Internship | Combining radar and camera data to assess interactions of migrating birds and offshore wind farms

As offshore wind development accelerates along the Dutch coast, understanding its ecological impact becomes increasingly important. In particular, the interaction between migratory birds and wind turbines is a key concern in designing nature-inclusive offshore wind farms. Within the BirdSafe project, we are collecting extensive radar and camera data to study bird migration patterns and their interaction with turbines. We are looking for a motivated student to help analyse this data and contribute to this important research.

You will work with data from two complementary sensor systems:

• Radar (macro-scale): Positioned outside the wind farm, these provide continuous data on migration intensity, timing, and direction.
• Cameras (micro-scale): Installed within the wind farm, these capture detailed footage of bird behaviour near turbines, including micro-avoidance and potential collisions.

Your task will be to analyse and combine these datasets to identify migration peaks, bird traffic rates, and behavioural patterns. A key question is whether the two sensor types tell the same story about migration. You will build on existing scripts and tools, but are encouraged to explore new methods and collaborate with our radar and imaging experts.

More about the project.

We are looking for a student with a passion for both renewable energy and ecology. You should be curious, analytical, and not afraid to reach out to internal and external experts. Experience with data analysis, scripting, or working with radar/visual data is a plus, but not required.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.