Dr. Wouter Vansteelant will become Scientific Director of BirdEyes, the Centre for Global Ecological Change in Leeuwarden, as of 1 October. Over the past three years, he has worked there as a researcher and supervisor of PhD candidates. Vansteelant succeeds Prof. Dr. Theunis Piersma, emeritus professor of migratory bird ecology and founder of the interdisciplinary research centre.
International experience
Vansteelant is an experienced and recognised voice in international ornithology. Originally from Flanders, the researcher received the Early Professional Award from the BOU (British Ornithologists’ Union) in 2024. His scientific work focuses on the influence of environmental factors on the movements and migration patterns of long-lived bird species. Increasingly, Vansteelant is focusing on the learning processes and social behaviour of individual migratory birds. He investigates how they adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Seeing the world from a bird’s perspective
Vansteelant is interested not only in the factors that shape birds’ movement behaviour, but also in the relationship between science and society. Since his master’s studies, he has been a strong advocate of citizen science and recognised himself in BirdEyes’ mission. Three years ago, he returned to the Netherlands from Spain to show a much wider audience what migratory birds can tell us about the landscapes we share with them. “BirdEyes’ academic network extends along the migration routes of the species we study. Thanks to the many long-term research projects, we have a strong scientific foundation. It is a great honour to be able to build on such a unique legacy. I’m stoked to continue shaping international research on migratory birds from Friesland, together with our active community. We will share insights and stories that inspire a sense of wonder.” Prof. Dr Joost Frenken, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, emphasises the unique nature of the appointment: “The position of Scientific Director of BirdEyes requires not only a thorough knowledge of migratory birds and ecology, but also a forward-looking vision, strong organizational skills, and leadership qualities. I recognise all these qualities in Wouter Vansteelant, and I am therefore very enthusiastic about him taking on this role.”
Fertile ground
The BirdEyes team studies migratory birds, trains young talent and works with artists to develop innovative forms of science communication. BirdEyes is made possible through collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Campus Fryslân, both faculties of the University of Groningen. The research centre is affiliated with the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development and has strong ties with NIOZ (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research), the University of Amsterdam, Tresoar and the Fryske Akademy. The position of Scientific Director has been made possible by a special donation to the University of Groningen in support of BirdEyes. Vansteelant will be appointed as a permanent Assistant Professor at GELIFES, with the specific responsibility of leading BirdEyes as its Scientific Director.
