�鶹��ý�� social care economist awarded prestigious Advanced Fellowship

A social care economist at �鶹��ý��, has been awarded a prestigious Advanced Fellowship from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Health and Care Research Wales.

Dr Ceryl Davies, a social care economist at �鶹��ý��, has been awarded a prestigious Advanced Fellowship from the National Institute for (NIHR) and (HCRW). This achievement highlights Dr Davies’ expertise and her work at the (CHEME) within �鶹��ý��’s School of Health Sciences.

This almost £540k Fellowship will focus on research to measure the enhancement of cervical screening care for women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. This research is led by �鶹��ý��, in partnership with several universities including Swansea, Bristol, York and Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia. Key partners also include clinical and support services including Welsh Women’s Aid, Survivors Trust, Stepping Stones, Cervical Screening Wales, and My Body Back, a specialist clinic in London.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue, with approximately 3,200 women diagnosed each year in the UK. While the NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves 5,000 lives annually, attendance has declined, with one in four women (3.7 million) not attending screenings over the past five years. Improving attendance to 84% could save the NHS £10million, which highlights the importance of targeted research to meet the diverse needs of women. This project will also promote and develop preventive care for women.

This Fellowship is a significant milestone, not just for me but for �鶹��ý�� as well, as it marks the first time such a grant has been awarded to the institution. It will allow us to focus on improving cervical screening care for women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. By working with our partners, both locally and internationally, we aim to ensure that no woman is left behind in accessing this vital preventive care.

Professor Julie Green, Head of �鶹��ý��’s School of Health Sciences, said, “This is a great achievement and offers Dr Davies an incredible opportunity to drive forward this area of research, with a focus on women’s health. In addition, the Fellowship will support Dr Davies’ development as a future leader of research.”

The Fellowship includes mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. This support is further enhanced by a funded training program and work placements focused on health and care economics.

Helen Weatherly, Professor of Health and Care Economics, York University, one of Dr Davies’ academic mentors explained, “Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and we know that women who have experienced sexual violence and abuse are less likely to attend regular cervical screenings. Further research in this area is needed to ensure that all women can access cervical screening.”

Rhiannon Tudor Edwards, Professor in Health Economics at �鶹��ý��, said, “Equity considerations are an important part of public health and prevention economics. Dr Davies’ work will provide evidence to improve quality of care, save money to the NHS, and improve the health and well-being of these women.”

Professor Deborah Fitzsimmons, Swansea University, commented, “Dr Davies’ work is a timely, important opportunity to understand how we can deliver sustainable public health prevention strategies to improve the lives of women from under-served groups.”

Sion Williams, Reader in Health Sciences at �鶹��ý��, added, “This achievement will enable Dr Davies to work towards being a future research leader and the continuation of world-class research in health and care economics led from Wales.”

, Health and Care Research Wales Faculty Director, added, “On behalf of the Faculty, I am pleased to congratulate this talented group of award recipients. We are committed to offering comprehensive support to researchers from all backgrounds and at all stages so that they can make meaningful progress in advancing in their research careers in their chosen fields.”

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