Internship | The spatial variability of residential wood combustion

Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

Residential wood combustion is currently the largest source of PM2.5 emissions in Europe. However, accurately estimating these emissions remains challenging due to uncertainties in the amount of wood burned, combustion conditions, and where exactly wood burning takes place. Since the location of emissions is crucial for assessing their impacts, (through e.g. atmospheric dispersion modelling) improving the spatial distribution is critical.

This internship focuses on enhancing a recently developed model for the spatial distribution of residential wood combustion emissions across Europe. Emphasis will be given to incorporate national or local information into the model. This may concern national or regional energy systems information (e.g. share of residentials buildings connected to gas networks) but also the impact of specific policy measures such as wood-burning bans or limitations.

What will be your role?

The model currently developed to spatially distribute wood combustion emissions still has several areas for improvement, which will be further explored during this internship. The main focus will be on enhancing the model with national or subnational information, such as gas network connections and national, regional or local policy measures which may impact residential wood combustion practices, for example by filtering out zones where wood burning is prohibited from the distribution. In addition, we aim to investigate whether socioeconomic parameters can be incorporated, and whether the current methodology (with minor adjustments) could also be applied to other forms of fuels (e.g. peat).

You will develop Python scripts that will result in updated spatial distribution maps. Depending on the progress of the project, the internship may also include a modelling component (using LOTOS-EUROS), examining the impact on concentrations and comparisons with measurements, both on a larger scale and within urban areas.

You will be working in team focusing on air pollutant emissions within the department Air Quality and Emissions Research. The team consists of 6-8 experts in the field of air pollutant emissions, primarily focusing on particulate matter and its subcomponents, including ultrafine particles, at the European scale. Most of the work involves developing emission inventories for use in air quality modelling, for use with our own air quality model LOTOS-EUROS but also for external clients. The team collaborates closely with other groups within TNO as well as with research institutes across Europe. Our group is internationally oriented and includes several non-Dutch colleagues; therefore, most day-to-day communication takes place in English.

What we expect from you

Apart from being enrolled in a relevant study program (such as environmental sciences, earth sciences, physics, chemistry, or a related field), you should have knowledge of (or an interest in) working with spatial datasets, an affinity with environmental issues, and some experience with programming (e.g. Python) and/or handling large datasets, or the ability to quickly develop these skills.

You are able to organise your own work independently, critically evaluate your results, and solve problems proactively. At the same time, you enjoy working as part of a team. Within the group, we regularly exchange ideas through presentations and discussions, in which you are expected to take an active role. In addition, you should possess strong communication skills, both written and spoken, in English.

The internship is expected to start around September/October 2026 and will run for approximately six months at the TNO-location in Utrecht. As this topic is part of an active research area within the department, the student will have the opportunity to be supervised and supported by multiple scientists throughout the internship.

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.

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.