Associate ProfessorRichard Williams

Early in my career, I was involved in ground-breaking research that established an entire field of peptide and material
science. I pioneered techniques using solid phase peptide synthesis, enzymes, and thermodynamics to form defined
and functional nanostructures. I contributed to two world first studies on the structural formation underpinning
aromatically capped peptide derivatives, thereby opening a whole new field ofshort peptide derivative self-assembly.
previously thought to be a kinetically driven process, whereby the compounds form kinetically favoured, stable
structures, I demonstrated that the governing processes are thermodynamically driven, whereby the peptide can
form a series of optimised structures, providing researchers with a set of design rules for designed, and transient
applications. As an early proponent of the area, I began a close collaboration with David Nisbet in 2010, which has
driven the development of some of the first, best and most exciting evidence of the bioactivity and beneficial uses of
these materials. I have contributed first evidence of protein presentation and delivery, stem cell transplantation and
4D metamaterials. My research is world leading and has demonstrated the first in vivo use of this class of materials
to have real, physiological benefits in a model of stroke. These designed scaffolds can support the damaged brain,
deliver stem cells, and allow functional recovery. Prior to this, these materials were mainly used as inert, in vitro cell
culture assays. I introduced new methods and protocols to form a true, implantable, well-tolerated and functional
biomaterial. This technology provides significant promise as a treatment option for a range of diseases including
autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. My work has shown localised expression of growth
factors that control cell proliferation and/or death could be used to directly target solid tumors in cancer patients,
and then encourage the production of new tissue. Additionally, the use of neurotrophic factors (e.g. glial cell-line
derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)) have been shown to promote the survival of select populations of neurons (e.g.
dopamine neurons) to slow disease regression in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease). Such
examples of how our nanoscaffolds could be effectively used for disease treatment highlights the wide-ranging impact
this technology could have on regenerative medicine and society at large. This understanding allows for the rapid
translation towards industrial products and processes to address health related issues, such as worldwide patents
and in partnership with Marinova, a Tasmanian biopharma company. Through their world-wide network of clients, I
am developing projects that are providing clinicians and researchers with novel, functional and bioactive scaffolds. I
was instrumental in the conceptualisation, design, and implementation of the first biofabrication facility embedded
within an Australian Hospital. To date, over 100 PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers have carried out projects
within the facility, taking direct benefit from the facility. More recently, I have been working in partnership with
REACH and the CRC for Marine bioproducts, SeaSol, Humblebee Plc, Nanostratus Plc and Reliance Institute of Life
Sciences to generate industrial circular economy research outcomes and products. Internationally, I collaborate with
TERI-Deakin, AIIMs, and IIT with numerous in country PhD students