RSA x University of Wales Trinity Saint David Innovation Lecture

Join students, academic staff and professionals to consider trends in innovation practice within the field of health and welfare.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and the Royal Society of Arts, which promotes arts, manufactures, and commerce through innovation and social change, are proud to announce the launch of a new Innovation Lecture Series for the 2025–2026 academic year.

This quarterly series will bring together thought leaders, academics, and industry experts to explore the role of innovation across diverse sectors, with all events taking place at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea and live-streamed for wider audiences.

The series will focus on the following themes:· Autumn 2025: Innovation in Health and Welfare· Winter 2026: Innovation in Technology and Science· Spring 2026: Innovation in the Manufacturing Sector· Summer 2026: Innovation in the Creative Industries

First Lecture:

Innovation in Health and Welfare

The inaugural event will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm.

Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhys Thomas, CEO of Virtual Ward Technologies, innovator, clinician, and national leader in medical technology and digital health.

Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of UWTSD’s Institute of Management and Health, specialising in health leadership and innovation.

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. Each lecture will be livestreamed so we will welcome audiences from across Wales as well as in person at our Swansea campus. There will be time for questions and discussion at each one, hosted by Alan Mumby, RSA Fellow and Lecturer in Innovation Management at UWTSD.

Professor Gareth Davies said: “Innovation is at the heart of progress, not just in technology but in how we care for people, communities, and the planet. This lecture series provides a unique opportunity to bring together ideas, expertise, and creativity across disciplines, and I am delighted that UWTSD and the RSA are working in partnership to make this possible.”

About the RSAFounded in 1754, the RSA has a long history of promoting innovation across arts, manufactures, and commerce. Today, the RSA continues to inspire and support initiatives that foster a resilient, rebalanced, and regenerative future for people, places, and the planet.

Similarly, the university founded in 1882, the birthplace of higher education in Wales, aims to transform education and by doing so transform lives for the benefit of the learners, employers and communities we serve by investing in innovation both academically and through its direct and collaborative support of Welsh organisations and companies.

Taking part in online events 

For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platforms Zoom or Circle. It may be necessary to follow a short set-up process so please allow time for this ahead of the event starting. Zoom call joining details will be sent via email in advance. 

Taking part in RSA in-person events

To participate in this event, you will need to register for a ticket so that we can manage capacity. Our events are frequently oversubscribed so if you are subsequently unable to attend, please cancel your Eventbrite booking so we can make room for others on the Wait List.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

At the RSA, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all Fellows. We ask that you fill out the accessibility requirements box in your Eventbrite booking form in advance of our events to ensure that we can accommodate such requirements.

Join Circle and connect with others who attend this event

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Data and Personal Information

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Please be aware that registrations will close two hours before the event is due to start.