Health and well-being in a healthy society

The research area "Health and well-being in a healthy society" studies the institutional and behavioral factors that play a role in health and well-being for people of all ages.

Within the theme Health and well-being in a healthy society, we conduct research and provide teaching on the environmental and behavioural factors that impact health and well-being—for all ages and population groups. Our work contributes to: 

• promoting health and well-being; 
• preventing, assessing, and treating health problems;  
• gaining insight into social, biomedical, institutional, and technological aspects of health.  

We focus on society as a whole, with special attention to vulnerable groups and their living environments, considering both the Dutch and the international context. We also pay particular attention to structural health inequalities between population groups and to the challenges in our local cities, Leiden and The Hague, for example through the Leiden Healthy Society Center and the Health Campus The Hague.  

Three focus areas

Our work to promote a healthy society comprises three focus areas. 

• Mental health across the lifespan 

• Health promotion and resilience 

• Social inequality of health 

Principles

Within the theme Health and well-being in a healthy society, our research and teaching are guided by five core principles: 

1. Broad view of health and prevention 

We take an integrated perspective on health and well-being, focusing on physical, mental, social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors. Prevention is key, approached from a lifespan perspective and with interventions at all levels, from the individual to society as a whole. 

2. Inclusion and participation 

We focus on inclusive and participatory projects in which the experiential expertise of those involved plays a central role. By working together with the target group, we increase the relevance and lasting impact of our projects. 

3. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration 

Our work is rooted in collaboration across boundaries – such as those that have traditionally been perceived between scientific disciplines and between science and society. Research questions arise from co-creation with end users and stakeholders, with knowledge exchange and collaboration at every stage of research and education. Read more about our forms of collaboration and partners on the Collaboration page (link). 

4. From fundamental to applied – taking a translational approach 

We connect fundamental research with practical applications that have both societal and academic impact. To do so, we use advanced methods, technologies such as eHealth and VR, and subject-specific expertise in areas such as behavioural biology, psychophysiology, and fMRI. 

5. Open Science and social connection 

We uphold the principles of Open Science: open, transparent, and inclusive. We value collaboration, share knowledge, and recognize the contributions of all the various members of the team. In this way, we strengthen the relationship between science and society – and enhance quality and impact.