Alan Williams

Alan Williams serves as a Visiting Fellow in Archaeometallurgy and Historical Metallurgy at Loughborough University's Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering.

His research spans the chemical analysis of medieval iron/steel artifacts, including 13th-17th century armor and Asian metallurgical traditions like Damascus swords. Current work focuses on simulating Indo-Persian steels and studying microstructural changes during forging to decode historical manufacturing techniques. Primary research domains include Archaeometallurgy, Historical Metallurgy, Material Science, History of Technology, Medieval History, and Non-destructive Testing.

Notable recognitions include:

• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (2004)
• Research Medal of the Arms & Armour Society (2005)
• ISIS (STFC) Science and Society Impact Award (2018)

Originally trained in Chemistry (B.Sc.Tech.), Williams shifted to historical applications after investigating saltpetre production for gunpowder—a pivot that revealed broader patterns in European and Asian metallurgical evolution.