Mark Williams

Mark Williams is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He is also a member of the Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging and serves as the University Human Tissue Safety Officer. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human intestinal epithelium, particularly in aging and disease contexts.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia (1993)
• B.Sc. in Biophysics, University of East Anglia (1989)

His research interests center on intestinal physiology, stem cell renewal, Wnt signaling, and epithelial homeostasis. He has developed a 3D ex vivo culture model of the human colonic epithelium to study crypt dynamics, aging, and cancer. His work integrates bio-imaging, functional genomics, and molecular pharmacology to investigate tissue regeneration and disease mechanisms.

The recent research articles highlight a strong focus on gastrointestinal biology, aging, and cancer. Themes include epithelial renewal, DNA methylation, microbial interactions, and signaling pathways like Wnt and TGFβ/BMP. His studies often involve human tissue models and translational approaches, bridging basic science with clinical relevance in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Mark Williams actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, encouraging applications for fellowships such as Marie Curie and Royal Society. He has led numerous research projects funded by AstraZeneca, The Big C Appeal, and The Humane Research Trust. His administrative roles include organizing key biomedical modules and serving on the Food and Health Research Alliance steering group.

He is involved in multiple collaborative research initiatives with clinicians at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and scientists at the Institute of Food Research. His lab, affectionately known as 'cryptomaniacs,' fosters a vibrant research environment combining rigorous science with team-building activities.