Dr. Helen Lewis, an Associate Professor of Education and Childhood Studies at Swansea University, has been selected as one of 118 recipients of the Churchill Fellowship in its 60th anniversary year. Dr. Lewis is also the chair and co-founder of the National School Dog Alliance, which is led by Swansea University.
The Fellowship will allow Dr. Lewis to travel to the United States to work with leading practitioners in person and participate in an online program with experts based in Singapore. Her research aims to enhance Swansea University's expertise in educational wellbeing by spotlighting effective international practices related to school dog programs, which are gaining popularity.
Dr. Lewis expressed her gratitude for receiving the Fellowship, stating: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this Fellowship. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with international experts and explore how school dogs are effectively enriching classrooms around the world. I’m excited to bring these insights back to the UK to help create safe, supportive spaces where pupils and educators – and the dogs themselves can thrive.”
The Churchill Fellowship provides UK citizens with a unique chance to lead change by funding individuals for four to eight weeks of global networking and knowledge exchange. Fellows use their insights to transform communities, shape services, and influence policy across the UK.
Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Churchill Fellowship, commented: “We are delighted to welcome our 2025 Churchill Fellows and to witness the incredible drive and dedication they bring to their work. As we celebrate 60 years of the Churchill Fellowship, we are proud to play a part in empowering these passionate individuals to become catalysts for meaningful change. Whether making a difference in a local community or shaping national debate, we look forward to following them on their journeys to create lasting impact across the UK.”
The 2025 Churchill Fellows join over 4,000 changemakers who address critical issues through global research and personal expertise. These Fellows range from ages 18 to 80 and have achieved significant accomplishments such as becoming community leaders, charity founders, introducing new services, and campaigning for action across various fields including climate change, education, technology, and the arts.