The Next Generation of Business Psychology: A Profession in Excellent Hands
If ever there were proof that the future of Business Psychology is bright, it can be found in the exceptional calibre of entrants to the Peter Saville Rising Star category of The ABP Awards.
This category invites early-career Business Psychologists to share their success stories, for all to celebrate. This year’s many entrants showed technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and an inspiring sense of purpose.
As the judging panel reviewed these submissions, it became clear that the depth and diversity of work emerging from the next generation of professionals warranted special recognition. Two complementary strands of excellence have taken shape, prompting the creation of distinct categories for this Award, so we can celebrate both.
Rising Stars Advancing the Science
On one hand are the emerging scientist-practitioners: individuals who are advancing the evidence base of Business Psychology through robust research, psychometric validation, and data-driven innovation. They are designing fairer assessments, applying rigorous statistical analysis, and exploring topics such as neurodiversity, motivation, and connection at work. Their meticulous and ethical approach ensures that the tools and frameworks guiding future practice are both scientifically sound and inclusive.
Rising Stars Focused on Application
On the other hand are the emerging applied practitioners: early-career consultants and psychologists who are already making a measurable difference inside organisations. Their work spans building psychological safety, designing behaviour-change programmes, improving leadership capability, and strengthening trust and cohesion in hybrid teams. They are translating psychological theory into practice with impressive maturity, balancing commercial needs, client context, and ethical considerations while demonstrating tangible business impact.
Advocates for Accessibility
Both groups share a defining characteristic: they make psychology accessible. Whether developing new instruments, designing dashboards and guides, or running workshops and interventions, they are translating complex concepts into tools that managers and employees can understand and apply. This generation sees Business Psychology not as a niche specialism, but as a shared language for improving how people work together.
Equally noteworthy is their commitment to professional stewardship. Many are mentoring peers, supporting communities of practice, contributing to conferences, and advocating for inclusivity and ethical standards. They model The ABP’s values, curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and impact, and their work strengthens the credibility and visibility of Business Psychology as a force for good in the world of work.
The decision to separate these two new categories is therefore a celebration of balance within the profession: the scientific foundations that make Business Psychology robust, and the applied practice that makes it relevant. Both are essential. Together they illustrate how the discipline continues to evolve, rigorous in method, practical in focus, and deeply human in intent.
For employers and leaders, these entrants represent the best possible investment in the future. They bring the mindset, skill, and integrity needed to navigate the complex people challenges of modern organisations. They ask better questions, test assumptions, and design evidence-based solutions that create lasting change.
The standard of this year’s submissions tells a powerful story: Business Psychology is thriving in the hands of those who are shaping its next chapter. The future of our profession isn’t just promising, it’s already here. And it’s in excellent hands!