I am interested in contributing my expertise in farm animal ethology and welfare science as a partner, with a particular emphasis on the behavior, cognition, and stress responses of laying hens and pigs. My research extensively examines how early life rearing conditions and environmental complexity influence behavioral development, fearfulness, and stress physiology. A central theme in my work is understanding the long-term effects of developmental plasticity on welfare outcomes in commercial production systems.

I have led significant international research networks, coordinating the GroupHouseNet COST Action (2016–2020), which brought together researchers across Europe to reduce damaging behaviours in group-housed pigs and laying hens through innovations in breeding and husbandry. I have also contributed to the ChickenStress European Training Network as Work Package leader and doctoral supervisor, focusing on spatial cognition, neurogenesis, and stress responsivity in laying hens (2019-2023). I contributed to the SoundWel project, which developed machine learning based methods for using vocalizations as welfare indicators (2016-2021). I am currently interested in applying machine learning and LLM-based methodologies to develop novel tools for monitoring and assessing animal welfare, aligning with the call's operational objectives OO1 to OO4.

I am particularly interested in collaborations addressing Topic 1 on animal welfare, where science-based environmental modifications promote sustained behavioral engagement and positive health outcomes. This includes co-developing validation frameworks for welfare assessment tools and investigating the role of developmental plasticity in commercial husbandry systems. My aim is to integrate behavioral research with veterinary science to deliver deployable, policy-relevant outcomes that address the socioeconomic implications and trade-offs within sustainable production systems, as described in the integrated approach for operational objective OO9.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a research intensive institution located in Ås, Norway. Its origins date to 1859 with the establishment of the Norwegian Agricultural College, and the present university was formed through the 2014 merger of several institutions. NMBU represents a distinctive academic combination of environmental and life sciences, veterinary medicine, technology, and bio production. The university is known for a strong research environment in its core fields and for its commitment to addressing real world sustainability challenges.

It hosts several research excellence and innovation centers and has extensive experience conducting research and development projects funded by international agencies and industry. NMBU actively supports interdisciplinary research to address global challenges related to animal health, food production, and land management in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its established international partnerships and track record of delivering externally funded projects provide a solid institutional environment for ambitious research in animal health and welfare.