We incorporate all aspects of teaching, research and enterprise perspectives in our activities to ensure a comprehensive insight and holistic knowledge of the field.
The ALICE Simulator Project is a pioneering initiative inspired by the life and legacy of Alice Clark, a 21-year-old paramedic who tragically lost her life in the line of duty just three months after qualifying from the University of Greenwich.
Driving an ambulance under emergency conditions, at speed, under pressure and often in unpredictable environments is one of the most complex and high-risk tasks in emergency care. Despite this, it remains a relatively under-researched area within both training and operational practice.
In Alice’s honour, the University of Greenwich is leading the co-development of a bespoke ambulance driving simulator. The ALICE simulator will serve not only as an advanced training environment, but also as a research platform to better understand the real-world conditions, risks and human factors associated with blue-light driving.
We are deeply grateful to Alice’s parents for their support and trust in allowing this work to be carried forward in her name. The project is guided by a commitment to care, integrity and meaningful impact; ensuring that Alice’s legacy contributes to improving safety for paramedics and the communities they serve.
A Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Initiative
The ALICE Simulator Project brings together expertise from across multiple disciplines, including:
- Researchers specialising in driver behaviour and simulation
- Paramedics and healthcare educators
- Technical and digital simulation specialists
- Industry partners, including Simulation Collective and MXR
Together, the team is co-creating a simulator capable of:
- Immersive training across a range of driving conditions and scenarios
- Capturing behavioural data on decision-making and driver performance
- Generating insights into systems-level risk, safety, and operational pressures
This work goes beyond teaching people how to drive. It aims to understand how emergency driving actually unfolds in high-pressure real-world situations and how training, systems, and policy can better support those behind the wheel.
Why This Work Matters Now
The timing of the ALICE simulator is particularly significant. New national standards for ambulance driver training are being introduced, while ambulance services continue to face growing pressures around workforce wellbeing, safety and operational risk.
A research-informed, human-centred approach to emergency driving has never been more important.
The project has already attracted interest from NHS Trusts, ambulance services, academic institutions, and international researchers; highlighting the clear demand for innovation in this area.
Join the Conversation – Help Shape the Future
We are building a network of stakeholders and collaborators to help guide the development and impact of the ALICE Simulator Project.
We welcome interest from:
- Paramedics and emergency service professionals
- Simulation educators and researchers
- Experts in human factors and related disciplines
- Policy-makers and safety leaders
- Healthcare and transport organisations
- Anyone passionate about innovation and impact in emergency care
You can get involved by:
- Receiving project updates
- Sharing insights and ideas
- Joining stakeholder or advisory groups
- Contributing to research and evaluation
- Exploring future collaboration opportunities
Please use the form below to register your interest.
Expression of Interest & Registration - The ALICE Simulator Project – Fill in form
Project Updates
We will regularly share updates on:
- Simulator design and build progress
- Testing and user feedback
- Research findings and publications
- Stakeholder engagement activities
- Events and launch announcements
Acknowledgements
The ALICE Simulator Project is being delivered by a cross-faculty team at the University of Greenwich in collaboration with Simulation Collective and MXR. The project aligns with the Institute for Lifecourse Development’s Centre for Professional Workforce Development and the Centre for Thinking and Learning.
Project stakeholders include:
- Prof Sharon Marie Weldon – Healthcare Simulation & Workforce Development
- Dr Damian Poulter – Driver Behaviour & Human Sciences
- Charles Everard – Clinical Simulation Infrastructure and Technical Insights
- Rob Slee – Paramedic Educator & Simulation Fellow
- Andy Buttery – Co Simulation Lead
- Sarah Keeling-Smith – Co Simulation Lead
With sincere thanks to Alice’s family for allowing this work to continue in her name.