Internship | Agent-based modelling of bird migration through wind farms

Internship | Agent-based modelling of bird migration through wind farms

Twice a year, once in Spring and once in Summer, millions of songbirds traverse the Netherlands during their seasonal migration. As offshore wind energy is rapidly expanding, migratory birds may fly in proximity to wind turbines, thereby facing an increased risk of collision. If we can successfully simulate birds flying through offshore wind farms, we can improve predictions of collision risks during these mass migration events and/or improve wind farm layouts and operations to reduce those risks.

What will be your role?

At TNO, we are developing an agent-based model to simulate the flight of migratory birds through offshore wind farms. The model aims to capture a range of behaviours, from macro-avoidance of entire wind farms to micro-avoidance and collision risk at the level of individual turbines. In this project you will further adapt this agent-based model to (1) simulate bird flight behaviour as realistically as possible based on actual measurements, and (2) use the model to test how different wind farm layouts affect predicted collision risks. The insights of this model will support ecological impact assessments and can help in improving the design of future nature-inclusive wind farms.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student with an interest in both ecology and modelling, with strong quantitative skills. This project is a part of the BIRDSAFE initiative (https://grow-offshorewind.nl/project/birdsafe).

Background/techniques:

• Bird ecology
• Offshore wind farms
• Big data analysis
• Agent Based Modelling
• Programming in Python (or ideally C++)

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of €615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.