Lee Chambers wins US Science Academy Award

Lee Chambers, the Preston-based psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, has received an award from the renowned American institute, the National Academy of Sciences.

He has travelled to California to receive a Kavli Fellowship, of which 40 are given each year to emerging scientists leading their fields and the future of science globally.

Chambers is the only British scientist to be selected for this year's award and the first Black British scientist to receive the USKFOS. He joins scientists from eight different fields for an event, connecting this year's 40 awardees, many of whom are from Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Princeton.

The award is in its 33rd year, having started in 1989, and is seen as the premier accolade for distinguished young scientists. Since it's inception, 18 awardees have gone on to become Nobel Prize winners, while many others are senior leaders in science internationally.

On becoming a Kavli Fellow, Chambers said, "This is something I could have only dreamed of achieving as a young boy growing up in Bolton. To be internationally recognised by a leading global scientific institute for my work is truly humbling, and representing the UK on the biggest global stages is an honour.

"I'm excited to learn about the leading research in fields other than my own. And as I go out to Los Angeles to meet my fellow 39, I'm taking a piece of Lancashire with me to show the best scientific minds just what we do in our fine county."

While international success is a real milestone, Chambers reflections are telling, with him being clear that without the Lancashire business community, he and Essentialise wouldn't be where they are today.

His parting thought was that he wants to work with more Lancashire businesses focused on wellbeing and inclusion, partnering with them to do it effectively and supporting them with the process.