Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams (she/they) is a neuroscientist and science communicator fascinated by the science of the senses, with over a decade of bringing science to life through storytelling and experience design.

Rachel was presented with the prestigious Neuroscience Communicator Award by Women in Neuroscience UK.

Values

As a black queer woman of Jamaican heritage, Rachel is passionate about uplifting the work and voices of marginalised communities. She is proud to be a trustee of the British Science Association, which works to put people at the heart of science.

Research

As a postdoctoral research fellow at the UCL Ear Institute, Rachel investigates why most mammals, including humans, lose their hearing as they age - but birds don't. Her work in the Lipovsek lab uncovers the genetic differences between the ears of birds and mammals to explore whether making our ears more "bird-like" might be the key to maintaining our hearing and balance.

Rachel completed her PhD at King’s College London, using microscopes and mathematics to study the brain circuits enabling zebrafish to hunt their prey and escape deadly predators.

Public engagement

Rachel has featured in broadcast, live, and livestreamed content and events for audiences across the UK. Rachel’s work spans both science fact and science fiction, as she collaborates with cultural partners to share science through new media.

Rachel provided expert scientific advice for the children's book All Brains Are Wonderful, named as one of The Book Trust's Best New Books in February 2025. As part of Science and Sorcery, Rachel brings science-driven stories to life through the medium of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs).

Previous clients include the BBC, Royal Institution, and Cheltenham Science Festival, as well as scores of schools, science festivals, and music festivals across the country.

Rachel is represented by Past Preservers for television & film work.