Julie Williams (scientist)

Julie Williams CBE FLSW FMedSci (born 1957)^[1] is Professor of Neuropsychological Genetics at Cardiff University and was Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales from 2013 to 2017. She is one of the world's leading contributors to Alzheimer's research.^[1]

Early life and education

She was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales,^[2] and grew up in Cefn Coed and attended Vaynor and Penderyn Grammar School.^[1] She went on to study psychology at Cardiff University.^[3]

Achievements

Williams is Professor of Neuropsychological Genetics and Head of the Neurodegeneration section of the Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University.^[4] She is a former Chief Scientific Adviser to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, and in 2012 was appointed a CBE for her contribution to Alzheimer's research. She is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.^[5]

Professor Julie Williams was Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales from September 2013 to September 2017,^[6] the second person to hold the post. Edwina Hart, Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, said "She is a great role model for women in science ...Her networks of national and international scientists will be crucial in opening the doors for Wales".^[2]

Research

Williams' research aims to identify and characterise genes which confer a risk of developing psychological and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, developmental dyslexia, and schizophrenia. She has received funding from the Wellcome Trust, MRC and the Health Foundation.^[7]