US Entrepreneur and Peace Advocate Susan Ann Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan Ann Davis has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Ulster University's Senate and Council. The distinction recognizes her outstanding contributions to business, women's leadership, and entrepreneurship, alongside her enduring commitment to driving peace and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University—one of the UK and Ireland's leading public research universities—conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of the University.

A Transatlantic Champion for Peace and Prosperity

With family roots in Cork and Clare, Davis has maintained a deep connection with the island of Ireland for more than two decades. She has continually leveraged her extensive networks and influence in the United States to support the peace process, reinforce transatlantic relationships, and generate new economic opportunities.

Today, Davis serves as the bipartisan Co-Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement, collaborating closely with political and civic leaders across Belfast, Dublin, London, and Washington, D.C., to safeguard one of the defining diplomatic achievements of modern history and sustain active U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region.

Bridging International Research and Innovation

Davis has been a pivotal force in aligning the scientific and academic capabilities of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the United States. As Chair of the U.S.–Ireland Business Summit, she conceived and helped negotiate the groundbreaking U.S.–Ireland R&D Partnership.

Since its inception, this tri-jurisdictional alliance has grown into a highly successful engine of innovation, funding 107 collaborative research projects with a combined government investment of more than $196 million (£144M / €170M) across key sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.

Empowering Global Leadership

A lifelong advocate for women's leadership, Davis is the Board Chair Emeritus of the Vital Voices Global Partnership a co-founder and first International President of the International Women's Forum.

As the founder and Chair of Susan Davis International (SDI), she built a premier global public affairs and strategic communications firm that advises corporate and government leaders internationally.

Susan Ann Davis remarked:

"I am deeply honored to receive this honorary doctorate from Ulster University. Northern Ireland and its people have held a very special place in my life for over two decades. It is a privilege to support the relationships, partnerships, and opportunities that sustain peace and build prosperity."

SOURCE Susan Davis International