Expert Psychologists, Former Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years & Youth, Expert on Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Life of 4 & 5 Year Olds & Economic & Social Research Council Future Research Leaders Fellow at the University of Cambridge
Dr. Sam Wass’s Biography:
Dr. Sam Wass is a leading expert in child development, early years neuroscience and attention research, widely recognised for translating complex scientific ideas into practical insights for parents, teachers and organisations. Known for his engaging communication style and evidence-based approach, Sam has become a trusted voice on how young children learn, focus and develop in rapidly changing environments. His work explores the impact of stress, technology and modern life on childhood development, making his research highly relevant to educators, businesses and policymakers alike. Through his academic leadership, media work and public speaking, Sam has built a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and accessible presentations that leave audiences with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of human behaviour, which is why he is highly sought after as a keynote speaker.
Sam began his academic journey at the University of Oxford, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Experimental Psychology. He later completed a PhD in Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, before being appointed as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck. His research career continued with a prestigious British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship based at the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge. Sam’s pioneering work in developmental neuroscience led to him receiving the Economic and Social Research Council Future Research Leaders Fellowship, followed by a five-year European Research Council Starter Grant Fellowship. He was later appointed Professor of Early Years Neuroscience at the University of East London and subsequently became Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth.
Alongside his academic achievements, Sam has become a familiar media figure and public commentator on child psychology and development. He appeared on Channel 4’s acclaimed series ‘The Secret Life of 4 and 5 Year Olds’, where his expertise helped audiences better understand children’s behaviour and emotional development. In addition, Sam regularly contributes to discussions across podcasts, television and public forums, helping bridge the gap between academia and mainstream audiences with clarity, warmth and humour.
Why Hire Dr. Sam Wass?
Sam’s combination of scientific credibility, media experience and engaging storytelling makes him an exceptional keynote speaker for conferences, leadership events and education-focused organisations. He has also been featured as an expert speaker at TEDxLondon, delivering a compelling talk titled ‘Smarter but More Stressed: How The Modern World Is Changing Children’, which connected scientific research with the everyday life of children. Whether discussing attention spans, wellbeing, learning environments or the future of childhood development, Sam delivers content that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible. His ability to communicate complex ideas with energy and authenticity ensures audiences leave informed, inspired and equipped with meaningful takeaways.
Dr. Sam Wass’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dr. Sam Wass’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Selected to deliver the prestigious Learnus Annual Lecture
- 2024 – Appointed Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth at the University of East London
- 2021 – Promoted to Professor of Early Years Neuroscience at the University of East London
- 2019 – Awarded a five-year European Research Council Starter Grant Fellowship to fund early childhood environmental research
- 2018 – Featured as an expert speaker at TEDxLondon, discussing how modern environments impact children’s stress levels
- 2016 – Awarded the Economic and Social Research Council Future Research Leaders Fellowship
- 2015 – Joined Channel 4’s award-winning television series “The Secret Life of 4- and 5-Year-Olds” as a lead on-screen scientific expert
- 2013 – Earned a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship based at the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
- 2011 – Appointed Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London
- 2011 – Completed a PhD in Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London
Videos
Dr. Sam Wass’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Friday went really well. We have evaluation forms which delegates completed but I have only just had a quick look through them…. Very positive comments both written and verbal. A truly fantastic day!” – Anne, Lancashire Professional Development Service
“Asking Dr Sam Wass to be keynote speaker at each of our four Annual Conferences was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Absolutely every delegate raved about his presentation. These were experienced teachers of young children who were blown away by the science and research Sam presented so powerfully. Absolutely spot on the brief, Sam covered a huge amount of information in the most engaging way, keeping a huge audience gripped for the whole morning – it was intense yet good humoured. With authority and humility in equal measure, Sam was the ideal speaker for this knowledgeable audience. And if that wasn’t enough he then, generously, spent his entire lunchtimes talking to individuals, posing for selfies and signing books.” – Lynda, Early Excellence
Speaking Topics
Dr. Sam Wass’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Science of Attention in a Distracted World
- How Children Learn, Focus and Thrive
- Early Years Neuroscience and the Future of Education
- Building Resilience and Wellbeing from Childhood Onwards
- What Modern Life Is Doing to Young Minds
How Much Does Dr. Sam Wass Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dr. Sam Wass?
Dr. Sam Wass’s speaking fees vary depending on the event format, location, duration and level of preparation required. For an accurate quote, please share your event date, location and brief with an official booking agent.