Dr Michael Smurfit has joined the advisory board of a new US-based group which aims to advance health and happiness worldwide by developing a "science of well-being" which would unify disciplines such as psychiatry and psychology.

The businessman, who famously brought the Ryder Cup to Ireland in September, has also made a "significant" financial contribution to the work of the St Louis-based Anthropaideia Foundation.

In a statement issued by a New York public relations firm, the non-profit group described itself as an international collective of scientific researchers, physicians, educators and artists who wished to develop an "integrative" approach to well-being.

"The organisation derives its name from anthropos, which means human being, and paidei, which is the process of educating man into his true form," it said. "The science of well-being unifies multiple disciplines, including medicine, psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience, to describe the mechanisms underlying the healthy development of body, thought and psyche."

It added: "Anthropaideia is partnering with hospitals, health specialists and leading philanthropists around the world to help people lead healthier lifestyles and achieve greater life satisfaction."

Best known as the dominant figure at packaging group Jefferson Smurfit, Dr Smurfit is one of five people on the advisory board. Others include Timothy McKenna, a vice-president at Jefferson Smurfit's former US affiliate Smurfit Stone, and Francine Katz, a vice-president at brewing group Anheuser Busch.

Dr Smurfit's representative in Dublin had no comment on his involvement.

The group's board of directors, which is separate to its advisory board, includes Prince Albert II of Monaco.