Event About Human Flourishing and Equal Opportunities
On October 10, 2025 Martin Sahlén and Patrik Adlarson arrange an event about human flourishing and equal opportunities. The day is arranged with support from equal opportunities funds at the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
What kind of event is this?
One day of lectures and panel discussions about what is important for all people to have the opportunity to grow and flourish, at the university and in society.
What is the purpose of the event?
We want to highlight all the knowledge there is on how we together can shape environments and structures where people feel good and may grow and flourish. The term human flourishing might sound abstract, but is the name of the field of research that studies which factors that contribute to a rich and meaningful life. The field encompasses many areas, among others physical, psychological, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health. We especially believe that this is an important perspective to integrate in our equal opportunities work.
Martin Sahlén, Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
Who is the event aimed at?
Human flourishing concerns everybody. The event is aimed at all staff and students. It is based on research-based knowledge of the speakers, but there is no expert knowledge required to participate. It is rooted in and provides reflections on our individual and shared everyday lives. Initially, the day will be held in Swedish, but if it is well received, an English equivalent may be relevant.
How did you come up with the idea?
A few years ago, we discovered the research about human flourishing conducted at the Harvard University. In connection with another arrangement, we met Micke Larsson who is one of the speakers and manages a similar work on Åland. Right now there is an ongoing international empirical study examining how “flourishing” humanity really is. Recently, the first results were presented. Sweden is included as one of 22 countries and is ranked high when it comes to living conditions but significantly lower when it comes to the experience of meaning in life. We find this interesting and important to explore based on the university’s mission and particularly on how we can shape a better university and society for everyone on a knowledge-based basis. Therefore, we want to spread the knowledge and inspire more people!
Patrik Adlarson. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
What do you hope the event will lead to?
We hope that all participants will gain new knowledge and new reflections about themselves, about the university and their work situation based on knowledge about human flourishing. Maybe it will also give ideas to more people to examine how we may shape a university and society based on this knowledge, and thereby contribute to equal opportunities for everybody.
What do you hope participants take away from the day?
New knowledge and to reflect over the questions What is human flourishing to me? What do I need to flourish, and how can I contribute to my colleagues flourishing?
Camilla Thulin
Translation: Johan Wall