Humin is building a world where everyone everywhere can flourish

Humin, called Healthy Minds Innovations until 2026, is founded by Dr. Richard J. Davidson to translate decades of his neuroscientific research on emotions, contemplation, and the brain into practical tools for wellbeing. The organization builds on discoveries from Davidson’s work since 1984 and from the Center for Healthy Minds at UW–Madison since 2009.

The “Healthy Minds” scientific framework is conceived as part of Humin’s Chief Contemplative Officer Dr. Cortland Dahl’s doctoral dissertation. Dahl proposes four groups of trainable skills—awareness, connection, insight, and purpose (ACIP)—which become foundational for Humin’s research and wellbeing innovations.

The Kindness Curriculum is created and released for free to the public, ultimately reaching more than 25,000 teachers worldwide. Developed by expert Laura Pinger following a 2015 study by Dr. Lisa Flook, it shows that qualities of mind can be taught early and later guides Sesame Street’s Emmy-winning season on kindness.

Humin launches the free Healthy Minds Program app based on the ACIP framework, reaching users in 140 countries and earning top awards for “best meditation app.” Research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows substantial benefits, and the Healthy Minds Framework is published in PNAS with evidence that wellbeing can be trained through ACIP.

Center for Healthy Minds researcher Dr. Simon Goldberg publishes the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of the Healthy Minds Program, providing early rigorous evidence that the program can improve wellbeing through trainable skills.

Center for Healthy Minds researcher Dr. Matt Hirshberg publishes the first randomized controlled trial of the Healthy Minds Program with K–12 educators, demonstrating benefits for teachers in the Madison Metropolitan School District during a period of extraordinary stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Humin completes its Mobile Measures project, funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, creating engaging, validated games to assess adolescent wellbeing across ACIP. These tools, including “Meteor Mission” and “Reflection Rings,” are implemented globally in research and support meaningful self-reflection for youth.

Humin receives major grants from DARPA and the Templeton World Charity Foundation alongside the Center for Healthy Minds, advancing personalization, workforce interventions, and research with new populations. The organization partners with institutions such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UW–Madison to impact teachers, autistic teenagers, and caregivers of elderly parents.

Humin expands its offerings with the free Emotional Styles Quiz, a pilot Science of Flourishing Course, and new webinars and experiences. The team also strengthens strategic client partnerships with leading organizations, including Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Center for Healthy Minds researcher Dr. Matt Hirshberg publishes a large-scale randomized controlled trial of more than 2,000 healthcare professionals in Mexico, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, marking a major milestone in global, peer-reviewed validation of the Healthy Minds Program in healthcare settings.

Humin broadens its positioning by launching Wellbeing Science Services for organizations in technology, health, hospitality, education, and municipalities. The organization also earns Rising Star in Prevention at HLTH’s 2025 Digital Health Awards.

To achieve its mission of making wellbeing real for everyone, Humin rebrands from Healthy Minds Innovations into a global wellbeing brand. The new identity reflects its expanded reach and long-term commitment to transforming wellbeing worldwide.