Grateful for our amazing Research Assistants and Student Engagement Committee! Your passion and creativity power the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness. Proud to celebrate this team with Director Viswanath. #PublicHealth #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #PositivePsychology #StudentLeadership

As we say goodbye to 2025 and look ahead to 2026—our 10th year—we’re grateful to everyone who’s joined our journey. Your support drives our work to advance positive health, happiness, well-being, and health equity in research, practice, and policy. #PublicHealth #HealthEquity

✨ Reminder! TOMORROW, 1–1:50PM, Kresge 202A: Join our well-being workshop with Jeniece Brock, DrPh ’27! Make a vision board & plan a joyful 2026. ☕🍪 Hot chocolate, cookies, & pizza served! 👉 RSVP now: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkqT6E9MpeAMTuC

Applications are now open for our 2026 Summer Internship Program. Learn more from past interns here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qmr06ia4fY Then visit our website & apply today: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/summer-internship-program/ #harvardinternship #summerinternship

We’re excited to welcome two Harvard Chan School MPH candidates as our new RAs: Devan McClain, who brings experience in health communication and rural and global health, and Abigail Palaza, whose work focuses on healthy aging and clinical research. Welcome aboard!

On Nov 20, Center Student Engagement Committee member Kris Berg, MPH ’26, led our first well-being workshop: “Working With Your Brain.” Participants learned neurodiversity-affirming strategies to ease overwhelm, boost focus, and build sustainable motivation.

Learn from Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath and Dr. Rifat Atun in a 6‑week online course on Public Health Communication and Advocacy. Build key communication and advocacy skills. Register by Dec 11: https://execedonline.hsph.harvard.edu/public-health-communication-and-advocacy

This week, Colleen McGrath, our 2025 Dissertation Research Award recipient, presented her work on prostate cancer survivorship and how social connectedness and caregiver support shape outcomes. Congratulations, Colleen! #CancerSurvivorship #PublicHealth #Caregiving #SocialConnection #HealthEquity

Next Monday, December 8th, from 12-2 in the Kresge atrium, the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences' Community and Belonging committee invites all students, staff, and faculty of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to join us for an origami-making workshop!

Applications are due TOMORROW for our Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, so apply today! https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/15436 #Postdoc #AcademicJobs #ResearchJobs #PublicHealth #Wellbeing #Hiring

Dr. Sara Lazar published a paper exploring how meditation can help scientists align personal values with ethical scientific practices, and recommending practical mindfulness-based programs to support integrity in research. Read it here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-025-02646-0

Want to know how mindfulness can boost your mental and physical health? 🌱 Check out this video featuring Center affiliate and renowned mindfulness expert Dr. Sara Lazar, as she dives into the science and benefits of mindfulness practice. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SEcbpxtTQ4&t=2s

Earlier this month, Assistant Director Kelsey Torres and Program and Research Coordinator Karina Duffy presented about our Center to the Mississippi Delta Scholars, a program advancing health and well-being in the Delta through research, engagement, and leadership.

Reminder: RSVP for our well-being workshop TOMORROW, 1–1:50 PM in Kresge 502! Learn neurodiversity-affirming strategies to manage stress & boost motivation. Fidget toys provided! Open to Harvard community: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cPk9z7Xejq5FzPo

Last week, Richard Weissbourd discussed how our culture’s focus on achievement and happiness can undermine children’s moral growth and well-being. He highlighted the importance of nurturing kids’ moral and social development. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtJPtj6-J4w

We're hiring! The Center seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance research on positive health, happiness, and health equity. Doctorate required. Full-time, hybrid. Apply by Dec 2: https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/15436 #Postdoc #AcademicJobs #ResearchJobs #PublicHealth

✨ On Wednesday, Dec 3, from 1–1:50PM in Kresge 202A, join our well-being workshop with Jeniece Brock, DrPh ’27! Create a vision board, clarify your values, and plan for a joyful 2026. ☕🍪 Hot chocolate & cookies provided! RSVP today: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkqT6E9MpeAMTuC

Happening THIS WEDNESDAY! Join us Nov 12, 1–1:50 PM (FXB G12 & online) for our Virtues for Well-being Seminar with Richard Weissbourd. Don’t miss insights on fostering moral development and community in children. RSVP today! https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40KyEHyDv1MLG0S

Join us Nov 20, 1–1:50 PM in Kresge 502 for a well-being workshop led by Kris Berg, MPH ’26! Learn neurodiversity-affirming ways to manage stress & boost motivation. Fidget toys provided. Open to all. RSVP: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cPk9z7Xejq5FzPo

Don’t forget! The next Virtues for Well-being seminar with Richard Weissbourd will be held on Wednesday, November 12th, 1–1:50 PM (FXB G12 & online). Join us for actionable insights on fostering moral development in children. RSVP today! https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40KyEHyDv1MLG0S

To all Harvard faculty and research scientists: applications for our 2026 Positive Health Grants are due November 21st. Learn more and apply: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/funding-opportunities/innovations-in-positive-health-grant-funding-opportunity/

Director Viswanath presented a new case study on Lee Kum Kee Group’s “Si Li Ji Ren” philosophy and its impact on employee well-being. Read key findings: https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/news/happiness-and-well-being-in-the-workplace-the-management-philosophy-of-the-lee-kum-kee-group/

Attention Harvard Doctoral Students: we are offering up to $2,500 in funding to support your positive health-related dissertation! Applications are due by November 21st. Learn more and apply here: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/funding-opportunities/dissertation-research-awards/

How do we raise caring, moral children amid today’s focus on achievement? Join Richard Weissbourd for our Virtues for Well-being seminar—Nov 12, 1-1:50PM, FXB G12 & online. All are welcome. https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/events/virtues-for-well-being-a-seminar-with-dr-richard-weissbourd/

Missed Dr. Sara Konrath’s seminar on the science of sustainable giving? Catch the recording on our YouTube! Learn how empathy and generosity improve well-being—and how to give meaningfully without burnout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM6VHXkdzBY #Empathy #Wellbeing #Generosity #MentalHealth

Reminder: Join us TOMORROW for our Virtues for Well-being event with Dr. Sara Konrath! Learn how empathy and generosity boost well-being, with tips for sustainable giving. RSVP today: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6hPMAV8B8flld0a #Wellbeing #Empathy #Generosity #MentalHealth

Yesterday, we partnered with the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) to host a Fall Social! It was inspiring to connect with so many dedicated SBS students. Thanks to Drs. Brynn Austin and Vish Viswanath for their thoughtful remarks.

Thrilled to kick off our “Virtues for Well-being” series w/ Dr. Victor Strecher! He shared how purpose boosts mental health & resilience, from Greek philosophy to AI. Missed it? Watch the full seminar on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSfkmhBc3rQ #Purpose #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #AI

Enjoyed Dr. Strecher’s seminar? Join us Oct 15 for our next Virtues for Well-being event with Dr. Sara Konrath on how empathy and generosity boost well-being. Hear the latest research and tips for sustainable giving—RSVP now: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6hPMAV8B8flld0a

Last chance to RSVP! Join us TOMORROW, Sept. 24, 1–1:50 PM in FXB G12 or online for our Virtues for Well-being series launch. Dr. Victor Strecher will share how purpose and resilience can help you thrive in an AI-driven world. RSVP: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23TbmnCRUKeqHxc

Reminder: Join us next Wednesday, Sept. 24, for the launch of our Virtues for Well-being series with Dr. Victor Strecher! Discover how purpose and resilience can boost well-being, even in an AI-driven world. RSVP: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23TbmnCRUKeqHxc

Join us for the second Virtues for Well-being seminar with Dr. Sara Konrath, expert in empathy and generosity. Learn research-backed strategies for giving and enhancing your own well-being. https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/events/virtues-for-well-being-a-seminar-with-dr-sara-konrath/

Excited to launch our "Virtues for Well-being" seminar series! First up: Dr. Victor Strecher shares insights on purpose, mental health, and thriving in an AI-driven world. Learn more & RSVP: https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/events/virtues-for-well-being-a-seminar-with-dr-victor-strecher/

Join us for the second Virtues for Well-being seminar with Dr. Sara Konrath, expert in empathy and generosity. Learn research-backed strategies for giving and enhancing your own well-being. https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/events/virtues-for-well-being-a-seminar-with-dr-sara-konrath/

Excited to launch our "Virtues for Well-being" seminar series! First up: Dr. Victor Strecher shares insights on purpose, mental health, and thriving in an AI-driven world. Learn more & RSVP: https://hsph.harvard.edu/health-happiness/events/virtues-for-well-being-a-seminar-with-dr-victor-strecher/

A study by Center affiliate Dr. Vikram Patel and colleagues tested the efficacy of “PracticePal” a Hindi chatbot created to treat #depression in rural India. Learn what they found here: https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5426475/v1/dc752632-864d-4941-9196-0dff91d63689.pdf?c=1731466214

What a special night! Last Friday we celebrated 10 amazing weeks with our interns at our closing dinner. Thanks for your hard work, curiosity, and all the laughter—you made a lasting impact and we miss you already! Wishing you all the best ahead. #PublicHealth #Harvard #FutureLeaders

A new study by Center affiliate Dr. Vikram Patel reveals 97% of middle-aged & older adults with #depression in India go undiagnosed—millions untreated, especially in rural areas. Urgent action is needed to close care gaps. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2825465

Announcing a funding opportunity for all Harvard faculty and research scientists conducting work in the field of positive health science! Learn more and apply here: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/funding-opportunities/innovations-in-positive-health-grant-funding-opportunity/

Weekly mindfulness meditations are back! Join our friends at the Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health every Wednesday this month to meditate with Brother Phap Luu of Deer Park Monastery. RSVP here: www.hsph.me/mindful25

The Center is now accepting applications for our Dissertation Research Awards, which offer up to $2,500 in funding. Learn more and apply here: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-happiness/funding-opportunities/dissertation-research-awards/

A study by Center affiliate Dr. Karmel Choi and others found a link between #genetics and major depressive disorder in Nepal. However, other factors played a greater role in determining an individual’s risk of #depression. https://shorturl.at/3adnS #mentalhealthresearch

What is happiness—and how does it shape our lives? 😊 Discover insights from Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the world’s longest happiness study & author of "The Good Life". This video launches our expert series on the science of living well. More soon—stay tuned! www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbtW...

A new study by Center affiliate Dr. Elyse Park and colleagues shows #resilience training can reduce cognitive concerns in cancer survivors, enhancing their #wellbeing. https://academic.oup.com/acn/article-abstract/39/7/1197/7755928?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Explore new research by Center affiliate Dr. Ichiro Kawachi on how social trust affects the well-being gap between majority and minority groups. Discover how increasing trust can enhance happiness and life satisfaction: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953624008256

A study by Center affiliate Dr. Ichiro Kawachi and others examined income disparities and #mentalhealth outcomes in communities before and after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829224001916

Yesterday, our interns took a break from the usual routine with a walk through the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden. Great conversations, fresh air, and a the chance to stop and smell the roses—we couldn't have asked for a better Tuesday afternoon. 🌹 #Internship #Harvard #Teambuilding

Discover how optimism and the absence of pessimism impacted well-being during COVID-19 in a new study by Dr. Eric Kim and colleagues. Learn more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656624000898 #MentalHealth #COVID19 #Optimism #Wellbeing #PublicHealth

Earlier today Drs. Cameron Wiley and Sade Stenlund, Research Fellows at the Harvard Chan School's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, shared their research with our summer interns. Thank you both for your inspiring insights! #PublicHealth #Wellbeing #PositivePsychology #Happiness