Nicola Williams

Professor Nicola Williams is a leading microbiologist at the University of Liverpool, serving as Professor in Zoonotic Bacteria Disease and Deputy Dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. With 15 years of research experience, she directs a substantial research program focused on bacterial zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance across wildlife, food, and companion animal species.

Her research interests encompass the reservoirs and transmission of food-borne pathogens, transfer and maintenance of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial prescribing practices, and the molecular epidemiology of AMR bacteria in wildlife, livestock and companion animals. Professor Williams employs a multidisciplinary approach combining conventional microbiology, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing to address these critical One Health challenges.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on antimicrobial resistance in companion animals, particularly examining the impact of raw meat diets on E. coli resistance patterns, as well as research on food safety, poultry production, and bacterial evolution mechanisms. Her work consistently bridges laboratory science with practical applications for veterinary and public health.

Professor Williams has secured over £5 million in research funding from diverse sources including UK research councils, government agencies, industry partners, and EU programs. She actively collaborates with researchers across 10 EU countries and multiple international locations including Thailand, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the US.

In addition to her research leadership, Professor Williams serves as Programme Director for the Masters in Research in Infection, Microbiology and Microbiomes and teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with particular focus on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. She supervises students at multiple levels and contributes significantly to curriculum development in veterinary and bioscience education.