Child genius, 15, becomes youngest ever to be awarded fellowship by Royal Society of the Arts

A 15-year-old child genius has become the youngest person ever to be awarded a fellowship by the Royal Society of the Arts.  

Monty Lord, from Preston, Lancashire, has now had his name etched alongside others including Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking and David Attenborough.

The child genius has broken numerous world records and gave an official presentation at the United Nations about his 55,000-word research thesis on the effects of bedtime technology on adolescents. 

He received a fellowship from the 267-year-old Royal Society of Arts, which is an award given to people that have made outstanding achievements in social progress and development. 

Monty Lord, from Preston, Lancashire, has now had his name etched alongside others including Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking and David Attenborough

The child genius has broken numerous world records and gave an official presentation at the United Nations about his 55,000-word research thesis on the effects of bedtime technology on adolescents

The child genius has broken numerous world records and gave an official presentation at the United Nations about his 55,000-word research thesis on the effects of bedtime technology on adolescents

Monty has spent the last two years devoting his free time to helping people with mental health issues and raising awareness about the issue.

That passion led the schoolboy to set up the UK-registered charity Young Active Minds – at just 14 years old.

In addition to that, the youngster has been studying a semester-long course in psychology from Harvard University – and his own research was even used by NHS Public Health England.

His research showed that statistically the use of technology at bedtime adversely impacts a person’s circadian rhythm, otherwise known as their internal clock. 

Monty said: ‘I couldn’t believe it. I just didn’t think that someone of my age would end up being a fellow of such a prestigious organisation. 

He received a fellowship from the 267-year-old Royal Society of Arts, which is an award given to people that have made outstanding achievements in social progress and development

He received a fellowship from the 267-year-old Royal Society of Arts, which is an award given to people that have made outstanding achievements in social progress and development

It’s a very humbling experience and such an honour not only to be appointed as a fellow but also to be the youngest in the history of the RSA.’

The RSA is a 267-year-old, reputable royal society based in London. Its current patron is Queen Elizabeth II and its president is Princess Anne.

Since its creation in 1754, the RSA has pitched itself as an organisation advocating for social progress and human knowledge.

Fellows past and present include well-known names such as Marie Curie, Bob Dylan, Judi Dench, David Lammy and Alex James.

Being part of the RSA is considered by many as a measurement of their impact on society, with fellows permitted to use the post-nominal letters ‘FRSA’ after their name.  

Monty has spent the last two years devoting his free time to helping people with mental health issues and raising awareness about the issue

Monty has spent the last two years devoting his free time to helping people with mental health issues and raising awareness about the issue

Only last week, Monty’s fantastic work was recognised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, after the schoolboy was awarded for his positive community impact and forming Young Active Minds.

In a personal letter to Monty, Mr Johnson said: ‘Congratulations on all that you have done over the last year to help other young people.

‘From your pioneering peer research to the creation of your app, you have opened up conversations around mental wellbeing which are more important than ever at the moment.

‘Through your charity ‘Young Active Minds’ you are also making a fantastic contribution to learning and mental wellbeing.’

Stephen Hawking

Charles Dickens

Pictured: Left, Stephen Hawking and right, Charles Dickens

On receiving the Prime Minister’s award, called a Points of Lights Award, Monty said: ‘I am lost for words. I felt very honoured to be presented with this award from the Prime Minister.

‘I think every person, in their own small way, has helped their friends, families and neighbours throughout this difficult time.

‘It’s a testament to the great British spirit that we are resilient and help each other to pull through such difficult times.’

Previously, Monty hit the headlines for achieving two remarkable new Guinness World Records.

In January 2020 Monty used his mind-blowing memory to identify 129 books by their first line then, just a month later, he set another record by identifying titles by their lead character.

Looking to the future, Monty is continuing to build upon his efforts in raising awareness of mental health issues through further research and his work with Greater Manchester Mental Health.