The Schweitzer Institute is inspired by the teachings and philosophy of the Nobel Peace-prizewinner Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965). It is dedicated to alleviating suffering and injustice in the world, and creating a more equitable and sustainable future for our planet and all of its inhabitants.
Founded in 1984 as the Albert Schweitzer Memorial Foundation, the Institute conducts international programs that link education, ethics and voluntarism. Programs focus on health care development in under-served areas; motivating young people to serve the community and the environment as a way of life; and increasing public awareness of Dr. Schweitzer's philosophy and its potential for a more peaceful and sustainable world. The Institute organizes conferences, lectures and workshops, sponsors fellowships and awards, provides humanitarian aid to developing countries, and publicly advocates for human rights, the environment and world peace.
At Chapman University in the United States, the Institute seeks to preserve, critically interpret, and spread the ethical teachings of Albert Schweitzer in the context of the study of ethics and ethical values. The Institute implements its purpose by means of popular and scholarly publications; international conferences; university courses and campus events; lectures at schools, churches, service clubs, and other organizations; activities in areas of public concern to which Schweitzer's philosophy may be applied; preservation and expansion of the Schweitzer archive at Chapman University; and collaboration with other centers dedicated to ethical inquiry and the teachings of Schweitzer.
The Quinnipiac branch of the Institute conducts education programs that teach young people ethical values and encourage their commitment to community service. Its main program activity in health care is the Schweitzer Conferences and Seminars Series for health care leaders held in Central and Eastern Europe and in countries of the former Soviet Union. These conferences explore clinical, public health, human rights and ethical issues in order to foster health care initiatives that improve the lives of under-served populations.