Internship | Inventorizing communication strategies for geoscientific knowledge in the Netherlands

Internship | Inventorizing communication strategies for geoscientific knowledge in the Netherlands

About this position

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.

What will be your role?

• Internship and graduation project
• 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.

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.

What we expect from you

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.

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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Bart Davids
  • E-mailadres: bart.davids@tno.nl