Introducing Our 2026 Churchill Fellows
We’re proud to introduce 109 new Churchill Fellows for 2026.
News & views
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Churchill Fellows work on the frontline of today’s crucial issues, developing new solutions based on global research and personal expertise. In this section you can find their latest views and advice, news, activities and events.
To connect with a Fellow, please go to their Profile page. To find related content, click the tag under each item below. To receive regular blogs and news, sign up at the foot of this page.
If you are a Fellow and would like to send us material for this section, please email communications@churchillfellowship.org to discuss what you have in mind.
Introducing Our 2026 Churchill Fellows
We’re proud to introduce 109 new Churchill Fellows for 2026.
June 2026 Fellows' update: Leisa Nichols-Drew
Leisa Nichols-Drew (CF 2018) featured on BBC Morning Live alongside Leanne Lucas to discuss the harm caused by pointed kitchen knives and the work of the trauma-informed Lets Be Blunt campaign.
By Leisa Nichols-Drew, 29 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Emma Beddall
Emma Beddall (CF 2020) delivered a keynote presentation at the Beyond the Family Tree conference presenting findings from her Churchill Fellowship research on how investigative genetic genealogy can help provide resolution for families of unidentified individuals.
By Emma Beddall, 26 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Jemima Lovatt
Jemima Lovatt (CF 2025) spoke at the UK Environmental Law Association Annual Conference, sharing insights from her Churchill Fellowship research in India and time spent with climate lawyers in Geneva.
By Jemima Lovatt, 26 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Tony Thompson
Tony Thompson (CF 2012) CEO and Co Artistic Director of Sweet Patootee Arts has shared that the Sweet Patootee Arts TURNING POINT heritage project brochure is out now and available to download for free.
By Tony Thompson, 26 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Beverley Samways
Beverley Samways (CF 2023) has recently published a book: Unspoken Stories: Learning to Listen to People with Intellectual Disabilities who are Non-Speaking
By Beverley Samways, 26 June 2026
Backing individuals as changemakers
2026 has seen the Churchill Fellowship launch its first new major grant programme for 60 years. The Activate Fund has been designed to enable individual changemakers to turn ideas into action, benefiting communities right across the UK. Abigail Campbell, Head of Activate, shares the journey.
June 2026 Fellows' update: Leisa Nichols-Drew
Leisa Nichols-Drew (CF 2018) presented 'Pointing Out the Need for Change' at the 9th European Division International Association of Identification conference, sharing how learning from her Churchill Fellowship has informed research and campaigning to reduce knife harm.
By Leisa Nichols-Drew, 25 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Kevin Davidson
Kevin Davidson (CF 2024) attended the 2026 Klosters Forum in Switzerland, an invitation-only gathering that brings together artists, environmentalists, educators, philanthropists, investors, policymakers, and systems thinkers to explore solutions to environmental challenges.
By Kevin Davidson, 24 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Irfan Zaman
Irfan Zaman (CF 2025) wrote an article for Jewish News reflecting on his Churchill Fellowship research into campus polarisation, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
By Irfan Zaman, 23 June 2026
June 2026 Fellows' update: Irfan Zaman
Irfan Zaman (CF 2025) wrote an article for Jewish News reflecting on his Churchill Fellowship research into campus polarisation, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
By Irfan Zaman, 23 June 2026