Robin S. B. Williams

Professor Robin S. B. Williams is a Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at Royal Holloway University of London, where he has been based since 2006. He serves as the Head of the Centre for Biomedical Sciences and conducts research in molecular cell biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and drug development. His work primarily utilizes the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system, contributing to animal replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs) research approaches.

Williams earned his PhD in molecular cell biology from the University of Melbourne (Australia) in 1994, followed by postdoctoral positions at St Andrews University and University College London (UCL), and an independent Wellcome Trust Career Development fellowship at UCL.

His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders and developing new therapeutic treatments. Key areas include:

• Developing better treatments for epilepsy, particularly through studying how medications like valproic acid work at cellular levels
• Investigating the evolutionary origins of proteins involved in diseases like Alzheimer's
• Exploring cellular mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and its treatment
• Analyzing natural products and their potential medical applications
• Studying molecular mechanisms of bitter taste perception

Analysis of Williams' recent publications reveals a strong focus on epilepsy treatment mechanisms, particularly related to ketogenic diets and medium-chain fatty acids. His work increasingly integrates findings from Dictyostelium research with mammalian models to identify novel therapeutic targets. There's also significant emphasis on understanding how natural compounds like cannabinoids, flavonoids, and curcumin function in health and disease.

Williams has received notable recognition including:

• Medical Advisory Board member (2023 ongoing), Matthew Friends Charity UK
• Global Executive Board member, International Neurological Ketogenic Society (2017 ongoing)
• Program Committee Chair for Global Symposium on Medical Ketogenic Dietary Therapies (2021-2023)
• Microbiology Society UK (Eukaryotic division) committee member (2017-2020)
• Multiple FACULTY 1000 Selected publications

Williams has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, including current researchers Kateryna Maslova and George Mears. His research has been supported by significant grants including funding from the Medical Research Council and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Notably, he leads a project "Replacing valproate with a safer, broad-spectrum drug for epilepsy treatment" (2024-2026).

His laboratory focuses on the Centre for Biomedical Sciences at Royal Holloway, where they utilize Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system to investigate neurological disorders, drug mechanisms, and natural product effects. The lab has established collaborations with institutions worldwide and industry partners including Vitaflo Ltd and GlaxoSmithKline.