Professor Joanne Davies, Head of our Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) at Swansea University, has been honoured with the Welsh Government’s prestigious St David Award for Innovation, Science and Technology. The award recognises her extraordinary contribution to medical education, healthcare improvement, and the future of clinical training in Wales and beyond.

A leading figure in modern healthcare training, Joanne is dedicated to transforming the learning landscape for students, clinicians, and multidisciplinary teams. Combining compassion with cutting-edge expertise, she has championed simulation as a powerful tool to enhance competence, resilience, teamwork, and ultimately patient safety.

Under her leadership, SUSIM has become a national and global exemplar for innovation in simulation-based education. By integrating advanced technology, bespoke digital learning platforms, and the highest standards in pedagogy and research, she has ensured Wales is firmly positioned as a global frontrunner in medical training.

Joanne’s impact reaches far beyond academia. She is a natural collaborator and bridge-builder, working closely with partners across the NHS, industry leaders, and international organisations to ensure that simulation delivers meaningful, real-world improvements.

Her visionary programmes are valid across continents, influencing practice from Wales to the Middle East and Zambia. These initiatives advance clinical competence while also strengthening system resilience and preparing frontline healthcare workers for the challenges in modern care.

Beyond her skills and expertise, Joanne is widely admired for her humility, empathy, and integrity. Colleagues and students speak of her ability to inspire, empower, and elevate those around her. Her leadership is rooted in a genuine belief in people – their capacity to learn, adapt, and make healthcare safer for communities.

Her work has had lasting benefits for patients, professionals, and the wider Welsh community, embodying the very spirit of innovation with humanity.

Receiving the St David Award for Innovation, Science and Technology from the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, recognises Joanne’s exceptional achievements and her commitment to improving healthcare education and outcomes across Wales and internationally.

This is a richly deserved recognition. We are so proud to work closely with Joanne and and for her ongoing contribution to shaping a safer, more resilient future for healthcare.