Kit PetersHONOURS: The Swansea professor changing how we talk about suicide — from the Senedd to EastEnders
A Swansea University professor whose work has changed how Britain understands and prevents suicide has been appointed OBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours.
Prof Ann John of Swansea University Medical School is recognised for services to suicide prevention and digital innovation — the most senior honour on this year’s local list, which is led by a poignant MBE for the late Swansea councillor Robert Francis-Davies.
“I am deeply honoured and delighted to receive this award,” she said. “It reflects the importance of suicide prevention and the power of digital innovation, research and collaboration to make a real difference to people’s lives.
“I have been privileged to work with exceptional colleagues, partners and communities, and I share this honour with everyone who has contributed to that work over many years.”
A former GP, Prof John is a world-leading expert in suicide prevention, self-harm research and mental health data science.
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.
That work has helped shape national policy, informed frontline practice — and improved the way suicide is reported in the media.
It has also reached millions of living rooms: Prof John has contributed to major TV productions including EastEnders, Coronation Street and the BBC’s This Is Going to Hurt, helping to ensure the responsible portrayal of suicidal behaviours on screen.
By bringing research findings to the public and to organisations across health and education, the university says she has helped increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and self-harm.
She also plays a leading role in advancing secure, privacy-preserving access to mental health data for research — working with NHS partners, policymakers, researchers and people with lived experience to ensure data-driven innovation delivers real benefits for patients and communities.
The OBE caps a remarkable year: earlier in 2026, Prof John was elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of her outstanding contribution to medical science.
She will receive her insignia at an investiture later this year.
She is among 84 people from Wales recognised in this year’s list — and Welsh expertise in the field is recognised twice over, with consultant psychiatrist Alys Cole-King also appointed MBE for services to suicide prevention.
If you are struggling or need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are available day or night, free, on 116 123, or by email at [email protected].
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