About the Lifetime Wellbeing Project
Our mission is to produce evidence and insights to improve wellbeing over a lifetime, and enable people and policymakers to implement this knowledge.
The Lifetime Wellbeing Project was founded in 2021 by Professor Paul Dolan of the London School of Economics.
We believe human welfare depends on more than just physical health and survival. It requires social connections, purpose, autonomy, and joy. Our aim is to reorient society towards metrics of wellbeing that capture life experiences, not just life expectancy.
Our vision is a world where everyone can thrive across their lifetime. Where people not only live longer, but live more fulfilled lives from childhood through older age. We want to help shape policy, workplaces, and communities where wellbeing matters most.
Our Story
The idea for the Lifetime Wellbeing Project was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis highlighted cracks in our healthcare systems, social safety nets, and economic structures. It revealed how deeply human welfare depends on community, relationships and mental health.
In response, Professor Dolan saw an urgent need to reorient society around wellbeing over an entire lifetime. To shift policy, business, and the public towards choices that allow people to truly flourish. The Lifetime Wellbeing Project was created to drive this movement.
In 2021 we established our research centre, funding arm, cooperative community space, and training programmes. We're based in London but our aim is to do outreach across the UK and translate research into practical resources.
Luke Johnson
Luke is Chairman of the Lifetime Wellbeing Project. He is a leading UK entrepreneur and Chairman of Risk Capital Partners. Johnson oversees key partnerships and business operations. His corporate experience brings expertise in value creation, organisational leadership, and sustainable growth.
Our Board of Advisors includes leading researchers, policy experts, business leaders and thinkers committed to our mission. This allows us to integrate diverse perspectives and expertise as we work to improve lifetime wellbeing nationwide.
Our Leadership
Professor Paul Dolan
Paul holds the Chair in Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. He has spent over 25 years studying human behaviour and happiness. Named as one of the world's finest thinkers by Prospect Magazine, Dolan advises organisations internationally on measuring and improving wellbeing. His bestselling books include Happiness by Design and Happy Ever After.
The Future
While the Lifetime Wellbeing Project began in response to a global crisis, our mission endures beyond COVID-19. We will continue working to shift systems towards wellbeing, positive psychology, prevention of misery, and sustaining human connections.
We hope you will join us on this journey. Together, through research, training, community-building and more, we can create a society designed for our complete welfare.
Get Involved
There will be opportunities for the public, partners, volunteers and donors to participate in research, events, training and more.