Newly elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Ann John.
A Swansea University mental health data science expert has been elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of her outstanding contribution to medical science.
Professor Ann John of Swansea University Medical School is among 60 outstanding biomedical and health scientists elected to the Academy’s Fellowship for her major contribution to improving health and advancing scientific knowledge.
Professor John is an internationally recognised expert in suicide prevention, self-harm research, and child and adolescent mental health. She is Principal Investigator and Co-Director of DATAMIND, the Health Data Research UK Hub for Mental Health Informatics Research, and Director of the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research, which advises the Welsh Government.
Her research has advanced understanding of the causes and risk factors linked to suicide and self-harm, challenging long-held assumptions and widening the focus beyond specialist psychiatry into primary care and community settings. This work has helped shape national policy, informed frontline practice, and improved the way suicide is reported in the media.
By bringing research findings to the public and organisations across health and education, Professor John has helped increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and self-harm. Through her work in research, policy, and public engagement, she has shown how academic expertise can drive meaningful change and deliver lasting benefits for society.
Professor John said: “I am delighted and honoured to become a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. It reflects the dedication and collaboration of the many researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and experts by lived experience I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.
“I am particularly proud of the progress we have made in using data science to improve mental health and suicide prevention research and ensure that evidence leads to meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities. Collaboration, openness, and public partnership have always been central to my work, and I look forward to continuing to support innovation and equity in health research.”
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “It is a privilege to welcome this outstanding new cohort to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Each of our new Fellows has been recognised by their peers for exceptional achievement for the influence their work has had in advancing medical science and improving health.
“The diversity of disciplines represented this year reflects the richness of modern medical science and the value of collaboration across fields. At a time when health challenges are increasingly complex, the Academy’s Fellowship provides a trusted, independent platform for scientific leaders to work together, champion excellence, and help ensure research delivers real benefits for people and communities.”
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Tuesday 30 June.