Her research focuses on the effects of social connections and behaviours on health, including social deficits (loneliness, social isolation, pandemic lockdowns) and social assets (social relationships, arts and cultural engagement, and social prescribing).

Daisy has received over £30m in research funding and her work has been recognised with over two dozen national and international research awards. She is Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health, a Technical Advisor to the WHO, an Expert Scientific Adviser to UK Government, a BBC New Generation Thinker, and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. She is listed by Clarivate as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world.

Looking at insights from clinical trials, epidemiology and laboratory studies, Prof. Fancourt critically evaluated the relationship between arts and health using her wealth of knowledge and experience to demonstrate the synergistic relationship between the arts and health outcomes. 

Prof. Fancourt’s lecture was followed by a 20-minute panel discussion chaired by Tania Banotti (Director of Creative Ireland), Maria Molloy (Deputy General Manager, Galway University Hospital), and Professor Mary Horgan (Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health).