Ben Williams

Ben (he/him) is a marine biologist and data scientist completing a PhD at University College London and the Zoological Society of London. His work focuses on using AI to study the soundscape of coral reefs to support conservation and restoration. Ben collaborates closely with the world’s largest reef restoration program, led by Mars’ Sheba Hope Grows campaign, and has worked with Google DeepMind’s bioacoustics team. Ben’s research has allowed him to collaborate with local researchers in remote coral reef locations and with industry leaders in machine learning, all working together to protect one of the ocean’s most threatened habitats. Ben has seen firsthand the power of science communication after his early work gained global media attention and now supports others in this area as a committee member on Reef Conservation UK’s annual conference.

Ben is a keen sportsman who enjoys hockey, tennis, and new activities. He also loves travel and the outdoors, having enjoyed seeing different corners of the globe through his work.