Tom Williams

Tom Williams is a Professor of Haemoglobinopathy Research at Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation, seconded to the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya. He holds academic affiliations with the Centre for African Research and Engagement and the Imperial College Network of Excellence in Malaria.

• Education: PhD and MBBS from the University of London (1980–1985).

His research focuses on the health consequences of genetic blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and malaria interactions. Notable projects include a Wellcome-funded 7-year investigation into malaria pathophysiology in sickle cell carriers and leadership of the H-PRIME trial (1,800 patients) exploring pragmatic treatments for sickle cell disease in Africa. He also leads an NIH-funded Phase II hydroxyurea trial (REACH) across four African countries.

Awards include a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2005–present) and the 2024 Wellcome Discovery Award.

• Grants: Principal Investigator for Joint Global Health Trials (H-PRIME) and NIH REACH trials; co-investigator on multiple malaria/neglected disease projects.

His work spans global health innovation, with affiliations at the Institute of Global Health Innovation and collaborations across Africa.