Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University and a pioneering leader in the science of social connection. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research has transformed the global understanding of social relationships as a public health priority. Her landmark meta-analyses were the first to identify social connection as a protective factor and social isolation and loneliness as significant risk factors for mortality, on par with smoking and obesity, reshaping national and international health agendas.

Her expertise spans the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms and strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection.

As a trusted advisor across sectors, she served as lead scientific editor of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory and National Strategy on social connection and is a technical advisor to the World Health Organization. She has provided expert testimony to the U.S. Senate and contributed to high-impact initiatives with the National Academy of Sciences, United Nations, CDC, UK government, European Joint Research Council, Gravity Project and Commit-2-Connect.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad is widely recognised for advancing science-informed solutions to pressing social challenges. She regularly engages with major media outlets to raise public awareness. Her body of work exemplifies the integration of rigorous science, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to societal impact.