Professor Anna Davies, who specialises in Geography, Environment, and Society at Trinity, has been honoured with the 2023 Irish Research Council Impact Award. This prestigious accolade recognises her long-standing commitment to world-class research focused on driving action towards a more sustainable society.

Anna’s work, in collaboration with her research group and various stakeholders, has been pivotal in co-designing a suite of innovative tools to support sustainability transitions. These include the Climate Smart Platform, the serious game iAdapt, and the interactive SHARECITY100 Map and Sharing Solutions sustainability impact assessment, all of which contribute to transforming urban food systems.

Anna, who previously won the overall IRC Researcher of the Year Award in 2018, expressed her gratitude:
“My research has always been focused on supporting just transitions to a more sustainable society and planet, and I’ve been fortunate to work with many different people in Ireland and overseas in this endeavour. There is much still to be done! Creating and sustaining impact is an ongoing and collective process, which I’m wholeheartedly committed to.”

Among her numerous accomplishments, Anna secured an ERC research award and a public engagement award for her SHARECITY project. In 2022, she was also granted an ERC Proof of Concept grant to further test Sharing Solutions. She currently leads the Horizon Europe Innovation Action CULTIVATE project, which brings together more than 80 people from 19 organisations across Europe to foster food-sharing innovation for resilient and sustainable food systems.

On a national level, Anna has co-designed the online Climate Smart Transition Year module, featuring the award-winning iAdapt computer game. Since 2022, this module has been delivered to more than 48 schools, engaging over 1,500 students across Ireland. iAdapt challenges players to take on the role of Dublin’s mayor, developing and implementing flood protection plans while balancing citizen satisfaction and budget constraints.

Globally, Anna has also led a UN science and technology working group report on sustainability, which was presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2021. In 2022, she co-authored UNESCO’s report on the role of universities in achieving sustainability. Additionally, she currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Rediscovery Centre.

Her latest achievement was announced at a ceremony held yesterday evening.

Peter Brown, Director of the Irish Research Council, congratulated all the awardees, stating:
“It’s important to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of our top researchers and the leading-edge work they are spearheading at national, community, European, and international levels. Their work reflects the exceptional contributions they make in their respective fields, and in finding innovative solutions and ways of improving the world and people’s lives. The Irish Research Council Researcher of the Year winners demonstrate why research matters, and of the vital need for continued support across all fields of research, from science and technology to the social sciences and humanities.”