Personal profile
Academic Biography
Dr Ryan Thomas Williams is an education technology consultant, focusing on AI Ethics, and course tutor for the online DBA programmes at Teesside University. He also holds honorary and visiting roles at the University of Liverpool 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. He is an Advisor to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), where he contributes to national research governance and advances ethical research practices across the UK. His work focuses on the ethical implications of integrating AI into education and research. He is particularly interested in AI ethics, data protection, and the responsible methodological use of generative AI for data analysis and decision-making.
Ryan’s research has been published in business and social science journals, including Practice, Frontiers in Education, and the Berkman Klein Centre at Harvard University. Ryan is an Editorial Board Member for Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics and Practice: Contemporary Issues in Professional Learning.
Ryan has taught extensively across UK universities, primarily leading research methods modules on International MBA and DBA programmes as a module leader, lecturer, and project supervisor. He has developed multiple research methods modules underpinned by ethical case method seminars. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he devised a series of research methods workshops for NHS employees transitioning into managerial positions. This project was funded by the European Social Fund.
As a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Ryan actively contributes to the development of new teaching and learning technologies by providing insights and feedback to Google. He is also a member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).
Ryan is passionate about responsible innovation in education technology and has contributed to various digital transformation initiatives. He provides training and advisory services in AI ethics, responsible AI policy, education technology, and project management, helping institutions implement and evaluate digital tools transparently and responsibly.
Ryan participates in management meetings and change control boards as a trusted partner in developing policies, budgets, bids, and procedures for education projects. He has previously worked with Philip Morris International and Abyasa Limited.
In 2014, he was honoured at Buckingham Palace after winning Teesside’s Business Idea on a Beermat competition.
Research interests
- AI Ethics
- Research Methods
- Education Technology
- Internet and Data Ethics
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, An exploration into the pedagogical benefits of using social media: can educators incorporate social media into pedagogy successfully?, Teesside University
2018 → 2022
Award Date: 22 Jul 2022
Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Advance HE
Award Date: 25 May 2021
Bachelor, Applied Sport Science, Teesside University
2011 → 2014
Award Date: 26 Jun 2014
Bachelor, The Effectiveness of Positive Self-Talk, Imagery and Confidence Profiling as Confidence Interventions on Amateur Athletes Perceptions of Self-Confidence, Teesside University
Award Date: 1 Jun 2014
External positions
Editorial Board Member, Practice: contemporary issues in professional learning
2026 → …
External Examiner (PhD), University of Glasgow
2026 → …
Advisor, UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO)
2025 → …
Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics
2024 → …
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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The Emperor’s Newest Clothes? Simulated Learning and its Benefits and Challenges for Practitioner Pedagogy in Higher Education (HE).
Ingleby, E. & Williams, R., 2 Jan 2026, In: Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education. 8, 1, p. 3-7 5 p., 1.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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The online survey in qualitative research: can AI act as a probing tool?
Williams, R. & Ingleby, E., 5 Sept 2025, In: Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics. 10, p. 1-11 11 p., 1519008.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile14 Downloads (Pure) -
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Practitioner Education in Higher Education (HE)
Williams, R. & Ingleby, E., 16 Jul 2024, In: Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education. 6, 2-3, p. 105-111 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Downloads (Pure) -
Open Access
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An Academic Review of Virtual Learning Environments
Williams, R., 27 Jun 2022, In: ICRRD Quality Index Research Journal . 3, 2, p. 143-145Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile431 Downloads (Pure)
Press/Media
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London 2017 Organisers Recognise Athletics Family
16/01/16
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
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Thesis
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An exploration into the pedagogical benefits of using social media: can educators incorporate social media into pedagogy successfully?
Williams, R. (Author), Ingleby, E. (Supervisor) & Hedges, C. (Supervisor), 27 Jul 2022Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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