Kate Williams

Professor Kate Williams is an Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia), affiliated with the School of Education and Tertiary Access. She holds a PhD in Education from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), alongside qualifications in music therapy and academic practice. Her research focuses on early childhood development, mental health interventions, parenting support, and the role of music in fostering self-regulation. She leads the RAMSR program, an evidence-based intervention commercialized internationally to improve children’s self-regulation skills through rhythmic and movement-based activities.

Williams has extensive industry experience, including executive roles in national non-profits, and serves on boards such as Play Matters Australia. Her work leverages large datasets like Australia’s Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children and emphasizes implementation science, stakeholder collaboration, and research impact. Key achievements include her ARC DECRA Fellowship, the RAMSR commercialization, and contributions to understanding sleep, temperament, and cultural aspects of music therapy in Indigenous communities.

Her awards include a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. She teaches research methodology and designs interventions addressing inequities in early childhood, with a focus on translating research into actionable strategies for educators, policymakers, and community organizations.