Pro Vice-Chancellor (University Impact)
Professor Bradley Williams is a life-long advocate for the dual notions of partnering to create the most effective teams to deliver solutions for unmet needs, and of ensuring that meritorious research finds pathways towards commercialisation. This philosophy has led him to commercialise some of his own research outcomes and, in partnership with a major chemicals manufacturer, to the development and commercialisation of two world-first technologies at the 100 kiloton per annum scale. Professor Williams has worked closely with the minerals, petrochemical, food and environmental protection sectors to help improve processes and sustainability. He has executive leadership experience in the commercial and academic sectors, and, as a senior academic, has supervised over 55 students to successful completion of their PhD degrees. He has published widely in leading international journals and enjoys has an international reputation if the field of catalysis, including transition metal catalysts and Lewis-type systems.
He has led research quality improvement processes at Faculty and institutional levels, elevating the institutional profile and external research funding. As a first-in-family university graduate, he is passionate about the life-changing benefits of tertiary education. He has led and participated in outreach education activities to help improve the prospects of underprivileged communities.
He has spearheaded the establishment of the Defence Innovation Network, a consortium of 9 NSW and ACT universities, now the peak defence R&D provider in NSW. He founded and was Director of the Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis at the University of Johannesburg, and also the Bioresource Processing Alliance at Callaghan Innovation in New Zealand, supporting the high value food sector.