Gathering in Challenging Times: Why ISQOLS 2026 in the U.S. Matters

As an American who has lived in Germany for the past 26 years, I often look back to the states with both, appreciation for having been born and raised there and also, reminded that we are never exempt from challenging times. While in Europe, I truly have had the opportunity to experience various cultures, societal systems and mindsets about well-being. Additionally, I have learned that all countries go through periods of difficulty. The U.S. is currently experiencing many dimensions of complex social and political issues; like many countries around the globe.

It is precisely at this moment when researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in quality of life have an increased responsibility to fulfill their respective roles. This is why the 24th Annual Conference of International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS) - held August 11 - 14, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky - is so significant.

An “academic conference”, yes, but also much more. This is a chance for people from different nations, education, disciplines, and life experiences to gather in the same room, share their work, listen and respond to each other - while reflecting together of a better future. When scholars of happiness, well-being, equity, and social progress gather, ideas spark, collaborations ignite, and new ideas take flame. There is an exchange of purpose that leads to collaboration and ultimately to the development of solutions. Given the division of the world today, this type of interaction fosters hope and mutual understanding.

Lexington, Kentucky is in the heart of the Bluegrass Region and offers a hospitable environment for productive and solution oriented discussions. The talks and ideas that will be shared and friendships that will be established will, I believe, eventually impact policies, communities and institutions. In this way, the gathering in Lexington has the possibility of affecting not only academic discourse but also the daily lives of people in the U.S. and around the world. I truly think and hope that together, we can help move folks from around the world in the direction of a compassionate, kinder and more evidence-based society.

Let’s all hold on to the vision of what John Lennon said, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end".

Randall Birnberg