Gareth Arnott

Dr. Gareth Arnott is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast, affiliated with the Institute for Global Food Security. He is actively involved in research and supervision of PhD students focusing on animal behavior and welfare.

Research Interests: Dr. Arnott specializes in animal contest behavior, applying game theory to understand aggression dynamics. His work spans fundamental research (e.g., vertebrate/invertebrate behavior) and applied welfare issues like reducing pig aggression post-regrouping and canine behavioral problems. Key topics include contest behavior, sexual selection, animal personality, and welfare challenges in dairy cows, pigs, and dogs.

Recent Research Trends: His 2025 publications emphasize innovative solutions in livestock management (e.g., milking robots, virtual fencing) and ecological impacts (e.g., invasive species). He explores cognition's role in social networks and welfare implications of early-life stress.

Awards & Activities: Nominated for Queen's University Belfast's 2017/18 Team of the Year Award. Active in conferences (e.g., Animal Welfare Research Network) and public engagement (e.g., Temple Grandin lectures). Leads projects on pig welfare, rumen pH sensors, and bioscience training partnerships.

Grants & Collaborations: Principal Investigator on projects like 'Minimizing Pig Aggression' and co-investigator on rumen sensor development. Collaborates with institutions like Edinburgh University and Howard Farms Limited.

Labs & Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams addressing livestock welfare, invasive species, and precision agriculture technologies.