A transformative approach to scientific inquiry and innovation on purpose
Purpose and science belong together in the same sentence.
The Purpose Science and innovation Exchange (PSiX) unites the rigorous study and lived experience of purpose to forge pathways to discovery and knowledge sharing. Founded at Cornell Human Ecology and in strategic alliance with Purpose Commons, our work brings together researchers, community organizations, and policymakers to develop evidence-backed solutions to real-world challenges while deepening understanding of purpose as a transformative force in people’s lives.
Steeped in a Tradition of Sustainable Research Partnerships.
PSiX emerges from the longstanding, trusted, and collaborative tradition of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell Human Ecology’s hub for accelerating connections between research, practice, and policy. Informed by this setting, PSiX is committed to pursuing authentic and sustainable research-practice partnerships where data and insights are shared among stakeholders, and high-quality research on purpose is used for positive public impact.
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Currently, purpose researchers lack meaningful opportunities to engage with one another and others, like youth-serving organizations and youth. Our solution is the Lab of Labs - a collaborative, dynamic network of researchers in purpose science distributed across partner institutions.
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Many barriers exist to maximizing the power of purpose in young people’s lives. Our solution is a novel collaboration with Purpose Commons, where we team up as sister organizations to elevate an understanding of purpose and explore strategies for cultivating it among young people.
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Purpose is an evidence-backed resource that many changemakers – from nonprofits to funders and other enterprises – recognize as an asset for improving outcomes. By collaborating with orgnanizations such as 4-H, GripTape, and The Contribution Project, we transform and expand the way purpose is understood, accessed, and developed.
Our Work
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Collaboration: The Contribution Project
Exploring how youth and young adults pursue and successfully navigate the challenges of making contributions that matter to them and others.
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Collaboration: Purpose and self-driven learning
Studying innovative learning environments - such as the Griptape program - that help youth discover and pursue their authentic interests.
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Publication: Purpose in the stress process
Our research explores how a sense of purpose can buffer against negative psychological and physiological effects of stressful encounters.
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Keynote: Purpose, 5 things to know
Dr. Anthony Burrow delivers a keynote address at the Cornell Alumni Leadership Council, in a talk entitled Purpose: 5 things to know, 3 things to question and 1 thing to actively avoid
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Publication: How purposeful are youth?
This paper reviews research evidence suggesting youth may be more purposeful than many adults often believe.
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Podcast: Hidden Brain - Cultivating your purpose
Dr. Anthony Burrow discusses the role of purpose as a resource for health and happiness on this podcast episode of Hidden Brain.
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Publication: Trajectories of youth purpose
For young people, having purpose can have an impact on their emotional well-being. This is especially true when given the opporutnity and mentorship to explore their purpose.
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Publication: The PATHS to purpose
A paper suggesting novel ways of viewing purpose as an enduring trait, habit, or temporary state of being.
Our Areas of Strategic Inquiry:
While PSiX pursues an expansive research and innovation agenda, we strategically prioritize four areas of inquiry where we believe purpose science is poised to have the greatest transformative impact. These areas guide our project selection, allowing us to build cohesive expertise in order to address our partners’ most pressing needs.
Youth Development & Adjustment
Investigating how young people initially develop and cultivate their sense of purpose, building foundations for lifelong engagement and resilience.
Health & Well-being
Exploring mechanisms through which purpose can enhance physical and mental health outcomes across diverse populations and community settings.
Technology & Learning
Leveraging technological innovations to scale purpose science applications and create accessible, personalized learning experiences.
Leadership & Career Development
Integrating purpose science into professional contexts to enhance leadership effectiveness, career growth, and organizational performance.