Joachim Frommen

Dr Joachim Frommen serves as Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), UK, where he leads research on the evolution and ecology of social behaviour with emphasis on complex social systems. His work bridges fundamental behavioural ecology with applied conservation and welfare science, primarily using aquatic models including Lake Tanganyika cichlids, three-spined sticklebacks, Mantella frogs, and crustaceans. Combining controlled laboratory experiments at MMU with international field studies, he investigates how social dynamics influence individual fitness and ecological outcomes.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Behavioural Ecology (2002-2007) from University of Bonn
• Diploma in Biology (1995-2002) from University of Bonn

Dr Frommen's research examines cooperative breeding systems, communication networks, and predation risk responses across aquatic taxa. His work reveals how environmental stressors like temperature fluctuations nonlinearly affect aggression, while kin recognition mechanisms maintain social structure in cichlids. Recent publications highlight methodological innovations in recognizing null results and developing welfare standards for captive fish through physical enrichment. His Tanzania field course integrates conservation principles with behavioural observation in natural habitats.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) shows consistent focus on cooperative breeding dynamics in cichlids, context-dependent communication, and welfare applications. Key trends include sex-specific dispersal strategies, nonlinear environmental effects on behaviour, and validation of experimental methods in natural contexts. His work increasingly addresses climate change impacts and methodological rigor in behavioural ecology.

Dr Frommen actively supervises undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, guiding students through complete research cycles from hypothesis generation to publication. His teaching spans Principles of Animal Behaviour (Year 1), Animal Health and Welfare (Year 2), and The Social Life of Animals (Year 3), emphasizing research-based learning and student-researcher collaboration. He leads the Animal Behaviour and Conservation Tanzania field course and postgraduate Zoo placements.

Professional service includes Secretary of the Ethologische Gesellschaft e.V., editorial roles for Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (Associate Editor since 2012) and Journal of Fish Biology (Guest Editor 2022-present), plus reviewing for major funding bodies including BBSRC and Swiss National Science Foundation. His research team conducts MMU-based lab work while maintaining international field collaborations.