Associate Professor Ellen Davies leads the Research Program at Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) within the College of Health, Adelaide University. Her research and scholarly work is anchored in advancing simulation-based education and practice for health professions, emphasising not only skill acquisition but also the deeper theoretical, organisational, and human elements that support meaningful learning and improved clinical outcomes. Through research and scholarly contributions, A/Prof Davies positions AHS as both a rigorous research hub and a centre for evidence-based innovation in clinical education and systems testing. 

A hallmark of A/Prof Davies’ research program is its commitment to theory-driven, collaborative inquiry into how simulation works, for whom, and in what contexts. Her work draws on established and emerging theories to explore not just what simulation achieves but why and how it enhances motivation, engagement and skill mastery among health professionals and students. Simultaneously, her publications extend to practical integrative projects—such as scoping reviews of simulated clinical placements, structured studies of simulated patient experiences, and recommendations for embedding organisational simulation services—that bridge academic evidence with real-world educational and health system needs. This blend of conceptual insight and applied research reflects a mission to elevate simulation from a teaching tool to a strategic lever for workforce capability, professional development, and system safety.

Driven by a vision that health simulation should be evidence-informed, theory-aware, and meaningfully integrated into both education and clinical systems, A/Prof Davies champions research that strengthens simulation’s impact at individual, team and organisational levels. Her work fosters partnerships across disciplines, bringing together educators, clinicians, learners and simulated patients to co-produce resources, generate new knowledge, and inform policy and practice. As Research Program Lead, she continues to shape AHS into a dynamic research environment that responds to emerging health and workforce challenges while generating robust evidence that supports safer, more effective healthcare education and delivery.