Neil Williams is an associate professor in chemistry and is currently Interim Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) at Kingston University. Neil has a long-standing commitment to supporting the progression and attainment of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
A feature of his work has been the use and promotion of active learning methods in his own teaching and across Kingston University and the wider science sector. A key recent focus has been in developing socially just and inclusive curricula, including decolonisation of the science curriculum. This was recognised by LearnSci Teaching Innovation prize in 2020. Since 2020 he has spoken at more than 20 universities on developing inclusive curricula and decolonising the curriculum.
In addition, he has worked with the Decolonising Academia group on running workshops and discussions to assist other academics starting on their own decolonisation journeys. He has developed two major student-staff research partnership schemes: a Faculty Summer Undergraduate Research Internship scheme mainly focused on developing STEM research skills and a Student Academic Development Research Associate Scheme (SADRAS) focused on pedagogic research aimed at enhancing the student experience.
A key feature of both has been to support underrepresented students and close awarding gaps. Another aspect of Neil’s work has been to develop a community of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning within his faculty and in the wider STEM sector. This has been achieved by championing the evaluation and dissemination of good learning and teaching practice, and student support. This has included establishing the Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference as an annual event since 2016 and a deep commitment to engaging academics with the UKPSF and professional recognition of teaching and learning. Neil gained a Principal Fellowship of Advance HE in 2018.