Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
Research GELIFES

Launch of BirdEyes, an international center for research and education in the field of climate change

Climate change from the bird's perspective
01 September 2022

On Wednesday 13 July, the 'small launch' of BirdEyes took place in the old building of the Friesland Bank on Leeuwarder Zaailand. BirdEyes is the new center for education and research of professor Theunis Piersma and the University of Groningen (RUG). Piersma is professor of migratory bird ecology.

Climate change

BirdEyes is to become an international center for research and post-masters education in the field of climate change. It is a collaboration between the University of Groningen, Campus Fryslân, NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Marine Research), the University of Amsterdam and the Fryske Akademy.

Jouke de Vries, president of the Executive Board of the University of Groningen, started the projection of fluttering meadow birds on the canvas, which marked the birth of BirdEyes.

De Vries said he was happy with Piersma's initiative and promised to continue to support it. He recalled how he used to cycle from Balk to Sneek as a student and heard the birds sing in the meadows. He hardly hears those sounds anymore when he sails through Friesland with his sloop.

Transmitters and big data

BirdEyes uses, among other things, the 'big data' that birds provide with transmitters. Using this technology on the back and legs of birds, a large amount of data is released. This provides a lot of information about the living conditions of birds.

Piersma estimates that about 200 birds fly around with a transmitter: "Their movements tell what is going on in places. A bird that knows what it wants makes direct movements. But birds in trouble become much more restless and move much more "

Last modified:20 September 2022 2.24 p.m.
Share this Facebook LinkedIn

More news

  • 25 July 2025

    Article highlight: New insight in how cells regulate gene activity

    A new study, led by University of Groningen molecular biologist Danny Incarnato, identifies hundreds of shapeshifting regulatory RNA switches in E.coli bacteria and human cells.

  • 23 July 2025

    Dutch astronomers in Tenerife to test high-speed camera

    Astronomers from the University of Groningen and the University of Amsterdam are on the Canary Island of Tenerife until 29 July to test a special camera to detect gamma rays emitted by extreme objects, such as supermassive black holes and supernovae....

  • 17 July 2025

    Veni-grants for eleven UG researchers

    The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded a Veni grant of up to €320,000 each to eleven researchers of the University of Groningen and the UMCG: Quentin Changeat, Wen Wu, Femke Cnossen, Stacey Copeland, Bart Danon, Gesa Kübek, Hannah Laurens, Adi...