Department of Medical Social Sciences Partners with Rekhi Foundation to Expand the Science of Happiness
Chicago, IL — October 3, 2025 — Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Medical Social Sciences is proud to announce a transformative partnership with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness to expand access to evidence-based emotional well-being programs. Led by Vice Chair and Professor of Medical Social Sciences, Judith Moskowitz, PhD, MPH, and her lab, the Positive Psychology and Health Investigations Group (PPHIG), the initiative will support the development of new educational offerings that teach empirically supported skills such as mindfulness, gratitude, emotional awareness, and positive reappraisal of stress—skills proven to enhance well-being across populations. “We are so grateful to the Rekhi Foundation for supporting Moskowitz, especially in this critical time of need for science funding,” said Medical Social Sciences Chair, Rinad Beidas, PhD. “Moskowitz and her team’s work exemplify the essence of our department which is focused on leveraging the very best of social and behavioral science to improve people’s lives to be happier and healthier. Building the workforce of individuals who are able to impart this knowledge to the next generation of people is mission critical.”
Exploring New Approaches to Emotional Resilience
As part of this initiative, Moskowitz and her team will develop several new programs that apply the science of happiness in academic and professional settings. These may include offerings for students in medicine and law, as well as training opportunities for leaders interested in fostering well-being within their organizations. The goal is to explore scalable models that promote emotional resilience and systemic change. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Rekhi Foundation to explore new ways of bringing the science of happiness into education and leadership,” said Moskowitz. “This work has the potential to positively impact individuals and communities across many sectors.” Likewise, Satinder Singh Rekhi, PhD, MBA, shared, “At the Rekhi Foundation, we are honored to collaborate with Judy Moskowitz at Northwestern University in our shared commitment to promoting emotional well-being and a culture of happiness. We believe that happiness is not just a personal journey, but a community effort—and this partnership allows us to extend our reach and impact in meaningful ways. Together, we aim to create spaces where individuals can thrive, feel supported, and reconnect with their inner joy. I believe that happiness is a skill and the science behind that needs to be taught in educational institutions. Happiness brings success and not the other way round.”
About the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness
The Rekhi Foundation for Happiness is a global nonprofit organization committed to promoting happiness and well-being through education, research, and community engagement. Founded by Satinder Singh Rekhi and Harpreet Rekhi, the foundation partners with universities and institutions around the world to integrate happiness-focused curricula into academic programs. Grounded in scientific research from psychology and neuroscience, the foundation’s mission is to make happiness a teachable and accessible skill. Through its support of Centers of Excellence, workshops, and academic collaborations, the Rekhi Foundation is helping to build a global movement that empowers individuals and communities to thrive.