It鈥檚 great to be part of this incredible community that鈥檚 committed to addressing societal and global challenges, including amplifying unheard and underrepresented voices. I had the chance to meet other members this week and came away inspired by the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. I am excited to see what we can achieve together.
黑料网吃瓜爆料 academic appointed as new member of UK Young Academy
Dr Amy Benstead, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Management in the Department of Materials at 黑料网吃瓜爆料, has been announced as one of 22 new members, who will join 141 emerging leaders already in the ranks of the UK Young Academy, established under the auspices of the Royal Society in 2022.
Dr Benstead鈥檚 research investigates supply chain practices behind the global fashion industry, promoting sustainable practices, examining forced labour and modern slavery risks, and representation of workers鈥� rights throughout worldwide systems of supply.
Informed by her industry background and commitment to driving meaningful change across policy, industry and society, Dr Benstead aims to advance social justice in global fashion supply chains. She specialises in ethical and sustainable supply chain management, and critically examining the social inequalities embedded in global production systems.
Her work has shaped national and international policy, including contributions to UK government consultations and standards such as BS 25700 and ISO 37200. Most recently, she led a Leverhulme Trust鈥揻unded project on worker voice in Leicester鈥檚 garment industry.
Dr Benstead said of her appointment: 鈥�It鈥檚 great to be part of this incredible community that鈥檚 committed to addressing societal and global challenges, including amplifying unheard and underrepresented voices. I had the chance to meet other members this week and came away inspired by the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. I am excited to see what we can achieve together.鈥�
The new members of the Young Academy have been selected for their track records of excellence in their respective fields, from global fashion supply chains and AI in drug discovery to paediatrics and infectious diseases.
This 2026 cohort includes seven members from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, increasing their representation to a third of total membership. A further 18 per cent of new members bring backgrounds in business, the public sector, and communications.
On Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March Amy attended the New Member鈥檚 Induction and All Member鈥檚 Meeting at the Royal Academy of Engineering and The Royal Society, their first opportunity to connect and exchange aspirations.
The new members took up their posts on Monday 23 March 2026, with membership running for five years.
Linda Oyama, representative of the UK Young Academy Executive Group said: 鈥淲hen we set out the UK Young Academy's 2023鈥�2028 Strategic Plan, one of our core missions was to convene diverse voices to share ideas and improve decision-making, and to develop, connect, and mobilise early-career talent.鈥�