Internship | Inventorizing communication strategies for geoscientific knowledge in the Netherlands

One of the main tasks of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO-GDN) concerns communicating about research and its findings to the public and relevant (societal) stakeholders. To ascertain that we are doing so adequately, and possibly to improve our approaches to this, we need to get more insights into different communication strategies, and how these might affect people’s perceptions of the deep underground and its various facets.

• Internship and graduation project
• Fulltime – 40
• From start of 2026 onwards (flexible). The expected duration will be 6 months (flexible).

The main task you will conduct is a comprehensive literature review on the topic of communication related to increasingly prevalent underground activities, such as geothermal energy, and underground storage of CO2 and hydrogen Specifically, the research aims to find effective ways to communicate both the risks and the complexity of the research behind these technologies, and understanding how this communication affects public perceptions

What will be your role?
Besides the literature review supervised by psychologists and earth scientists you will hold interviews with a broad range of stakeholders. These stakeholders are key in determining which aspects of the geoscientific knowledge domain should be communicated.

What you'll get in return
You want to work on the precursor of your career; an internship allows you 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 is why we attach great value to your personal and professional development. You will be supervised during your internship and given the scope to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable internship compensation.

Preferably, the intern will have a university level background in Psychology, Communication Science, or related disciplines. Though topical and methodological guidance will be provided in the form of support and supervision by various disciplinary in-house experts, some experience with reading, analysing, and summarising (English) scientific literature will greatly benefit an autonomous and smooth completion of the project. Some Dutch language (grey) literature may be very useful to incorporate the specific needs of TNO. English proficiency is a must, Dutch a preference.
And of course an interest in the geosciences is a bonus.

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.