Prof Julie Williams awarded British Neuroscience Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience

We are delighted to announce that Prof Julie Williams (UK DRI at Cardiff) has been awarded the British Neuroscience Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience.

The BNA recognises, promotes and supports neuroscientific excellence via a number of award and prize schemes, and the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience is the most prestigious award conferred by the organisation.

The award recognises Prof Williams’ contributions to the field of genetics in dementia and Alzheimer’s research, as well as her commitment to EDI and nurturing the researchers of the future.

A world-leading geneticist and former Chief Scientific Advisor to the Welsh Government, Prof Williams has been Director of the UK DRI at Cardiff since its inception in 2017. Under her leadership, scientists at the Centre have made crucial advances in understanding the genetics and risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Prof Williams co-led a major international collaboration (IGAP) which has resulted in the identified 100 genes associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, highlighting several new causal pathways including many in the immune system. She also led on the development of IPMAR - the iPSC Platform to Model Alzheimer’s Disease Risk – a major UK DRI initiative which created a bank of 120 iPSC lines to improve the modelling of common forms of Alzheimer’s. Alongside her role within the UK DRI, Prof Williams was also Chief Scientific Advisor to Alzheimer Research UK, a member of the Council of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and their champion in Wales.

Prof Williams said:

“It is an honour to receive this award from the British Neuroscience Association. There can be no greater reward than to receive such recognition from your fellow scientists. I would like to thank my superb colleagues, collaborators and funders who have been integral to my research and the BNA for its valuable work supporting and enabling neuroscience.”

Dr Laura Ajram, BNA Chief Executive said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to present Professor Julie Williams with the BNA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience. Her groundbreaking work in dementia and Alzheimer's research, alongside her dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the scientific community, is truly inspiring. Professor Williams embodies the excellence and commitment that we strive to promote at the BNA. We are eagerly looking forward to her plenary session at the BNA Festival of Neuroscience in Liverpool, where she will undoubtedly inspire attendees with her remarkable journey and contributions to neuroscience."

Article published: 26 June 2024
Image credits: BNA/Michael Hall photography