Ryan Williams

Dr Ryan Williams is a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, University of Queensland. He serves as Director of Teaching and Learning, Discipline Honours Coordinator, and Discipline Seminar Coordinator.

• PhD in Divinity, University of Cambridge
• MA and BA in Religious Studies, University of Calgary

Williams' research focuses on:

• Anthropology and sociology of religion
• Moral experience in prison systems
• Islam-state-society relations
• Interfaith movements and radicalization
• Queensland's religious landscapes

His recent publications analyze:

• Prison ethnography and Islamic ethics
• Radicalization prevention strategies
• Secular-religious identity negotiation
• Historical healing practices
• Post-9/11 community dynamics

Scientific recognition includes:

• University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Award (2018)
• Cambridge Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship
• Prisons Research Centre fellowship

Williams advises on:

• SSHRC, ESRC, and ARC grant-funded projects
• Queensland Atlas of Religion initiative
• Criminological approaches to religious radicalization

He leads prison ethnography labs and collaborates with international teams on:

• Moral agency in confinement
• Prison reform policy
• Religion and security intersections