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Ashish comes from a small town in the Himalayan mountains of northern India and has lived in Finland since 2013. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, he has also pursued academia, earning three MSc degrees in Communication Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management and Behavioral Science along with a Bachelor's in Computer Science. His MSc in Behavioral Science was a turning point, sparking his interest in happiness and well-being science.

What inspired you to design the course Happiness Science from Finland? 

The idea of happiness and well-being is something we all care about. Yet, much of the scientific knowledge has not been shared outside the academic settings. I have been inspired by leading scholars like Daniel Kahneman, Richard Layard, Ed Diener, and Frank Martela (who is also my PhD supervisor). Over time, I have gained a lot from the insights that science offers about happiness, and I wanted to create a course that would allow others to benefit from these learnings as well. 

When the World Happiness Report comes every year, I still hear people getting confused about what is actually being tested and how the countries are ranked. Many don’t realize how advanced happiness and well-being science has become. Studies show that happiness can predict life expectancy, voting patterns, and even major revolutions. In the working landscape, research has also associated employee well-being with productivity, employee turnover, and revenue. I wanted to translate these learnings into something accessible and practical for everyone – a course where people can learn, reflect, and apply the knowledge to their own lives. 

Another driving factor for me is the potential to inspire young minds to get excited about happiness science. The field will only grow and progress if more people engage with it. At the same time, I want to help practitioners use science-based interventions to support well-being initiatives in their organizations. That is why the course is open to everyone from students to professionals, so that people can use it for personal growth and workplace practices.   

What kind of projects and assignments can the students expect to be working on during the course? 

Most of the assignments involve reflection and self-application. Participants will explore the latest research on happiness, identify what truly matters in life and work, and design a happier life for themselves. The main goal of these exercises is for participants to internalize the insights gained from the lecture and leave with actionable steps to enhance their well-being.

In what ways is Finland setting an example for prioritizing happiness, work-life, and life balance in general? 

Finland and other Nordic countries consistently rank among the happiest countries in the world for many reasons. Common themes, such as well-functioning democracies with low corruption and an extensive welfare system, create a sense of security, trust, and freedom in society.

In Finland, for example, people enjoy a high level of autonomy, a strong work-life balance, flat hierarchies, and a deep connection with nature – all strong predictors of well-being. In the Nordics, both individual and societal factors are prioritized, creating an environment where citizens thrive individually and collectively.

Through this course, we will explore these factors and what stands out for the Nordics in general and Finland in particular, making the region one of the happiest places for individuals and society.  

How is happiness research and science integrated into the course? 

The course is deeply rooted in science. We will explore evidence from leading researchers in the field and discuss well-being theories such as needs-based frameworks and subjective well-being. Participants will learn how happiness is measured, why certain policies and behaviours work, and how happiness science has evolved. We will also focus on applying these insights – what the science says about happiness and how we can apply it to our lives. 

What do you hope students will take away from this summer course, both academically and personally? 

I hope participants will leave with a deeper understanding of happiness and well-being. They will learn to distinguish myths from evidence-based insights and explore practical strategies for improving their happiness and well-being.

Beyond just knowledge, my dream is for participants to leave the course happier than when they started. I hope this course not only equips them with tools to create a meaningful and happier life but also stimulates their thinking about the factors that actually contribute to happiness both for them and society.

The application period for Happiness Science from Finland is open until 31 May 2025.