Purpose Science & Innovation Exchange advances the study of purpose in life by bridging rigorous scientific research with real-world application.

Opportunities for Researchers

PSiX is a hub for scholars interested in the science of purpose. We provide:

  • Collaborative Research Networks – Connect with leading researchers exploring purpose across psychology, education, health, and social policy.

  • Funding & Data Resources – Seed grants, large-scale datasets, and methodological tools to support innovative studies.

  • Knowledge Exchange & Publication Support – Engage in workshops, working groups, and dissemination efforts to amplify research impact.

  • Applied Research Pathways – Partner with practitioners and organizations to test and refine purpose-related interventions in real-world settings.

Get Involved

We welcome researchers from diverse fields to contribute to and expand the study of purpose. Whether you are conducting foundational research, seeking interdisciplinary collaborations, or translating findings into practice, PSiX offers resources and partnerships to advance your work.

Join the Network | Access Research Tools | Explore Funding Opportunities

Read more about our research

  • Trajectories and predictors of adolescent purpose development in self- driven learning

    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.

    See the research

  • The role of purpose in the stress process: A homeostatic account

    Did you know that having purpose can keep you focused on an overarching goal and make everyday challenges, like stress, less disruptive for you?

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  • Beyond Finding Purpose: Motivating a Translational Science of Purpose Acquisition

    It's time to move beyond defining purpose and instead focus on translating research into real-world strategies. By adopting a translational science approach, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating interventions that help people cultivate and sustain purpose in their lives. This shift has the potential to enhance well-being on a broad scale.

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  • Paper 4

    Explanation of Paper 4

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Our ideas at work

  • Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose

    PSiX Director Anthony Burrow appeared on NPR’s Hidden Brain to discuss why purpose isn’t something to be found — it’s something we can develop from within.

    Listen

  • Purpose in Life: 5 things to know, 3 things to question, and 1 thing to actively avoid

    PSiX Director Anthony Burrow spoke bout leading a more purposeful life at the 2025 Cornell Alumni Leadership Conference symposium.

    Watch

  • Cultivating Purpose in Adolescence: How adults can support youth to thrive

    This panel discussion focuses on how programs and policies, spearheaded by adults, can support youth to discover their purpose.

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  • Translating the Science of Youth Contribution

    Contributions to family and community isn’t just good for youth—it’s something they need to grow and thrive. Learn about The Contribution Project, a program that supports young adults in giving back and discuss ways to create more opportunities for teens to contribute.

    Watch