Congratulations to the BPS Presidents’ Award 2024 winner

The Presidents' Award recognises and celebrates a psychologist who has produced a body of outstanding research, and is one of the most prestigious honours awarded by the BPS. 

Dr Lai was nominated by members of the Division of Coaching Psychology, who recognised her incredible contribution to coaching research. Throughout her impressive and varied career, she has dedicated over a decade to researching how coaching approaches can support people in their work-life, with their wellbeing and in healthcare settings. 

On receiving the award, Dr Lai said:

"I am thrilled and delighted to receive this award, as I always feel very small in my research world. Growing up in a traditional Eastern Asian culture, I (or we) were expected to follow a linear career pathway. However, Professor Almuth McDowall saw my potential and opened the door for me to enter the world of psychology and pursue my research dream in 2010. My research mainly focuses on applying psychologically informed coaching approaches to support learning and growth at pivotal stages of work-life, and I've learnt that caring is central to psychology.

"I am grateful to all my co-authors, collaborators, friends and family who have played an important part in my journey, especially my other half H.C. Tsai, who always took on extra childcare responsibility when I thought my research career would end after becoming a mother. I consider myself very fortunate that I've been cared for at critical moments in my journey. This recognition strengthens my motivation to carry on with my coaching research so I can care for and support the people around me.

"Finally, I'd like to show my appreciation to Professor Catherine Steele, Tia Moin and the wonderful Division of Coaching Psychology team who were involved in the nomination process." 

As part of the award win, Dr Lai received a certificate of recognition and a lifetime membership of the British Psychological Society.