​​Our research agenda aims to answer the following question: What are the most effective ways we can use our resources to make others happier?

It consists of three sections:

  • Cause areas - explains how the six main cause areas (mental health, pain, positive education, societal change, drug policy reform, research) were identified and presents various specific questions related to each.
  • More general research questions - sets out further relevant research questions that are not specifically related to one of the six cause areas.
  • Towards practical recommendations - identifies some research questions that seem particularly relevant for determining what effective altruists should do right now. This is based on our current understanding and, naturally, is subject to change depending on the insights gained from answering the research questions stated in the preceding sections.

​The research agenda is open. All are welcome to pick a topic and investigate it. If you would like to work on a question in the agenda please email HLI's director, Michael Plant, who aims to provide assistance and avoid unnecessary duplication of work.

Who we are

Our strategy
Our story
​Our team
The Happier Lives Institute (“HLI”) is operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178), a Maryland charitable trust with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to HLI are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.