Hi, I'm Dr Ryan Thomas Williams

Academic Biography

Dr Ryan Thomas Williams is an academic and education technology consultant specialising in artificial intelligence in higher education, research methods, and research philosophy. He teaches on the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at Teesside University. He also holds honorary and visiting roles at the University of Liverpool, the University of Southampton and the University of Essex. He serves as an External Examiner for doctoral candidates at the University of Glasgow. Ryan holds a PhD from Teesside University and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

He serves as an Advisor to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), where he contributes to national discussions on research governance and the ethical use of emerging technologies. His research focuses on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in education and research, with particular interests in epistemic and moral agency, and the responsible methodological use of generative AI for data analysis and decision-making.

Ryan’s research has been published in several business and social science journals, including Practice, Frontiers in Education, and the Berkman Klein Centre for Internet & Society at Harvard University. He serves on the editorial boards of the International Professional Development Association’s (IPDA) journal, Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education, and Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics.

He has taught extensively across UK universities, primarily leading research methods modules on postgraduate and doctoral programmes as a module leader, lecturer, and project supervisor. His teaching draws on case-based learning, encouraging students to critically evaluate competing perspectives and justify their decisions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed a series of research methods workshops for NHS employees transitioning into managerial roles, funded by the European Social Fund.

He is also a professional member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).

Alongside his academic work, Ryan provides consultancy and advisory services in AI ethics, responsible AI policy, and digital project delivery. He supports institutions in implementing and evaluating digital tools, often participating in governance processes such as procurement discussions and change control boards.

In 2014, he was recognised at Buckingham Palace after winning Teesside University’s Business Idea on a Beermat competition.

Research Interests

AI in education and research
AI ethics and Research integrity
Technology-enhanced learning (TEL)
Contemporary issues in research methods
Digital pedagogy and academic integrity
Governance and policy in EdTech projects

Academic Recognition & Professional Appointments

UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Expert Advisor
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
External Examiner (PhD)- University of Glasgow
Professional member, British Computer Society (2025-)
Member, International Professional Development Association (2018-)

Journal Roles

Editorial Board Memberships

Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, (2024-)
Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education, International Professional Development Association (2026-)

Peer Reviewer (selected journals)