Professor Frances Williams

Frances runs her own research group studying the genetic epidemiology of common complex traits related to rheumatic diseases. In particular, her research focuses on chronic pain syndromes including low back pain and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This ties in well with her clinical role as Hon Consultant Rheumatologist at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Frances also runs an NHS clinic for Musicians and Performing Artists, many of whom have chronic pain conditions, which threaten their occupational wellbeing. She has led several of the world’s first GWAS studies as well as the largest to date study of back pain, demonstrating that many of the environmental risk factors (e.g. social class) share a genetic predisposition with back pain.

Fran started working with TwinsUK in 2002. She became a full time TwinsUK researcher as Rheumatology Registrar/Senior Research Fellow in May 2003.