Arnald Puy

Dr Arnald Puy is an Associate Professor in Social and Environmental Uncertainties at the University of Birmingham's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on understanding and appraising uncertainties in contentious phenomena related to agriculture, climate, and water resources, employing mathematical models, uncertainty/sensitivity analysis, post-normal science, and ethics of quantification. He leads the DAWN project, a £1.7M UKRI-funded initiative exploring deep uncertainties in irrigation water modeling. Puy is a prolific reviewer for top journals (e.g., Science, Nature Sustainability) and actively mentors students in interdisciplinary fields like uncertainty analysis, traditional knowledge in irrigation, and science-policy interfaces. His work bridges Humanities and Sciences, advocating for rigorous yet ethical quantification in pressing environmental issues.

Research Interests: Puy’s expertise spans interdisciplinary uncertainty analysis, socio-environmental modeling, climate-water dynamics, and the ethical implications of mathematical models. He emphasizes transparency in quantification processes, particularly in policy contexts. His work critiques overreliance on numerical claims and advocates for integrating diverse knowledge systems (e.g., indigenous practices) into environmental decision-making.

Grants & Projects: As PI of DAWN, he combines philosophy, hydrology, and anthropology to address uncertainties in global irrigation modeling. This project highlights his commitment to transdisciplinary research. He collaborates with institutions like UKRI and ERC, reflecting his global academic influence.

Teaching & Mentoring: Puy supervises students in interdisciplinary topics such as model ethics, traditional water management, and policy applications of uncertainty analysis. He encourages innovative research on controversial issues like climate policy and resource allocation.

Affiliations: He contributes to initiatives like the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and the School’s research portal, fostering collaboration across disciplines.