A Swansea University academic has been awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to explore a growing global movement in education: introducing dogs into the classroom.
Dr Helen Lewis, Associate Professor of Education and Childhood Studies, is chair and co-founder of the Swansea University-led National School Dog Alliance, and one of just 118 recipients selected in the Fellowship’s landmark 60th anniversary year.
The Fellowship will see Dr Lewis travel to the United States to collaborate in person with leading practitioners, while also taking part in an online programme with experts based in Singapore.
Her findings will contribute to Swansea University’s growing expertise in educational wellbeing. As school dog programmes gain popularity, Dr Lewis aims to spotlight and share effective international practices across UK classrooms.
Speaking about her award, Dr Lewis said: “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 offers UK citizens a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the change they want to see. Each Fellowship funds an individual to spend four to eight weeks meeting global experts in their chosen field, in person or online, to build international networks and exchange knowledge. Fellows then turn their insights into action—transforming communities, shaping services, and influencing policy across the UK.
Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Churchill Fellowship, said: “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.”
2025’s Churchill Fellows join a community of over 4,000 changemakers who work on the frontline of today’s critical issues, developing new solutions based on global research and their personal expertise.
From the ages of 18 to 80, and from every corner of all four nations, Churchill Fellows have achieved remarkable things, from becoming community leaders and charity founders to introducing new services and campaigning for action in fields ranging from climate change to education, technology, and the arts.