Dean of Medicine

The Dean of Medicine is responsible for the Faculty of Medicine, including the School of Medicine and all related research groups. She represents all permanent members of academic staff within the Faculty.

Professor Deborah Williamson BSc (Hons) MBChB (Hons) PhD MRCP FRCPA

Professor Williamson has held strategic leadership roles in academia and public health agencies across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. She is a clinician-scientist with a global network of collaborators and over 300 journal publications. Her work has attracted significant research funding and has been recognised with awards such as the L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Fellowship.

Her research focuses on the development and application of innovative technologies, particularly genomics, to address infectious diseases. Professor Williamson has a strong clinical and public health background in microbiology and virology and remains actively engaged in clinical and public health service.

Returning to Scotland in 2024, Professor Williamson joined the University of St Andrews, combining her leadership experience with a commitment to advancing medical education and research. As Dean of Medicine, she brings a wealth of leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of populations, both locally and globally.