In 2025, as Nature sought to understand the well-being of PhD students globally, happiness researcher Frank Martela published "Stop Chasing Happiness," exploring the cultural factors contributing to Finland's consistent ranking as the world's happiest country. Martela, based at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, posits that the Finnish approach to life, characterized by acceptance, contentment, and a shunning of overt displays of wealth or success, contributes significantly to their national happiness.

Finland, despite its long winters and reputation for heavy metal music, is consistently recognized as the world's happiest country by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre, UK. Martela's research delves into the nuances of Finnish culture, highlighting the importance of energized contentment, where individuals pursue chosen projects without fixating on specific job titles or awards. He advocates for a mindset shift, urging individuals to disregard the opinions of others and embrace the possibility of being disliked.

Martela's perspective provides a counterpoint to the often-cited pursuit of happiness as a primary life goal. He suggests that true fulfillment lies in accepting life's realities and finding satisfaction in one's chosen path. For those considering or currently navigating a science career, Martela's insights offer a valuable framework for prioritizing well-being and finding contentment in the process of research and discovery. His work encourages a focus on intrinsic motivation and community engagement, rather than external validation.