Hirosaki University Institute of Global Well-being Science 弘前大学グローバルWell-being総合研究所

Understanding the causes of individual and societal wellbeing is a global scientific endeavor. The newly established Institute of Global Well-being Science at Hirosaki University is exceptionally well positioned to make meaningful contributions to this endeavor. The sweeping vision of the Institute is to provide evidence for policy making at the global, regional, national, and local levels.

Globally, the Institute aspires to become a leading international center for collaborative research to advance cross-cultural understanding of the determinants and consequences of wellbeing for individuals and society. At the regional level, the Institute seeks to become a hub for wellbeing science, tackling challenges such as the co-existence of high longevity at the same time as low levels of happiness and life satisfaction in East Asian countries. At the national level, the Institute seeks to train a new generation of researchers from a broad range of disciplines spanning biology, medicine, public health, computational sciences, and the social sciences (education, economics, sociology and political science).

Last but not least the mission of the Institute is to promote the health and wellbeing of the residents of Aomori prefecture and Hirosaki city by applying discoveries in the field of wellbeing science to public policy and interventions. These efforts will be underpinned by the scientific discoveries generated by the Iwaki Health Promotion Project, a unique big data resource initiated by Hirosaki University since 2005, with samples and survey items gathered from community-dwelling participants ranging from molecular biology data, physiological/biochemical markers, personal lifestyles, and a comprehensive assessment of wellbeing measures.

By promoting these initiatives, we will contribute to improving global wellbeing.