Development of INES Concept

The conception and evolution of INES are the results of visionary thinking and collective commitment to reshaping the scientific landscape of environmental health. As a collaborative effort among experts from diverse disciplines, INES was designed to address existing gaps in research. The journey began with an in-depth evaluation of the prevailing scientific discourse, primarily focused on the adverse impacts of environmental factors. This exploration highlighted a clear gap: the underestimation of the positive dimensions that contribute to human health and well-being.

While the dominant scientific narrative often revolves around a litany of directives like “don’t do this, don’t do that”, it is time to chart a new path that emphasizes positive actions promoting well-being. This realization served as a catalyst, supporting the emergence of a revolutionary vision: a research initiative delving into the epigenetic nuances of positive life experiences and their profound impact on health homeostasis and well-being.

The conception of INES involved a dynamic exchange of ideas, drawing from the expertise of researchers from various fields: molecular and evolutionary biologists, epidemiologists, epigeneticists, global and occupational health researchers, psychologists, statistical bioinformaticians, data science, and sustainable/explainable AI experts, management engineers, and urban/landscape architects. These researchers share a deep interest in prevention and a shared commitment to uncovering the intricate connections between positive life experiences, epigenetic dynamics, and proactive well-being maintenance.

This multidisciplinary synergy fosters the development of a comprehensive framework, forming the foundation upon which INES is built. As the original concept evolved, it was supported by the belief that scientific innovation must embrace the entirety of human experiences. The goal is to steer research away from a singular focus on risk factors and towards an exploration of the intricate interplay between positivity, resilience, and health. This evolution must be guided by a solid commitment to scientific integrity, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of transformative insights through the paradigm of Open Science and engagement with potential commercial application markets.