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

Featured Research

Why Hope versus be Realistic?

Many people believe that if they were to lose hope, their life would be much worse – to such an extent that life may no longer seem worth living. But hope is not only important for us as individuals; our societies and communities are only truly flourishing if their members share certain hopes.
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Dr. Claudia Blöser
Institute for Philosophy, Goethe University Frankfurt
Dr. Titus Stahl
Faculty of Philosophy
University of Groningen
  • 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 $50,000 playwriting competition.

  • Screen Screen

    A $10,000 video competition.