Julie Williams (scientist)

Julie Williams (born c. 1957)[1] is Professor of Neuropsychological Genetics at Cardiff University and the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales since 2013. 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. 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.

In August 2013 she was announced as the new Chief Scientific Adviser for the Welsh Government, 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. However, it is important to note that none of these findings has been clinically translated to help individual patients. She has received funding from the Wellcome Trust, MRC and the Health Foundation.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "How Professor Julie Williams went from science-obsessed schoolgirl to one of the world's leading authorities in Alzheimer's research". Wales Online. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Alzheimer's pioneer Julie Williams named new chief scientific adviser for Wales". Wales Online. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Welsh Government website". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
  4. ↑ "Learned Society of Wales website".
  5. ↑ "Cardiff University website".
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