Garrod's academic journey began at Anglia Ruskin University, where he earned his BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour in 2005. He then pursued his doctorate at University College London and the Zoological Society of London, focusing his thesis on the evolution of monkeys in tropical islands, titled "Primates of the Caribbean". Garrod's research has been published in various fields, including primate pathology and osteoarchaeology.
Throughout his career, Garrod has had the privilege of working in diverse locations around the world, with a primary focus on great ape conservation. He spent several years in western Uganda, where he was responsible for developing and managing a leading field site for chimpanzee conservation with the Jane Goodall Institute. He has also worked in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and the Caribbean, studying orangutans, marine life, and introduced monkeys, respectively.
Garrod holds various institutional affiliations, including being a Trustee for the UK Jane Goodall Institute, Ambassador for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Ambassador for Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Patron of the Natural Sciences Collections Association (NatSCA),Ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society, and Fellow of the Linnean Society.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Garrod is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at The University of East Anglia and a teaching fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, where he regularly gives guest lectures.
Publicly, Garrod has presented numerous television shows, including Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur with David Attenborough, Baby Chimp Rescue, and Springwatch, as well as his own six-part series, Secrets of Bones, on BBC Four. He has also presented short films on the One Show and delivered a TEDx talk. Furthermore, Garrod is a regular speaker at conferences, public debates, and scientific festivals, including the Cheltenham Science Festival. He also writes scientific articles for The Guardian and The Conversation.
