Prof. Ziv Williams | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor | Harvard Medical School | United States
Dr. Ziv Williams is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, where he also serves as faculty in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program and the Program in Neuroscience. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Williams completed postdoctoral fellowships in Neurobiology and Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School.
His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying complex behaviors such as social cognition, language processing, and motor control. Utilizing advanced techniques including single-neuronal recordings and optogenetics, Dr. Williams aims to bridge basic neurophysiology with clinical applications to develop innovative treatments for neurological disorders. His work has been published in leading scientific journals and recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award and honors from major neurological associations.
Dr. Williams is dedicated to advancing neuroscience through research, teaching, and clinical practice, contributing significantly to both academic scholarship and practical applications in neurosurgery and neurology.
Profile:
Education:
Dr. Ziv Williams has pursued a comprehensive academic journey that underscores his multidisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, medicine, neurobiology, and neurosurgery. He began his educational pursuits with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, where from 1991 to 1994, he laid the groundwork for his understanding of molecular biology and biochemical processes. This foundational training provided him with essential insights into the fundamental building blocks of life at the cellular level.
Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Williams continued his academic trajectory at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from 1994 to 1999. During this time, he delved into the intricacies of medical science, gaining a comprehensive understanding of clinical practice and patient care. His medical training equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to approach healthcare challenges with a holistic and evidence-based perspective.
Dr. Williams further honed his expertise through specialized postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School. From 2000 to 2004, he engaged in rigorous research and study in Neurobiology, exploring advanced techniques and methodologies in understanding the nervous system at a molecular and cellular level. Concurrently, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurosurgery from 1999 to 2006, gaining hands-on experience in surgical interventions and treatments for neurological disorders.
This combined educational background has uniquely positioned Dr. Williams as a leader in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery. His academic journey—from biochemistry to neurosurgery—reflects a commitment to integrating diverse disciplines to advance scientific understanding and improve clinical outcomes in neurological care.
Experience:
Dr. Ziv Williams boasts a rich and diverse professional experience that spans academia, research, and clinical practice. He has served as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School since 2014, where he holds joint appointments in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program and the Program in Neuroscience. Prior to his current position, Dr. Williams completed rigorous training as a resident in Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, followed by roles as an Instructor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.
Throughout his career, Dr. Williams has been actively involved in cutting-edge research aimed at unraveling the complexities of neural circuitry underlying cognitive functions and behavior. His expertise in single-neuronal recordings, optogenetics, and neuro-modulatory techniques has been instrumental in advancing understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. Dr. Williams’ contributions to neuroscience have been recognized with prestigious awards and honors, underscoring his significant impact on the field and dedication to improving patient care through innovative research and clinical practice.
Research:
Dr. Ziv Williams is renowned for his pioneering research in neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms that underpin complex behaviors such as social cognition and language processing. Utilizing advanced techniques like single-neuronal recordings and optogenetics, his work aims to elucidate how neural circuits encode and influence behavior, with implications for treating neurological disorders.
His research contributions have been published in high-impact journals and have garnered widespread acclaim, including awards such as the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) and recognition at the Falling Walls Science Summit. Dr. Williams’ innovative approach bridges basic science with clinical applications, positioning him as a leader in advancing neuroscientific understanding and therapeutic interventions. His commitment to excellence in research and its translation into clinical practice underscores his impact and influence in the field of neuroscience.
Publications:
Dr. Williams’ contributions to scientific literature are extensive and impactful. His research publications include:
- Jamali M, Grannan BL, Fedorenko E, Saxe R, Báez-Mendoza R, Williams Z. Single-neuronal predictions of others’ beliefs in humans. Nature. 2021;591:610–614.
- Báez-Mendoza R, Mastrobattista EP, Wang AJ, Williams Z. Social agent identity cells in the prefrontal cortex of interacting groups of primates. Science. 2021;374:6566.
- Li SW, Zeliger O, Strahs L, Báez-Mendoza R, Johnson LM, McDonald Wojciechowski A, Williams Z. Frontal neurons driving competitive behaviour and ecology of social groups. Nature. 2022;603(7902):661-666.
- Khanna AR, Muñoz W, Kim YJ, Kfir Y, Paulk AC, Jamali M, Cai J, Mustroph ML, Caprara I, Hardstone R, Mejdell M, Meszéna D, Zuckerman A, Schweitzer J, Cash S, Williams Z. Single-neuronal elements of speech production in humans. Nature. 2024;626(7999):603-610.