Hope & Optimism

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The Hope and Optimism initiative was a $5 million, four-year grant at Notre Dame, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. The project explored the theoretical, empirical, and practical dimensions of hope, optimism, and related states.

Featured Video

Hope on Screen

A discussion and celebration of our Hope on Screen initiative.
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Former project philosophy research fellow, Michael Milona (Ryerson University), examines findings on the benefits and risks involved in both hope and optimism in his extensive white paper.


  • Philosophy Philosophy

    Over $450,000 for residential, non-residential and dissertation fellowships.

  • Science Science

    $1.4 million in research funding, primarily in psychology and sociology.

  • Philosophy of Religion Philosophy of Religion

    Over $450,000 for residential and non-residential fellowships.

  • Stage Stage

    A $100,000 playwriting competition.

  • Screen Screen

    A $10,000 video competition.

Explore Research

Read more about the research and researchers funded by our project.

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Videos

Join our researchers and others in illuminating discussions of the place of hope and optimism in human life.

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Big Think Videos

Watch videos from our collaborative series with Big Think.

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Twitter

  • Great entry by two of our funded researchers! @kikseven2 @katiestockdale @LucBovens https://t.co/wnIdRbYINT
    08/17 at 3:54 am
  • RT @AndrewChignell: Frankfurt Hope conference day 2: Nicole Hassoun of @binghamtonu on "creative resolve" and hope, Michael Milona of @Aubu…
    06/24 at 7:46 am
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