Intership | Simulating bird flight through offshore wind farms using agent-based modelling

Simulating bird flight through offshore wind farms using agent-based modelling – Internship Opportunity

About this position

As offshore wind farms expand along the Dutch coast, it becomes increasingly important to understand and mitigate their impact on migratory birds. Within the BirdSafe project, we are developing a simulation model to better predict bird behaviour and potential collision risks. This work supports the design of nature-inclusive offshore wind farms that minimize harm to local wildlife.

What will be your role?

At TNO, we are adapting an agent-based model – originally developed for traffic simulations – 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.

Your role will be to:

• Help calibrate the model using a parameter sensitivity study
• Tune behavioural parameters to better reflect realistic bird flight and collision patterns
• Explore how different wind farm layouts affect predicted collision rates

This work will contribute to a more accurate and flexible tool for ecological impact assessment.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a technically inclined student with an interest in both ecology and modelling. You should be comfortable with coding (preferably C++) and data analysis, and ideally have some background in ecological systems or animal behaviour.

What you'll get in return

• 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.

TNO as an employer

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.