An East Lancashire businessman has become the only Brit to receive a Science Fellowship from the National Academy of Sciences.

Lee Chambers, the psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing from Wilpshire, has received the Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellowship from the renowned American institute, the National Academy of Sciences.

He is currently in California to receive the Kavli Fellowship, of which 40 are given each year to emerging scientists who are leading their fields and leading the future of science globally.

Mr Chambers is the only British scientist to be selected for this year’s award, as well as being the first black British scientist to become a USKFOS Fellow.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lee Chambers with Suleman KhonatLee Chambers with Suleman Khonat (Image: Public)

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 premiere accolade for distinguished young scientists. Since its 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, Mr Chambers said: "I've worked extremely hard over the years to try and make a difference, but I never expected to find myself in this kind of company.

“To be internationally recognised by a leading global scientific institute for my work is truly humbling, and to be representing the UK on the biggest of global stages is an honour.

“I'm excited to learn from my peers and be able to connect with the brightest talent in science. 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, Mr Chambers reflections are telling, with him being very 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.