Julie Williams PhD

Dr. Julie Williams is a Professor of Neuropsychological Genetics at Cardiff University and the Chief Scientific Advisor of the Welsh Government. A senior figure in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, her 2009 publication of the first new AD susceptibility genes for 17 years was pivotal, made possible by her recognition of the complexity of AD genetics and her focus on developing powerful studies. She leads the GERAD (Genetic and Environmental Risk in Alzheimer’s Disease) consortium, shares leadership of the IGAP (International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Disease Project) consortium, incorporating over 150 scientists world-wide and a more than 90,000 participant cohort, analyses of which have identified over 13 new AD susceptibility genes. With research interests encompassing GWAS, sequencing, exome chip association, cross disease complex phenotypic and statistical analyses, she has served on Boards for MRC Neuroscience and Mental Health, Alzheimer’s Research U.K. Using her position to broaden scientific funding options, to increase research capacity and training, she actively campaigns to keep dementia research on the national agenda. She advises U.K. and Welsh Governments on policy. She is Dean of Research at Cardiff University School of Medicine, a NISCHR Senior Faculty member and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen's Jubilee Birthday Honours list 2012.