William Davies

Dr William Davies is a Reader in the School of Medicine at Cardiff University, with joint affiliations to the School of Psychology. His research centres on the genetic, endocrine, and immunological mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain function, behaviour, and physiology, with a particular focus on X-linked conditions such as ichthyosis and postpartum mood disorders.

Educational Background:

• M.Biochem (1st Class Hons.) – University of Bath (1995–1999)
• Ph.D (Behavioural Neuroscience) – University of Cambridge (1999–2003)
• Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning – Cardiff University (2013)

Research Interests:

Dr Davies investigates how sex chromosome genes (X and Y) influence vulnerability to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. His work spans:

• The role of steroid sulfatase (STS) in brain and cardiac phenotypes in X-linked ichthyosis.
• Genomic imprinting and sex-linked effects on cognition and behaviour.
• Biological pathways underlying postpartum psychosis and mood disorders.
• Mental health comorbidities in genetic skin conditions.
• Rodent models of attention, impulsivity, and gambling behaviour.

Scientific Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• MRC New Investigator Research Award (£430K)
• RCUK Fellowship in Translational Research in Experimental Medicine (£125K)
• Wellcome Trust Integrative Neuroscience Ph.D scheme Co-PI (£2.3M)
• MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics Co-PI (£3.4M)

Teaching & Supervision:

Dr Davies is actively involved in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, coordinating modules in Biological Psychology and supervising PhD students. He also leads the INSPIRE programme, encouraging medical and veterinary students to engage in research.

Research Groups & Collaborations:

He is a member of the Behavioural Genetics Group and collaborates extensively with researchers at Cardiff University, King’s College London, Stanford University, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, among others.