Human Metabolomics
Studying small-molecule patterns to better understand human biology, health and disease.
Related workBiochemistry · Metabolomics · Leadership
Science.Leadership.Impact.
Prof. Aurelia A. Williams
Associate Professor of Biochemistry | Researcher | Academic Leader | Mentor
Prof. Aurelia A. Williams is a South African biochemist and academic leader whose research explores the relationship between metabolism, immune responses and disease. Her work uses metabolomics and molecular approaches to investigate infectious and acquired diseases while supporting the development of research, education and future scientific leaders.
Currently
Subject Group Chair, Biochemistry
North-West University · BioMMet, Human Metabolomics
Prof. Aurelia A. Williams holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Pretoria, completed in 2012. She subsequently undertook postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco, where she investigated genetic factors associated with brain tumour metabolism and growth.
She is an Associate Professor in the Biochemistry Department at North-West University in South Africa and is associated with the Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research Group. Her research focuses on understanding immunometabolic mechanisms involved in infectious and acquired diseases and developing research approaches with potential to improve health outcomes.
She has established and contributed to HIV focused research and has worked across scientific collaborations involving metabolomics, molecular biology, disease research and health related applications. Her academic work also includes mentoring students and supporting the development of emerging scientists.
Research
Research That Connects Science With Health
Research areas spanning molecular mechanisms, metabolic signatures and the immune responses that shape infectious and acquired disease.
Immunometabolism
Exploring the relationship between cellular metabolism and immune responses.
Related workInfectious Diseases
Investigating metabolic and molecular mechanisms involved in infectious disease.
Related workHIV Research
Contributing to HIV-focused research through metabolomic and molecular approaches.
Related workAcquired Diseases
Examining the biological processes and metabolic changes associated with acquired disease.
Related workMolecular and Metabolic Mechanisms
Connecting molecular pathways, metabolic signatures and disease processes.
Related workTranslational Research
Building bridges between scientific discovery and research with relevance for human health.
Related workScientific Innovation
Developing collaborative approaches that strengthen research, education and future discovery.
Related workAcademic journey
A path across three continents of research
University of Johannesburg
An early stage in Prof. Williams' academic journey in biochemistry.
2012
PhD in Biochemistry — University of Pretoria
Completed doctoral training in Biochemistry at the University of Pretoria.
Postdoctoral training — University of California, San Francisco
Investigated genetic factors associated with brain tumour metabolism and growth.
Associate Professor — North-West University
Joined the Biochemistry Department and the Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research Group.
2021
DHET Future Professors Programme
Selected for the national programme supporting the development of future South African professors.
Current academic leadership
Associate Professor and Subject Group Chair for Biochemistry at North-West University.
Research philosophy
From molecules to meaningful health outcomes.
Prof. Williams' work seeks to move beyond scientific discovery toward research with practical relevance for human health.
- Understanding biological mechanisms
- Identifying meaningful metabolic signatures
- Understanding disease processes
- Connecting metabolism and immune responses
- Developing evidence that supports better health outcomes
- Supporting future scientific innovation
Biochemistry · Metabolomics · Immunometabolism
Metabolomics
Leadership
Leadership Beyond the Laboratory
Subject Group Chair, Biochemistry
Provides academic leadership within Biochemistry at North-West University.
Research leadership
Contributes to the Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research Group through research, collaboration and scientific development.
Academic development
Supports research capacity, education and the development of emerging scientists.
Collaborative science
Works across metabolomics, molecular biology, disease research and health-related applications.
Mentorship
Developing the Next Generation of Scientists
- Developing young scientists
- Supporting women in STEM
- Encouraging young people to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- Mentoring emerging researchers
- Building research capacity in Africa
- Creating opportunities for scientific collaboration
Recognition
Milestones
PhD in Biochemistry
Completed at the University of Pretoria in 2012.
International postdoctoral training
Undertook research training at the University of California, San Francisco.
Associate Professor
Serves in the Biochemistry Department at North-West University.
Future Professors Programme
Selected for the DHET Future Professors Programme in 2021.
Biochemistry leadership
Serves as Subject Group Chair for Biochemistry at North-West University.
Scientific mentorship
Mentors students and supports the development of emerging scientists.
Publications
Featured Research
- Metabolomics
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Full title, authors, journal, year and DOI pending verification.
- Immunometabolism
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- Infectious Disease
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- HIV Research
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Speaking
Speaking and Engagement
Scientific conferences
Engagements and verified conference appearances will be listed here as details become available.
Research seminars
A space for verified seminars and invited academic presentations.
Training and mentorship
Academic activities supporting students, emerging researchers and scientific capacity.
Science outreach
Engagement focused on encouraging participation in science and supporting women in STEM.
Latest Updates
All updatesResearch
Research update to be added
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Leadership
Academic update to be added
Verified academic leadership news and institutional updates will appear here.
Engagement
Speaking update to be added
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Building Knowledge. Developing People. Advancing Science.
Prof. Williams combines scientific research with academic leadership, mentorship and scientific development. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing metabolomics research while supporting the people, institutions and collaborations needed to strengthen science in South Africa and beyond.
Contact
Aurelia.Williams@nwu.ac.zaNorth-West University, Potchefstroom Campus
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences — Biochemistry