Blogs & conversations
The Churchill Fellowship
become a fellow

News & views

Blogs & conversations

Churchill Fellows offer their views and advice on topical issues, based on global research and UK activities.

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 blog alerts, sign up at the foot of this page.

If you are a Fellow and would like to write a blog for us, please email digital@churchillfellowship.org to discuss the topic you have in mind.

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Laura Wyatt-Smith: Exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood

We spoke with Laura Wyatt-Smith about her Churchill Fellowship exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood. From Silicon Valley to Europe, she investigated how parents, educators, and tech experts are responding to the digitalisation of childhood. Now, she is sharing her findings through talks, workshops, and an upcoming book, helping parents navigate this issue with practical guidance.

By Laura Wyatt-Smith, 20 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Laura Wyatt-Smith: Exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood

We spoke with Laura Wyatt-Smith about her Churchill Fellowship exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood. From Silicon Valley to Europe, she investigated how parents, educators, and tech experts are responding to the digitalisation of childhood. Now, she is sharing her findings through talks, workshops, and an upcoming book, helping parents navigate this issue with practical guidance.

By Laura Wyatt-Smith, 20 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

Investigative Genetic Genealogy: A New Era for UK Policing

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) could provide long-overdue answers to families and transform UK policing. By learning from experts in the USA, Canada, and Sweden, I examined how IGG can be implemented ethically and effectively within the UK’s legal framework. With growing momentum for its use, I’m committed to advocating for responsible adoption – ensuring this powerful tool can be used responsibly to deliver justice.

By Emma Tilley, 12 February 2025

Blogs & conversations

Reflections on my first year at the Churchill Fellowship

Reflecting on his first year as a Fellowship Officer, Usman Farid shares highlights of his experience guiding potential Fellows through the application process. He discusses helping projects evolve, applying key grant-making principles, the challenges and rewards of the longlisting process, and the excitement of supporting applicants and watching them drive change in their communities.

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Sangeeta Mahajan: Championing suicide prevention and bereavement support

Five years on from her Fellowship, we spoke with Churchill Fellow Sangeeta Mahajan about how her profound loss inspired her mission to improve suicide prevention. Sangeeta shares insights from her research in the USA and Australia, the gaps she identified in UK care systems, and her efforts to create lasting change through education, peer support, and advocacy.

By Sangeeta Mahajan, 23 January 2025

Blogs & conversations

In conversation with Lucy Vincent: Improving food quality and culture in UK prisons

We spoke with Churchill Fellow Lucy Vincent, founder of the charity Food Behind Bars, about her journey from journalist to campaigner and her vision for improving food quality and culture in UK prisons. Lucy shares insights from her Churchill Fellowship research in Scandinavia, the challenges facing UK prison catering, and her plans to support prison catering teams through training and a new podcast.

By Lucy Vincent, 9 January 2025

Blogs & conversations

Highlights of 2024

Our Chairman, Jeremy Soames, reflects on a year of growth and achievement for The Churchill Fellowship, including concluding our work on Migration, launching new programmes in Education and Health, and welcoming 134 new Fellows. Looking ahead, Jeremy shares exciting plans for our 60th anniversary in 2025.

Blogs & conversations

Exploring community-based approaches for women impacted by the justice system

At One Small Thing, I work to explore solutions to reduce the number of women entering prison by promoting community-based approaches. My Churchill Fellowship next year will take me to Canada, Germany, and Finland to learn how others are addressing similar challenges and inspiring policymakers to reimagine justice for women. I’m eager to connect with changemakers globally and share insights on creating a system that prioritises community over custody.

By Sarah Smith, 12 December 2024

Blogs & conversations

Adultifying Black Girls

Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how Black girls are adultified in state care – from their relationships with parents to social work practices and transitions to independent living. Travelling to the USA and Canada, I engaged with researchers and practitioners, uncovering how adultification affects Black girls and identifying potential solutions. My findings highlight the need to move beyond tick-box approaches in social work and recognise the strengths Black girls develop despite these challenges. I’m now sharing these insights through CPD sessions, campaigns, and my ongoing PhD, with the hope of driving meaningful change for children affected.

By Sylvia Ikomi, 5 December 2024

Blogs & conversations

Rethinking Mosque Spaces in Shaping British Muslim Identity

My Fellowship explored how mosque architecture in the UK influences the identity of young British Muslims, focusing on design and diversity. I examined the challenges of blending traditional Islamic architecture with British styles and the impact of mosque politics on community building. Through my research, which involved studying best practices in Canada, South Africa, and the USA, I developed key recommendations with the aim of inspiring a new approach to mosque spaces that reflects a 21st-century Western context.

By Abdullah Geelah, 28 November 2024

Blogs & conversations

Rethinking Mosque Spaces in Shaping British Muslim Identity

My Fellowship explored how mosque architecture in the UK influences the identity of young British Muslims, focusing on design and diversity. I examined the challenges of blending traditional Islamic architecture with British styles and the impact of mosque politics on community building. Through my research, which involved studying best practices in Canada, South Africa, and the USA, I developed key recommendations with the aim of inspiring a new approach to mosque spaces that reflects a 21st-century Western context.

By Abdullah Geelah, 28 November 2024

Newsletter Sign Up