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

  • 03 July 2025

    Erik Heeres receives RUG Impact Innovator Excellence Award

    During the RUG Ventures Innovation Day, Prof. Erik Heeres of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (RUG) was awarded the Impact Innovator Excellence Award.

  • 02 July 2025

    € 30 million investment for UG spin-off Portal Biotech

    Portal Biotech, a pioneer in nanopore-based protein identification and sequencing technology, has raised € 30 million in Series A funding. The funding will support commercial rollout and team growth.

  • 01 July 2025

    ‘Give seals space’

    The Wadden Sea is constantly changing. Native animals need to be able to adapt in   order to thrive in an environment that is shaped by the tides. By conducting research on seals in the area, PhD students Margarita Méndez-Aróstegui and Beatriz...