Dr. Nicola Williams

B.Sc. Diagnostic Radiography, M.Res. History of Science, Ph.D. History of Science

Versatile science writer and content specialist (who can offer a unique historical twist too). I broadly focus on biology (including medicine), physics, and technology. I’m passionate about communicating the latest scientific research in an exciting, fresh, and accessible way. As a trained historian, I am also uniquely able to write content with a historical focus. I write about scientific news and research in a variety of formats, including articles, blogs, and scripts.

Articles and Contributions

Williams, Nicola (2018) ‘Irene Manton, FRS (1904–1988)’ in, Leeds: Cradle of Innovation, Rachel Unsworth (ed.), Leeds Sustainable Development Group, pp. 202-3 (ISBN: 978-0-9539745-4-2)

Williams, Nicola (2016) ‘Irene Manton: A Leeds Biologist Who Made Her Mark’ February 2016, North Leeds Life, p. 8. https://issuu.com/northleedslife/docs/2016_february_b

I have qualifications in microbiology and diagnostic radiography, and I’ve previously worked in academic publishing and as a hospital radiographer. I’m interested in communicating science to both a professional and a general audience and my background enables me to be flexible in writing across the health and life sciences and about science and technology.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking in the countryside with my pet Labrador, reading, and socializing. I am also mum to two girls, both of whom like science!

Articles from Dr. Nicola

The Pros and Cons of Artificial Wombs

Artificial womb technology (AWT) sparked a media sensation back in 2017 and, since then, has drawn much debate. Key questions include: Is the artificial womb inhabitant a fetus? What status does it have? And what are the pro and cons of this new technology?

10 Aug 2023

Current Challenges Surrounding Clostridium Difficile Infection

Clostridium difficile is an unpleasant, sometimes severe, and potentially lethal infection.

20 Jun 2023

Machine Learning for Targeted Disease Treatment

Machine learning is a next generation technology and a sub-set of Artificial Intelligence.

20 Jun 2023

Understanding REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder or RBD is a serious medical condition involving dream enactment behavior and loss of muscle atonia. Read more here.

6 Jun 2023

Biomaterials and Immune Modulation: Advancing Regenerative Medicine

This article focuses on current tissue engineering strategies and some of the latest work on immunomodulation as a window into the exciting field of regenerative medicine.

1 May 2023

Uncovering the Mystery of the Human Brain with Computational Neuroscience

Here we look at: what computational neuroscience is, how it has grown over the last thirty years, what its applications are, and where it is going.

1 May 2023

Understanding Standard-Of-Care in an Evolving World

What do we mean by standards-of-care? How did these standards evolve? This article attempts to answer these questions and to look at the part played by ethical debate in the development of standards-of-care.

14 Apr 2023

What Role do Biobanks Play in Cancer Research?

A biobank facilitates the collection, storage, and study of human biological specimens or 'biomaterials.'

24 Mar 2023

Recent Advancements in Treating HIV

HIV, the causative viral agent of AIDS, is a devasting and lethal disease that has caused widespread suffering worldwide for almost half a century. We still have no cure for this disease. While those infected can expect to continue treatment over the course of their lifetime, in recent times, there have been advancements in therapeutics.

30 Dec 2022

What are the Current Challenges in Mental Health Disorder Diagnosis?

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. This article explores the current challenges in mental health disorder diagnosis as part of our coverage for World Mental Health Day 2022.

3 Oct 2022