Benedict Williams

Benedict Williams is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology. He holds an active research profile in clinical, health, and cognitive psychology, with a strong emphasis on music therapy, mental health, resilience, and digital behavior. His work bridges theory and practice, contributing to both academic knowledge and real-world applications in psychological wellbeing.

• Senior Lecturer, Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
• ORCID: 0000-0002-5460-151X
• Email: bwilliams@swin.edu.au

Dr. Williams' research interests span clinical and health psychology, with a focus on emotion regulation, coping strategies, resilience, music therapy for cognitive decline, and the psychological impact of technology. He explores how music can influence neural networks in Alzheimer’s disease, how sleep affects creativity, and how digital platforms shape social behavior and mental health. His work also investigates embodiment in cognition, such as the metaphorical link between 'healing' and upward gaze.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in interdisciplinary research, integrating neuroscience, psychology, and health sciences. His 2025 article reviews how music therapy may improve executive functioning in Alzheimer’s by targeting the fronto-parietal control network and default mode network. Other works examine hybrid work and employee wellbeing, resilience through sensation seeking, and problem internet use among students. These reflect a consistent focus on psychological mechanisms underlying health, cognition, and behavior.

• Vice-Chancellor's One Swinburne Award (2023)
• Dean's Award for Contribution to School Advancement (2015)
• Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation (2010)
• Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award (2008)

Dr. Williams has supervised over a dozen PhD students on topics including music for mood regulation, mindfulness in children, sleep and bipolar vulnerability, and the adoption of educational technology. He has secured external funding, notably from the Barbara Dicker Brain Science Foundation, for research on music therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. His grants reflect a sustained commitment to applied psychological research with societal impact.

He is involved in professional activities such as the Australian Music Psychology Society and has contributed to conferences on digital learning, gaming, and technology adoption in education. His work appears in journals across psychology, education, and health, demonstrating a broad collaborative and interdisciplinary network.