What can we do today to create a healthier, more equitable tomorrow?

New technologies, scientific discoveries and cultural shifts are redefining our future. We work with pioneering scientists, anthropologists, engineers, artists, and other creative thinkers across the nation to help us explore and accelerate cutting edge ideas and emerging trends that could advance health equity. It is through their ingenuity that we will build a healthier future for all.

While we are always on the lookout for any pioneering ideas that could help us live our healthiest lives, we are particularly interested in learning how we can influence the future in these four areas:

  • The Future of Food...where all have access to food that is healthier for our families, our workers, and our planet.
  • The Future of Social Interaction...where we have found healthier ways to connect with one another, regardless of the beliefs we hold or the technologies we use.
  • The Future of Work...where all jobs in every way possible, support our efforts to live our healthiest lives.
  • The Future of Evidence...where trusted information is collected, shared, and used ethically and equitably to advance wellbeing.

 

The equitable future we all deserve won’t simply arrive—we must create it together.


Related Initiatives

 

The pediatric emergency department at the Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ.

Challenge Assumptions

Rather than leading to bad decisions, "crowdsourcing" can actually improve medical decision-making.

Jóvenes SANOS led a healthy restaurant initiative that spurred the approval of an ordinance that requires new restaurants stations to offer and highlight healthy options. Santa Cruz is one of six winners of the inaugural RWJF Roadmaps to Health Prize.

Upend the Status Quo

Gig work can be made more equitable with fair pay, stable hours, and safe working conditions.

Todd County, South Dakota, 2019. Rosebud Reservation.
The Lakota Studies Tipi Building located at Sinte Gleska University.
Dera Iyotte (right) teaches Tribal History as well as a Lakota Astrolgy class. She has a degree in Cultural Resource Management. Dera goes to the Headstart Program and speaks with parents about natural plants + herbs that can be used in place of pharmaceuticals. 
Ta'olowan Luta Winstone (center).
Marion Fast Horse Morales (left).

Explore Emerging Trends

Could generative AI pomote collaboration, compassion, and other behaviors in online communities?

Soho, New York, USA. Walking.

Expand Thinking

Often overlooked as a health issue, noise can trigger stress and heart-related conditions.

Debra Flynn shows off the prototype of the shower sleeve she designed at the first medical maker space.

Offer New Perspectives

Nurses with a "maker" mindset are improving care at the bedside. 

J'Shuan Eagins, Forward Promise - Oakland

Ideas from Other Fields

Using Afrofuturism, high school kids are imagining a healthier future where Black and Brown people thrive.

Related Content

 

Featured Resources

 

Submit a Pioneering Ideas: Exploring the Future to Build a Culture of Health Proposal

We seek to support unconventional approaches and breakthrough ideas that can help lead the way to a future where everyone in America can live their healthiest life possible.