Dr Erin Williams

Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology

Biography

Responsibilities & affiliations

  • R(D)SVS Academic Lead for Tutors & Demonstrators
  • Society for Reproduction and Fertility Chair of Education & Public Engagement
  • Co-Founder and Director of Feed SC050164

Research summary

Have you ever wondered how the bacteria that live on and inside of us influence how our bodies function? That is the question that the Williams lab aims to answer, with a specific focus on the female reproductive tract and mammary gland. By identifying the mechanisms by which the microbiome influences reproductive health and fertility, and how this is altered during disease, our aim is to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat the most common and debilitating mammalian reproductive health issues and disorders of lactation.

In a complementary theme, our lab also investigates the social and political factors influencing infant feeding in the UK, and the impact of food insecurity on maternal health across the reproductive lifespan and on early life infant health. Our aim is to produce robust evidence that shapes health policy and clinical practice to improve outcomes for women and infants, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities linked to socioeconomic disadvantage.

Current research interests

• The role of the reproductive tract microbiome in modulating menstruation in women. • Understanding the mechanisms that affect milk supply in women. • The impact of food insecurity on reproductive and early life health.

Project activity

Taking a One Health approach to understanding the mechanisms underpinning reproductive and early life health, the Williams lab is currently working on a number of projects across the following key themes:

  • Understanding the role of the microbiome in regulating bovine peripartum uterine health
  • Understanding the role of the microbiome in regulating reproductive health in women
  • The impact of food insecurity on maternal and infant health
  • Innovation in the dairy supply chain to support women and infants living in food insecurity

Current project grants

• Forde N, Gibson G, Williams EJ, Martinez R and Watters M. (2025 - 2028). Harnessing Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Endometrial Health: Towards an end to HMB-E. Wellcome Leap: The Missed Vital Sign. Co-Investigator; $2,700,000.
• Williams EJ and Adewole, A. (2025). An analysis of the UK market opportunity for a not-for-profit infant formula. UKRI Digital Dairy Chain. Co-Investigator: £10,000.

Past project grants

• Williams EJ. (2022 - 2024). Understanding the impact of Prolactin on postpartum uterine immunity. Society for Reproduction and Fertility, Return to Research Scholarship. Principal Investigator; £9,500.
• Cunha-Carneiro L and Williams EJ (2018-2019). Effect of omega-3 supplementation on reproductive performance and immune response in dairy cows. FAPESP Research Internship Abroad. Principal Supervisor; £12,000.
• Wheelhouse N and Williams EJ. (2018) Does the vaginal microbiome predict pregnancy success in cattle? Napier University Research Funding Competition. Principal Investigator; £9,500.
• Meade KM, Meijer WM, Evans ACO and Williams EJ. (2013-2018) Early diagnosis of postpartum uterine disease for Enhanced Reproduction and Improved Cow Health (ENRICH). Irish Dept. of Agriculture Research Stimulus Fund. Principal Investigator; £1,250,000.
• Carrington SD and Williams EJ. (2013). A predictive test for endometritis in cows for improved reproductive management in dairy herds. Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland Joint Technology Innovation Development Award (TIDA). Co-applicant; €96,000.
• Crowe ME et al. (2013) Role of Genotype and Environment in the contribution to dairy cow productivity using a genomics approach (GplusE). EU FP7 consortium. Collaborator; €9,000,000.
• Williams EJ, Berry D and McParland S. (2012). Genetics of reproductive tract ultrasound measurements in dairy and beef cattle. Teagasc Walsh Fellowship Scheme. Co-Applicant; €42,000.
• Williams EJ (2012-2013) Development of a multiplex Real Time PCR for the detection of Campylobacter, E.coli and Salmonella in sheep. UCD Seed Funding Initiative in conjunction with Bofinn Diagnostics Ltd. Principal Investigator; €5,000.
• Williams EJ, Carrington SD and Evans ACO (2011-2012) Development of a uterine health scoring system in postpartum dairy cattle. Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher in conjunction with Reprodoc Ltd. Principal Investigator; €5,000.
• Williams EJ and Evans ACO (2011-2012) Evaluation of a novel antimicrobial agent for prevention and treatment of reproductive tract disease. Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher in conjunction with Capstan Healthcare Ltd. Principal Investigator; €5,000.
• Williams EJ and Evans ACO (2010-2011) Development of a novel duplex Real Time PCR for the detection of Chlamydophila abortus and Toxoplasma gondii in sheep. Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher in conjunction with Bofinn Diagnostics Ltd. Principal Investigator; €5,000.

Patents:

  • United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB1315705.2 "Methods for predicting, diagnosing or monitoring infections" University College Dublin, Ireland. Filed Sept 2013. 

  • Rudd P, Stöckmann H, Carrington S, Williams EJ, Tharmalingam T, Evans A, inventors; University College Dublin, assignee. Methods for predicting, diagnosing or monitoring infections or conditions. United States patent application US 14/915,969. 2016 Jul 21. 

Invention Disclosures:

  • Casa-Luengo RM, Williams EJ, Lu J, Evans ACO, Carrington SC, Meijer WG (2014). Identification of Operational Taxonomical Units in bacterial populations of the bovine reproductive tract as prognostic biomarkers for development of postpartum endometritis. 

  • Williams EJ, Stoeckmann H, Tharmalingham T, Evans ACO, Rudd P and Carrington SC (2013).  Glycosylation of blood proteins as a prognostic biomarker for post partum uterine disease in cattle. 

  • Gutierrez J, Williams EJ, O’Donovan J, Sammin D, Bassett H, Markey BK and Evans ACO. (2009) Development of a novel duplex Real Time PCR for the detection of Chlamydophila abortus and Toxoplasma gondii in sheep. 

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