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Julie Williams (scientist)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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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

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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

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "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 2 April 2015.
  4. ^ "Learned Society of Wales website".
  5. ^ Wales, The Learned Society of. "Julie Williams". The Learned Society of Wales. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
  6. ^ "UK Government biography of Julie Williams". Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  7. ^ "Cardiff University website".[permanent dead link]