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Dr David Williams
(he/him)
BEng PhD
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for David Williams
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Overview
I lead the in-vivo imaging research within Cardiff University’s Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility, combining advanced medical imaging and computational modelling to understand how joints move, how disease affects their function, and how treatments can improve musculoskeletal health.
My research spans the ankle, knee, shoulder and spine. I develop methods that connect measurements of movement in living people with personalised models of joint mechanics, using biplane videoradiography, MRI and open-source modelling tools.
I have secured funding as Principal Investigator for ankle modelling and spinal imaging research, and hold Researcher Co-Lead and Co-Investigator roles on EPSRC-funded shoulder, ankle and knee programmes. Alongside setting the direction of imaging and analysis methods, I supervise and mentor research staff and PhD students.
Working with engineers, clinicians and people affected by musculoskeletal conditions, my goal is to turn advances in measurement and modelling into tools that support better treatment.
Publication
2026
- Williams, D. E. et al. 2026. Less is more: downsampling x-ray images improves pose estimation accuracy. Medical Engineering & Physics 147 (2) 02NT01. (10.1088/1873-4030/ae2909)
2025
- Kelly, E. S. et al., 2025. Optimisation of intervertebral disc mechanical properties and the impact of vertebral alignment in subject‐specific finite element models. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering 41 (6) e70052. (10.1002/cnm.70052)
- Kruger, K. M. et al., 2025. Standardizing 3 dimensional measurements in foot and ankle imaging. Foot and Ankle Clinics 30 (1), pp.221-237. (10.1016/j.fcl.2024.08.006)
2023
- Bowd, J. et al. 2023. Using musculoskeletal modelling to estimate knee joint loading pre and post high tibial osteotomy. Clinical Biomechanics 101 105855. (10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105855)
2021
- De Vecchis, M. et al. 2021. Hip, knee and ankle kinematics improve after total knee replacement but do not return to normal. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 29 (S1), pp.S184-S185. (10.1016/j.joca.2021.02.252)
- Esquivel, L. et al., 2021. Development of a protocol to quantify in vivo kinematics of the foot and ankle. Orthopaedic Proceedings 103-B (S2), pp.64-64. (10.1302/1358-992X.2021.2.064)
- Williams, D. et al. 2021. Patellofemoral kinematics during different loaded dynamic activities: an in vivo pilot study [Abstract]. Orthopaedic Proceedings 103-B (SUPP_2), pp.54-54. (10.1302/1358-992X.2021.2.054)
2020
- Williams, D. et al. 2020. The relationship between alignment, function and loading in total knee replacement: In-vivo analysis of a unique patient population. Journal of Biomechanics 112 110042. (10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110042)
- Bowd, J. B. et al. 2020. Knee joint contact forces during gait for patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: OARSI 2020 World Congress on Osteoarthritis Vienna, Austria 30 April - 3 May 2020. Vol. 28.Vol. Supple. Elsevier. , pp.s250-s251. (10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.403)
2019
- Sparkes, V. et al. 2019. Comparison of gait, functional activities and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis and healthy adults using 3D motion analysis and activity monitoring: An exploratory case-control analysis. Orthopedic Research and Reviews 11 , pp.129-140. (10.2147/ORR.S199107)
- Jones, P. et al. 2019. Do changes in feature selection parameters influence the classification of knee rehabilitation exercises when using body worn accelerometer data?. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27 (S1) S400. (10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.401)
2018
- Williams, D. E. et al. 2018. How does frontal plane alignment of a total knee replacement influence biomechanical function and loading?. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 26 (S1), pp.S388-S389. 717. (10.1016/j.joca.2018.02.757)
- Holt, C. and Williams, D. 2018. Chapter 6: Biomechanics of the peripheral joints. In: Hochberg, M. C. et al., Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set - 7e. Vol. 7e, Elsevier
- Williams, D. E. 2018. Development and validation of a biplane fluoroscopy system to quantify in-vivo knee kinematics. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Articles
- Williams, D. E. et al. 2026. Less is more: downsampling x-ray images improves pose estimation accuracy. Medical Engineering & Physics 147 (2) 02NT01. (10.1088/1873-4030/ae2909)
- Kelly, E. S. et al., 2025. Optimisation of intervertebral disc mechanical properties and the impact of vertebral alignment in subject‐specific finite element models. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering 41 (6) e70052. (10.1002/cnm.70052)
- Kruger, K. M. et al., 2025. Standardizing 3 dimensional measurements in foot and ankle imaging. Foot and Ankle Clinics 30 (1), pp.221-237. (10.1016/j.fcl.2024.08.006)
- Bowd, J. et al. 2023. Using musculoskeletal modelling to estimate knee joint loading pre and post high tibial osteotomy. Clinical Biomechanics 101 105855. (10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105855)
- De Vecchis, M. et al. 2021. Hip, knee and ankle kinematics improve after total knee replacement but do not return to normal. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 29 (S1), pp.S184-S185. (10.1016/j.joca.2021.02.252)
- Esquivel, L. et al., 2021. Development of a protocol to quantify in vivo kinematics of the foot and ankle. Orthopaedic Proceedings 103-B (S2), pp.64-64. (10.1302/1358-992X.2021.2.064)
- Williams, D. et al. 2021. Patellofemoral kinematics during different loaded dynamic activities: an in vivo pilot study [Abstract]. Orthopaedic Proceedings 103-B (SUPP_2), pp.54-54. (10.1302/1358-992X.2021.2.054)
- Williams, D. et al. 2020. The relationship between alignment, function and loading in total knee replacement: In-vivo analysis of a unique patient population. Journal of Biomechanics 112 110042. (10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.110042)
- Sparkes, V. et al. 2019. Comparison of gait, functional activities and patient-reported outcome measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis and healthy adults using 3D motion analysis and activity monitoring: An exploratory case-control analysis. Orthopedic Research and Reviews 11 , pp.129-140. (10.2147/ORR.S199107)
- Jones, P. et al. 2019. Do changes in feature selection parameters influence the classification of knee rehabilitation exercises when using body worn accelerometer data?. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27 (S1) S400. (10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.401)
- Williams, D. E. et al. 2018. How does frontal plane alignment of a total knee replacement influence biomechanical function and loading?. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 26 (S1), pp.S388-S389. 717. (10.1016/j.joca.2018.02.757)
Book sections
- Holt, C. and Williams, D. 2018. Chapter 6: Biomechanics of the peripheral joints. In: Hochberg, M. C. et al., Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set - 7e. Vol. 7e, Elsevier
Conferences
- Bowd, J. B. et al. 2020. Knee joint contact forces during gait for patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: OARSI 2020 World Congress on Osteoarthritis Vienna, Austria 30 April - 3 May 2020. Vol. 28.Vol. Supple. Elsevier. , pp.s250-s251. (10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.403)
Thesis
- Williams, D. E. 2018. Development and validation of a biplane fluoroscopy system to quantify in-vivo knee kinematics. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Research
Research interests and approach
I lead the in-vivo imaging research within Cardiff University’s Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility. My research combines musculoskeletal biomechanics, advanced medical imaging and computational modelling to understand joint function in health and disease.
I develop methods that connect measurements of movement in living people with personalised models of joint mechanics. Using biplane videoradiography, MRI and motion analysis, I investigate how anatomy, tissue health and movement influence joint function and the outcomes of treatment. My research spans the ankle, knee, shoulder and spine.
My aim is to develop reliable, reusable methods that help researchers and clinicians understand musculoskeletal conditions and evaluate surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Research leadership
I shape research questions, develop imaging and analysis methods, and lead experimental work across multidisciplinary programmes. I hold Researcher Co-Lead roles on the EPSRC-funded ENGIN Shoulder and EASE-ankle OA programmes and lead the in-vivo work package for ENGIN Knee as Researcher Co-Investigator.
My independent research includes Principal Investigator awards in ankle imaging, open-source computational modelling, MRI biomarkers of disc health and imaging for spinal surgical planning. These projects connect methodological development with clinically relevant questions about movement, joint mechanics and treatment.
Imaging methods and open research
I led the design and commissioning of Cardiff’s bespoke biplane videoradiography system and develop the imaging and analysis workflows used across the facility. My work includes MRI-derived anatomical models, image registration, automated joint tracking and the integration of experimental measurements with musculoskeletal models.
I promote shared code, reproducible workflows and open-source tools to make these methods more accessible and transferable between research groups.
Collaboration and developing researchers
I work with engineers, clinicians, imaging scientists and people affected by musculoskeletal conditions. International collaborations include research with the University of Utah, KU Leuven, Queen's University and the University of Denver. I also contribute to an international task force developing standards for three-dimensional foot and ankle measurements.
I supervise PhD students, line manage research staff and provide specialist training in imaging and biomechanics. I have supervised more than 30 undergraduate dissertations and led more than ten funded undergraduate research internships.
Patient and public involvement helps shape my research priorities and the development of clinically relevant methods. I welcome research collaborations and postgraduate enquiries in musculoskeletal biomechanics, biomedical imaging and personalised computational modelling.
Successful research funding
The amounts below indicate the recorded award value or, where specified, Cardiff’s allocation within a larger collaborative programme.
Current and recently awarded projects
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EASE-ankle OA — Engineering Advanced Solutions for End-stage Ankle Osteoarthritis
Funder: EPSRC Programme Grant. Role: Cardiff Researcher Co-Lead.
Timeframe: October 2026 start; 60 months. Funding: £2 million to Cardiff within a £12 million programme. -
ENGIN Shoulder — Multiplatform Pipeline for Engineering Human Shoulder Joint Function
Funder: EPSRC. Role: Cardiff Researcher Co-Lead.
Timeframe: September 2026 start; 36 months. Funding: Approximately £1.56 million to Cardiff within an approximately £3.1 million project. -
MRI Biomarkers of Disc Health: Linking Imaging to Function
Funding scheme: Back-to-Back. Role: Principal Investigator.
Timeframe: December 2025–June 2027 Funding: £19,945. -
ENGIN Knee — Multi-platform Pipeline for Engineering Human Knee Joint Function
Funder: EPSRC. Role: Researcher Co-Investigator and in-vivo work package lead.
Timeframe: February 2024–January 2028. Funding: £1,020,364. -
CAT&MAUS — Computer-Aided Tracking and Motion Analysis with Ultrasound: Development and Validation of a Novel Joint Assessment System for Orthopaedics
Funder: NIHR i4i. Role: Named Researcher.
Timeframe: 36 months. Funding: Approximately £1.1 million overall; £56,000 to Cardiff
Previous Principal Investigator and collaborative awards
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Spine Biomechanics: In Vivo, In Vitro, In Silico
Funder: GW4 Building Communities Programme, Development Award. Role: Co-applicant.
Timeframe: October 2025 start; six months. Funding: £4,852. -
OSCAM — Open-Source Computational Ankle Model
Funder: EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account Follow-on Funding. Role: Principal Investigator.
Timeframe: June–December 2025. Funding: £19,981. -
MR-AIR — Magnetic Resonance Ankle Image Registration
Funder: EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account. Role: Principal Investigator.
Timeframe: November 2023–March 2025. Funding: £19,750. -
MRI-based Spine Models for Patient-specific Surgical Planning: A Clinically Driven Approach to Developing New Validated Surgical Tools
Funder: MRC Confidence in Concept. Role: Principal Investigator.
Timeframe: November 2022–March 2023. Funding: £34,945. -
Image-driven Subject-specific Spine Models
Funder: EPSRC. Role: Researcher Co-Investigator.
Timeframe: October 2021–June 2025. Funding: £447,974. -
Determining 3D Kinematics of the Talus During Normal Walking Using Video Fluoroscopy: A Pilot Study
Funder: EPSRC OATech+ Network, Biomechanics Pump-priming Award. Role: Co-Investigator.
Timeframe: September 2019–December 2022. Funding: £9,835. -
From Brain to Biomechanics: Quantifying Human Dexterity
Funding scheme: ISSF3 Cross-Disciplinary Award. Role: Co-Investigator.
Timeframe: September 2019–September 2021. Funding: £46,056. -
COMSTIG — Motor Cortex Magnetic Stimulation During Gait
Funding scheme: ISSF3 Cross-Disciplinary Award. Role: Engineering Lead and Co-Investigator.
Timeframe: September 2019–September 2021. Funding: £31,038. -
Development of a Quantitative MRI Phantom for Knee Tissue
Funder: EPSRC OATech+ Network, Sandpit Feasibility Funding. Role: Principal Investigator.
Timeframe: July 2019–March 2022. Funding: £19,086. -
Development of Standard Protocols for In-vivo Imaging
Funder: EPSRC OATech+ Network. Role: Named Postdoctoral Research Associate.
Timeframe: July 2019–January 2020. Funding: £60,585. -
GW4 Imaging Arthritis Consortium
Funder: GW4 Building Communities, Initiator Award. Role: Cardiff Lead.
Timeframe: January–August 2019. Funding: £11,980.
Teaching
Biomechanics 2 (year 3) - Application in Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System
Year 3 Individual Projects
Holt, C. and Williams, D. 2018. Chapter 6: Biomechanics of the peripheral joints. In: Hochberg, M. C. et al. eds. Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set - 7e., Vol. 7e. Elsevier
Biography
Honours and awards
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2024: British Orthopaedic Research Society Andrew Sprowson Clinical Translation Award.
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2023: British Orthopaedic Research Society New Investigator Award.
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2022: British Orthopaedic Research Society/Bone & Joint Research Travelling Fellowship.
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2021: Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Gold Development Award.
Speaking engagements
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December 2025: Invited talk, Arthritis UK impact event.
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October 2025: Invited seminar, Medical Image Computing Group.
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September 2025: Keynote speaker, Bath Biomechanics Symposium.
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July 2025: Invited contribution to the American Society of Biomechanics SlicerAutoscoperM workshop, demonstrating automated processing methods.
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January 2025: Invited speaker, CUBRICon.
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April 2023: Keynote speaker, Clinical Motion Analysis Society.
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February 2023: Invited speaker, Orthopaedic Research Society Foot and Ankle Research Interest Group.
Committees and reviewing
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Bone & Joint Research: Specialty Associate Editor for Biomechanics.
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British Orthopaedic Research Society: Executive Committee member and BORS–BJR Travelling Fellowship Lead, coordinating fellowship selection and supporting early-career researchers.
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International task force on three-dimensional foot and ankle measurements: Contributor to the development of measurement standards and methodologies.
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Research funding assessment: Contributions to Impact Acceleration Account assessmentl and a mock Wellcome Discovery Award panel.
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Previous BORS responsibilities: Digital Officer and New Investigator Representative; technical lead for the society’s virtual annual meetings in 2020 and 2021.
News articles
Contact Details
+44 29225 11798
Trevithick Building, Room T0.17, The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 3AA
Research themes
Specialisms
- Biomedical engineering
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical imaging
- Image processing
