
Mapping the Human Condition

What could we do for humanity if we understood why individuals and societies flourish? It’s a question Byron Johnson is leading the way to answer

Apr. 30, 2025
Insights into the Human Condition Emerge from Historic Baylor-Led Global Flourishing Study

Three key insights emerged from the First Wave of data from the landmark Global Flourishing Study, a landmark $43.4 million project that represents the most comprehensive undertaking to uncover the roots of human flourishing.

Apr. 30, 2025
WATCH: Mapping the Mystery of Humanity

 An overview of the landmark Global Flourishing Study, which researches over 200,000 people in more than 20 nations over a five-year period.

Apr. 30, 2025
LISTEN: Global Flourishing Study on Baylor Connections

Byron S. Johnson and Matthew T. Lee take listeners inside initial findings from the Global Flourishing Study's First Wave of data.