Andrew M. Janczak, Dr. Agric. | Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Core Research Areas

My research activities are concentrated in four primary areas: 1) developing a basic understanding of behavioural and physiological phenomena, 2) ethological research applied to improving animal welfare, 3) the integration of AI-based technologies in research, and 4) implementation through scientific leadership and policy. I use advanced ethological, physiological, and digital phenotyping methods to generate new knowledge regarding how prenatal environments, early-life experiences, and production environments influence an animal's cognitive development, stress susceptibility, and coping styles. I contribute to developing scientifically validated protocols to measure and improve the quality of life of group-housed livestock, with a particular focus on improving robustness and behavioural competence, and mitigating damaging behaviours like tail-biting in pigs and feather-pecking in poultry.

To bridge the gap between research and real-world application, I actively contribute to defining national and international welfare standards; this includes my current role on the National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes and having formerly served on the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). I have also held leadership roles in major European networks, such as Action Chair for COST Action GroupHouseNet and Work Package Leader for the EU ChickenStress consortium.

Teaching & Academic Mentorship

Beyond research, I am deeply committed to training the next generation of veterinary professionals and animal scientists. I emphasize interdisciplinary, science-based approaches in my teaching of natural sciences and veterinary subjects. My teaching philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practices that empower students, from veterinary candidates to international PhD researchers, to advocate for high ethical standards in research and improved animal welfare throughout their professional lives.