Adam Williams
(he/him)
AFHEA PhD (Medicine) MSc (Health Psychology) BSc (Psychology)
Research Associate - Trial Manager
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
Welcome to my profile! I am a passionate researcher dedicated to unravelling the complexities of sexual health and behaviour. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to innovation, my work revolves around prevention, health behaviour and intervention development aiming to ensure positive and equitable access to sexual health for all in Wales. I conduct various research and evaluation projects where I blend quantitative and qualitative methodologies to push the boundaries of knowledge.
I thrive on collaborative exploration, working in close partnership with Public Health Wales, the NHS, the Welsh Government, and academia, alongside volunteering with Fast Track Cardiff and Vale. My commitment to making a meaningful impact is reflected in my various projects supporting the business case to secure funding for Wales' National STI postal testing service and the creation of the Wales HIV Action Plan. Join me in the journey of discovery as we navigate the intriguing landscapes of health behaviour, unlocking new insights that pave the way for a brighter, more informed future.
Publication
2023
- Williams, A. D. N. 2023. Understanding the relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
- Williams, A. D. N., Davies, G., Farrin, A. J., Mafham, M., Robling, M., Sydes, M. R. and Lugg-Widger, F. V. 2023. A DELPHI study priority setting the remaining challenges for the use of routinely collected data in trials: COMORANT-UK. Trials 24(1), article number: 243. (10.1186/s13063-023-07251-x)
- Williams, A. D. N., Hood, K., Bracken, K. and Shorter, G. W. 2023. The importance of NOT being Other: Time to address the invisibility of nuanced gender and sexuality in clinical trials. Trials 24(1), article number: 242. (10.1186/s13063-023-07278-0)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2023. Psychometric Properties of an Adapted Stigma Scale and Experiences of Stigma Associated with HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Mixed Methods Study. AIDS and Behavior (10.1007/s10461-022-03967-0)
2022
- Williams, A. D. N., Wood, F., Gillespie, D., Couzens, Z., Hughes, K. and Hood, K. 2022. The relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance: a qualitative interview study of men who have sex with men. BMC Public Health 22(1), article number: 2222. (10.1186/s12889-022-14645-0)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2022. Experiences of men who have sex with men when initiating, implementing, and persisting with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Health Expectations 25(4), pp. 1332-1341. (10.1111/hex.13446)
- Maxwell, N., Williams, A., Ablitt, J., Bezeczky, Z., Thompson, S. and Crowley, A. 2022. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service: Interim Evaluation Report. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Serious-Organised-Crime-Early-Intervention-Service-Evaluation-Report.pdf
- Williams, A., Gillespie, D., Couzens, Z., Wood, F., Hughes, K. and Hood, K. 2022. Changing sexual behaviours amongst MSM during the COVID-19 restrictions in Wales: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 22(1), article number: 396. (10.1186/s12889-022-12821-w)
2021
- Alghamdi, I., Ariti, C., Williams, A., Wood, E. and Hewitt, J. 2021. Prevalence of fatigue after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Stroke Journal 6(4), pp. 319-332. (10.1177/23969873211047681)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2021. Early impact of COVID-19 social distancing measures on reported sexual behaviour of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users in Wales. Sexually Transmitted Infections 97, pp. 85-87. (10.1136/sextrans-2020-054598)
- Williams, A. 2021. Health inequalities among LGBTQ+ communities. The British Student Doctor Journal 5(2), pp. 88-94. (10.18573/bsdj.267)
Articles
- Williams, A. D. N., Davies, G., Farrin, A. J., Mafham, M., Robling, M., Sydes, M. R. and Lugg-Widger, F. V. 2023. A DELPHI study priority setting the remaining challenges for the use of routinely collected data in trials: COMORANT-UK. Trials 24(1), article number: 243. (10.1186/s13063-023-07251-x)
- Williams, A. D. N., Hood, K., Bracken, K. and Shorter, G. W. 2023. The importance of NOT being Other: Time to address the invisibility of nuanced gender and sexuality in clinical trials. Trials 24(1), article number: 242. (10.1186/s13063-023-07278-0)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2023. Psychometric Properties of an Adapted Stigma Scale and Experiences of Stigma Associated with HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Mixed Methods Study. AIDS and Behavior (10.1007/s10461-022-03967-0)
- Williams, A. D. N., Wood, F., Gillespie, D., Couzens, Z., Hughes, K. and Hood, K. 2022. The relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance: a qualitative interview study of men who have sex with men. BMC Public Health 22(1), article number: 2222. (10.1186/s12889-022-14645-0)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2022. Experiences of men who have sex with men when initiating, implementing, and persisting with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Health Expectations 25(4), pp. 1332-1341. (10.1111/hex.13446)
- Williams, A., Gillespie, D., Couzens, Z., Wood, F., Hughes, K. and Hood, K. 2022. Changing sexual behaviours amongst MSM during the COVID-19 restrictions in Wales: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 22(1), article number: 396. (10.1186/s12889-022-12821-w)
- Alghamdi, I., Ariti, C., Williams, A., Wood, E. and Hewitt, J. 2021. Prevalence of fatigue after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Stroke Journal 6(4), pp. 319-332. (10.1177/23969873211047681)
- Gillespie, D. et al. 2021. Early impact of COVID-19 social distancing measures on reported sexual behaviour of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users in Wales. Sexually Transmitted Infections 97, pp. 85-87. (10.1136/sextrans-2020-054598)
- Williams, A. 2021. Health inequalities among LGBTQ+ communities. The British Student Doctor Journal 5(2), pp. 88-94. (10.18573/bsdj.267)
Monographs
- Maxwell, N., Williams, A., Ablitt, J., Bezeczky, Z., Thompson, S. and Crowley, A. 2022. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service: Interim Evaluation Report. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Serious-Organised-Crime-Early-Intervention-Service-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Thesis
- Williams, A. D. N. 2023. Understanding the relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
Research
My background is in psychology and health behaviours. In 2019 I started my PhD in medicine, examinng HIV prevention and behaviour change from a public health perspective. I am particularly interested in working towards bringing an end to the transmission of HIV.
Clinically, I am interested in exploring behaviours related to the spread of infectious diseases and how to combat the spread. My other focus is reducing the impact antimicrobial resistance among sexually transmitted infections.
Methodologically, I am a mixed methods researcher with interest in using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to triangulating results.
Collaborations
- Evaluating Wales' Postal Testing service for Public Health Wales (All Wales Postal Testing Evaluation Report)
- Systematic review of interventions to reduce self-stigma in relation to HIV
- Exploring knowledge and stigma among primary healthcare practitioners (Bath University, Psychology Department)
- Developing and hosting the GW4 Multidisciplinary Approaches to AMR symposium
- Conducting research projects for Fast Track Cities Cardiff, Research and development team (Getting to Zero: Survey Report)
- Research team member for the DO-PREP project
Teaching
- Developing learning materials relating to using NVIVO for research purposes for the GW4
- Intercalated Population Medicine: developing and teaching a module relating to sexual health and research
- Cardiff Step-Up: developing and teaching a 6-week health and wellbeing course delivered to college students from deprived areas
- Cardiff Sexpression (since 2020): training coordinator and present workshops
- Just Like Us (2019-2021): delivering diversity workshops
Biography
I am an ambitious and creative multi-award-winning researcher with experience in grant writing, an international network of collaborators, and dedicated to improving EDI at Cardiff University. Being a queer man and coming from a socioeconomically deprived background I understand the difficulties faced by trying to break through class and tradition barriers that exist in academia. Having made my way in I have a passion for supporting and developing others from a similar position, providing a role model for others to follow and to alter the views and expectations when thinking of an “academic”.
As a trial manager, I have honed my skills in managing complex studies, collaborating with diverse teams, and aim to make trials run efficiently while being prepared to adapt to difficult situations that may arise. I have a track record of fostering strong working relationships with colleagues across universities, the health and criminal justice system, and wider stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality trials.
Reflecting on my experience, I have gone through all my education in quick succession, completing my PhD by 27. In this time I have cultivated myself and my abilities to the point where I am now an established researcher in sexual health, with institutions such as PHW and the Welsh Government inviting me to contribute to their policies and research. I engaged in a lot of training throughout my PhD to develop skills and now I am working to increase my standing within the field of sexual health promoting my work on an international stage. I am committed to generating new funding and publishing outputs to improve the unit, School, University, and health of people nationally and internationally.
My long-term goal is to establish Wales as a world leader in sexual health, developing a comprehensive research network across Wales producing quality research centred around our world-leading sexual health services.
Honours and awards
Honours | |
2023 | Prof Lesley Jones PGR Excellence Award, Student of the Year, Cardiff University |
Celebrating Excellence Awards, Excellence in Voluntary Contribution, Cardiff University | |
Art of Health (Europe Winner), STI & HIV World Congress Chicago | |
Research Image Award, KESS 2 Awards Ceremony | |
2022 | LGBTQ+ Thesis of the Year Award, National Student Pride |
Best Academic Poster, PRIME Conference | |
Forbes 30 under 30 Europe (shortlisted) | |
2021 | Art Lab Winner, Creative Cardiff |
2019 | Best Presenter, Cardiff Medical Research Symposium, Cardiff University |
Images of Research Winner, Cardiff University |
Research Awards | |
2023 | Learned Society of Wales Grant, Lead applicant |
2022 | Scholarship, International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference Cape Town |
Scholarship, AIDS 2022 Montreal | |
2021 | Public Health Wales Scoping and Feasibility Grant, Co-investigator |
2019 | KESS 2 East PhD Studentship, Candidate |
Professional memberships
2023 | Diploma in Professional Development in Leadership |
2022 | Associate Fellow in Advance Higher Education |
Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society | |
Member of the International AIDS Society | |
2020 | Member of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV |
Academic positions
2022 - ongoing | Research Associate - Trial Manager, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University |
2021 - 2022 | Research Assistant, Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University |
2021 - 2022 | Research Assistant, Cascade, Cardiff University |
2019 - ongoing | Research Assistant (Honorary Contract), Public Health Wales |
Speaking engagements
2023 | LGBTQ+ STEM Day conference (CARDIFF) [Organiser] |
Fast-Track Cities 2023 conference (AMSTERDAM) | |
GW4 EDI STEMM conference (CARDIFF) | |
STI & HIV World Congress (CHICAGO) [Scholarship and Award] | |
Society of Academic Primary Care National Conference (BRIGHTON) | |
2022 | AIDS 2022 conference (MONTREAL) [Scholarship] |
BASHH conference (LEEDS) | |
Fast-Track Cities 2022 conference (VIRTUAL) | |
HIV Stigma, Research seminar (VIRTUAL) [Organiser] | |
PRIME 2022 conference (SWANSEA) [Award] | |
Cardiff University Images of Research (CARDIFF) | |
National Student PRIDE (LONDON) [Award] | |
2021 | Fast-Track Cities 2021 conference (VIRTUAL) |
HIV in Cardiff & Vale, community event (CARDIFF) | |
Science in Health Live, Cardiff University (VIRTUAL) | |
Cardiff University Images of Research (VIRTUAL) | |
2020 | 34th Annual Cardiff Medical Research Symposium (CARDIFF) |
European testing week, research seminar (VIRTUAL) | |
Science in Health Live, Cardiff University (VIRTUAL) | |
Cardiff University Images of Research (VIRTUAL) | |
Researching the Rainbow, National Student PRIDE (LONDON) | |
2019 | 33rd Annual Cardiff Medical Research Symposium (CARDIFF) |
HIV PrEP Seminar (GLASGOW) | |
Cardiff University Images of Research (CARDIFF) |
Committees and reviewing
2023 | HIV Outcomes UK, National AIDS Trust |
HIV Action Plan Task and Finish Group, Welsh Government | |
Sexual Health Research and Evaluation Network, Organiser | |
Pride in STEM, Organising Committee | |
Research & Evaluation Lead, Fast Track Cardiff and Vale | |
Cardiff Science Festival, Organising Committee | |
2022 | Cardiff University EDI Committee |
Chair of Enfys, Staff LGBTQ+ Network, Cardiff University | |
Steering committee member, Fast Track Cardiff and Vale | |
2021 | Life Sciences Challenge, Cardiff University, Organising Committee |
2020 | GW4 Antimicrobial Resistance Symposium, Organising Committee |
Centre for Trials Research EDI Committee, Cardiff University | |
Life Sciences Challenge, Cardiff University, Organising Committee |
Contact Details
+44 29208 79989
Neuadd Meirionnydd, Room Room 507, 5th Floor, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YS
Research themes
Specialisms
- Sexualities
- Preventative health care
- Sexual Health
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Mixed-methodologies