Dr Ryan Thomas Williams is an education technology consultant and course tutor for the online DBA programmes at Teesside University. He also holds honorary associate roles at the University of Liverpool and the University of Essex. 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 research focuses on incorporating technology into pedagogy. Ryan is also interested in contemporary issues related to research methods, such as internet ethics, and the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence for data analysis.
Ryan’s research has been published in business and social science journals, including Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education, Frontiers in Education, and the Berkman Klein Centre at Harvard University. Ryan is a Review Editor and Editorial Board Member for Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics.
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. The European Social Fund funded this project.
As a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Ryan actively contributes to developing 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 integrating technology into education and has contributed to various education technology initiatives. He advises institutions on pedagogical best practices, with particular expertise in AI ethics and the responsible use of emerging technologies. He supports clients in navigating the ethical implications of AI-driven tools.
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.
AI ethics in education and research
Technology-enhanced learning (TEL)
Contemporary issues in research methods
Internet and data ethics
Digital pedagogy and academic integrity
Governance and policy in EdTech projects
UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Advisor (2024-)
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) (2021)
British Computer Society (2025-)
The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) (2025-)
Business Idea on a Beer Mat Winner, Teesside University (2014)
Google for Education Certified Trainer (2021-)
International Professional Development Association, full member (2018-)
Project Management Institute, full member (2018-)
Editorial Board Member
Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics (2024-)
Peer Reviewer
Technology, Pedagogy and Education (2025-)
Qualitative Research (2025-)
ACM Transactions on the Web (2023-)
NIHR Open Research (2023-)
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (2024-)
Journal of the Knowledge Economy (2023-)
Ethics for the virtual researcher
The Ethical Implications of Using Generative Chatbots in Higher Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in practitioner education in higher education (HE)-