Swansea University’s Joanne Davies has been celebrated for her exceptional achievement in the field medical training at this year’s prestigious St David Awards.
She won the innovation, science, and technology award for her national and international career in healthcare education, research, and innovation.
Professor Davies, founding director of Swansea University’s Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) dedicated her honour to the clinical educators and simulation technologists who work tirelessly every day to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.
She said: “It was such an honour to have won at a truly special event but really every nominee is a winner for their incredible work and dedication. I feel very fortunate to do work I care about so deeply. This recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing SUSIM’s mission for medical education and patient quality & safety in Wales and beyond.”
Under her guidance, SUSIM was created to provide groundbreaking training facilities. It opened its doors to future and existing healthcare professionals in 2023 and houses the largest installation of immersive wall technology in the world across its two sites. Its unique facilities mean students can learn and practise skills and teamwork in a variety of simulated real-life scenarios.
Professor Davies was honoured for exhibiting her unique blend of compassion and cutting-edge expertise along with the work she has done to transform the training landscape.
Thanks to her leadership, Wales – and Swansea University in particular – is now at the forefront of healthcare training and her influence extends globally after leading groundbreaking programmes around the world.
The St David Awards, which started in 2014, are the national awards which recognise the outstanding achievements of Welsh citizens. Among those celebrated at this year’s event were entertainer Max Boyce and Wales' most capped footballer Jess Fishlock.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It has been a privilege to honour all this year's winners who make me even more proud to be Welsh. They are an inspiration to us all.”