معرفی
Dr. Manod Williams is a Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, based within the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS). He holds a BSc in Agriculture with Animal Science, an MSc in Livestock Science, and a PhD in Precision Livestock Farming, all from Aberystwyth University. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Higher Education (PGCTHE). His academic responsibilities include coordinating and teaching Livestock Production Systems across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as contributing to modules in Livestock Nutrition, Research Methods, and Critical Review. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the Department of Life Sciences.
Education:
- BSc Agriculture with Animal Science, Aberystwyth University
- MSc Livestock Science, Aberystwyth University
- PhD Precision Livestock Farming, Aberystwyth University
- PGCTHE, Aberystwyth University
His research is centered on Precision Livestock Farming (PLF), focusing on the use of sensor technologies and data analytics to monitor and improve livestock health, welfare, and productivity. His work particularly emphasizes dairy cows and sheep, using accelerometers and GPS data to classify animal behavior and detect early signs of disease or stress. His research contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, life on land, and climate action.
The trends in his recent publications show a strong interdisciplinary focus combining animal science, sensor technology, machine learning, and parasitology. His work spans from algorithmic development for behavior classification to field-based studies on parasite detection using environmental DNA and rapid diagnostic tools. There is a clear progression toward integrated solutions for sustainable livestock management, especially in pasture-based systems.
Scientific Contributions:
- Developed machine learning models for dairy cow behavior classification using GPS and accelerometer data.
- Pioneered methods for detecting trematode infections in sheep via environmental DNA and LAMP assays.
- Investigated lying behavior in ewes and horses as indicators of health and welfare.
- Contributed to policy-relevant research on the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme and liver fluke risk.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in externally funded research, currently serving as a Co-Investigator on the BBSRC-funded project "Precision solutions for controlling fasciolosis in sheep." He supervises postgraduate researchers and collaborates widely within Aberystwyth and with external partners. He has also been featured in press and media, including a Fulbright program outreach event highlighting UK agriculture.
Laboratories and Research Teams:
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS)
- Grassland Resilience for Net Zero (collaborative project environment)
