'Caring is central to psychology'

Dr Yi-Ling Lai has been chosen as the 2024 winner of the BPS Presidents' Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychological Knowledge. The award recognises and celebrates a psychologist in their mid to late career who has advanced psychological knowledge and produced a body of outstanding research. 

A Lecturer of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Southampton, Lai's research has explored psychological evidence in coaching. More recently she has been incorporating theories from social psychology, including social identity theory, into her work. 

Lai was nominated by members of the Division of Coaching Psychology for her contribution to coaching research and said she was thrilled and delighted to be named this year's winner. '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.' 

Lai said she was grateful to her co-authors, collaborators, friends, and family who had played an important role in her 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 lifetime membership of the British Psychological Society.

- Find out more about BPS awards.