Matthew Low

My research background is diverse and spans wildlife & behavioural ecology, epidemiology, life-history evolution and statistical methods. Recently I have begun working with social scientists to examine how gender influences teacher education in academia. Much of my research has been based on long-term monitored populations or groups with detailed individual-level data (e.g. stitchbirds, domestic cats, penguins, wolverine, honeybees, snow leopards, house crickets and academics).

Most of my research can be broadly categorised into: (1) the factors regulating the growth and structure of animal populations, and (2) using advanced statistical methods to understand causality, data collection biases and hidden processes & patterns. Together, these complementary research fields enable me to work on a number of exciting quantitative research questions which include:

- Using state-space reconstruction to determine the causal drivers of Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) infection in bank voles

- Factors influencing human-tiger conflicts in Nepal

- Impacts of viral diseases on survival and fecundity in house crickets reared for the insects-as-food industry: can disease management improve sustainability?

- The effect of observer bias in snow leopard ecological monitoring and the development of a disease monitoring network in High Asia

- Long-term trends of seabirds on the Great Barrier Reef: patterns and causes

- How gender influences teacher education in university academics

Because of the uncertainties inherent in these systems and data collection processes, one of the overriding goals in my work is to properly account for this uncertainty and to provide accurate probabilistic measures of risk or treatment effects. For this I generally use a Bayesian Hierarchical modelling approach. This provides greater flexibility in modelling the factors of interest while producing probabilistic statements on the predictions from the model. This is ideal for communicating precise estimates of uncertainty to the scientific and non-scientific community. I also teach these methods to post-graduate students.

In my teaching I work closely with the students to deliver courses that are not only relevant and applicable to their interests and skills development, but also create a working atmosphere that is co-operative, inclusive and enjoyable. Because different students have different needs, the structure of my courses allows for students to work to their own capacity and gives them the support they need to ultimately succeed. 

In 2023 I was awarded the title of 'Distinguished University Teacher' (excellent lärare) by the university, and I currently lead and teach six courses at SLU: from undergraduate to post-graduate to staff education courses. In 2024 I was awarded the student pedagogic prize for teaching by the Ultuna student union. 

Undergraduate education

Using my background in veterinary science, domestic animal behaviour & welfare, ecology and evolution, I teach two trans-disciplinary undergraduate courses for students studying animal sciences. These subjects demonstrate the importance of understanding ecology and evolution for all students working within domestic animal sciences (including vet and vet nursing students): 

Evolution and Ecology (EoD Programme) BI1393 - 15 ECTS

This is the introductory course within the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Programme (EoD) at SLU. Here the focus is on key aspects of the ecology and evolution of companion and common domestic animals that are important for people working in animal science fields. The course is based around a general and intuitive understanding of these principles with a clear demonstration of their practical application for understanding not only behaviour, but also the causes and signs of disease and welfare in animals. This course is designed to inspire the new students and to get them excitied about their ongoing possibilities for study.

Evolution and Ecology for Domestic Animal Science Students (and other amazing people) BI1425 - 7.5 ECTS

This online part-time course (running in the spring semester) provides a deep understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes and how they can be applied by animal scientists (including veterinary and vet nursing students and professionals) to enrich their understanding of animal biology, behaviour, disease, medicine and culture. The course primarily focusses on how evolutionary history and ecology have shaped the biology of animals, including the expression of disease and disease management in domestic animals. My aim is to show the importance of ecological thinking that takes students beyond the usual focus of courses within veterinary and animal science programmes. These perspectives are vital for student understanding for being able to problem-solve issues associated with animal behaviour, disease management and welfare. In the course I demonstrate the general utility of these ideas by showing how an understanding of human culture (i.e. memes in our brains) can also be explained using the same ideas. The course is designed so that it can be taken by students already enrolled in full-time programme studies, or people working with animals who can’t afford to take time off for regular university courses.

evolution and ecology course (for more information click this link)

Postgraduate education

I teach two postgraduate courses each year through the SLU doctoral research schools. These courses were designed to fill a gap in the teaching of modern statistical programming and modelling skills to post-graduate researchers

Programming in R 

This 1-week intensive course teaches our young researchers how to use R to fit their specific research questions by teaching R as a language. This gives them the programming flexibility they need to work in this modern statistical platform.

Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling (for beginners and beyond) 

This 2-week intensive course takes students from understanding the fundamentals of Bayesian methods right through to being able to implement hierarchical models of any design they choose. The emphasis is teaching students flexible methods to handle the questions they want to ask of their data.

Staff education

In 2023 I began leading the (English language) courses in 'Teaching in Higher Education (Basic Course)' run through the Unit for Educational Development (EPU) at SLU. These courses run twice per year in person, and twice per year on zoom. I am excited to have this opportunity to work with new teachers and young academics in helping them develop their teacher identity and teaching skills in academia.

In 2025 I started working as the project leader for the 'AI for Educators' programme at SLU. This programme is designed to support our teachers develop their understanding of AI and how to best implement it for student learning and teaching practice. 

Mentoring early-career researchers

I also work with young researchers in Sweden, Africa and Nepal to help them develop their skills in scientific writing, applying for grant funding and statistical analyses.