University of Groningen Appoints Dr Wouter Vansteelant as Scientific Director of BirdEyes to Lead International Migratory Bird and Ecological Change Research

Dr Wouter Vansteelant

(IN BRIEF) The University of Groningen has appointed Dr Wouter Vansteelant as Scientific Director of BirdEyes, the Leeuwarden-based research centre for global ecological change, effective 1 October 2026. Vansteelant succeeds founder and emeritus professor of migratory bird ecology Theunis Piersma and will combine leadership of BirdEyes with a tenured Assistant Professor position at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES). An internationally recognised ornithologist and recipient of the British Ornithologists’ Union Early Professional Award in 2024, Vansteelant studies how environmental factors, learning and social behaviour influence the movements and resilience of long-lived migratory bird populations. He has worked at BirdEyes for three years as a researcher and PhD supervisor and has long promoted citizen science and engagement between research and society. BirdEyes combines migratory-bird research with young researcher training and innovative science communication, including collaborations with artists. Supported jointly by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Campus Fryslân, the centre also maintains links with NIOZ, the University of Amsterdam, Tresoar, the Fryske Akademy and the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRONINGEN, 10-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Dr Wouter Vansteelant has been appointed Scientific Director of BirdEyes, the interdisciplinary research centre for global ecological change in Leeuwarden, effective 1 October 2026.

Vansteelant, who has spent the past three years at BirdEyes as a researcher and supervisor of PhD candidates, succeeds Theunis Piersma, emeritus professor of migratory bird ecology and founder of the research centre.

His appointment will combine leadership of BirdEyes with a tenured position as Assistant Professor at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) at the University of Groningen.

Vansteelant brings international expertise in migratory bird ecology

Originally from Flanders, Vansteelant has established an international reputation in ornithological research, with his work focusing on how environmental conditions affect the movement and migration patterns of long-lived migratory bird species.

Increasingly, his research examines the learning processes and social behaviour of individual migratory birds and how these characteristics influence the resilience of entire bird populations as environmental conditions change.

His work explores migration not simply as an instinctive process but as a behaviour shaped by experience, environmental conditions and interactions between individual animals.

In 2024, Vansteelant received the Early Professional Award from the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) in recognition of his contribution to ornithological science.

Research examines ecological change from a bird’s perspective

Vansteelant’s scientific interests extend beyond understanding where and why birds migrate.

His research also examines what the movements and behaviour of migratory species can reveal about changing landscapes and ecosystems.

By following birds across migration routes and studying their responses to environmental conditions, researchers can gain insights into ecological changes occurring across multiple countries and habitats.

This perspective closely aligns with BirdEyes’ mission to use migratory birds as a lens through which to understand broader changes in the natural environment.

Citizen science forms important part of Vansteelant’s approach

Vansteelant has also maintained a strong interest in the relationship between scientific research and wider society.

He has advocated for citizen science since his Master’s studies, reflecting his belief that public participation can contribute to both ecological research and greater understanding of the natural world.

Three years ago, he returned to the Netherlands from Spain to work with BirdEyes and help communicate to a broader audience what migratory birds can reveal about the landscapes shared by people and wildlife.

The centre’s emphasis on public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative science communication was a close match for his own research philosophy.

University highlights combination of scientific and leadership expertise

Professor Joost Frenken, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen, said leading BirdEyes requires more than specialist knowledge of migratory birds and ecology.

The Scientific Director must also provide a long-term vision for the research centre while bringing organisational skills and leadership capabilities to its interdisciplinary activities.

Frenken said Vansteelant combines these qualities and welcomed his appointment to the position.

Vansteelant to build on BirdEyes’ international research network

Vansteelant said BirdEyes has developed an academic network that follows the migration routes of the species studied by its researchers.

This international reach, combined with numerous long-term research projects, provides the centre with what he described as a strong scientific foundation.

He said taking responsibility for building on that legacy is a significant honour and expressed enthusiasm about continuing to shape international migratory-bird research from Friesland together with the BirdEyes community.

Vansteelant also emphasized the importance of sharing scientific findings and stories in ways that inspire wider interest and curiosity about migratory birds and environmental change.

BirdEyes combines ecological research, education and communication

BirdEyes conducts scientific research into migratory birds and global ecological change, while also providing training and development opportunities for emerging researchers.

Its activities extend beyond conventional academic research. The centre works with artists to explore new approaches to science communication, helping ecological research reach wider and more diverse audiences.

This interdisciplinary model is intended to connect scientific evidence with public understanding and encourage new ways of thinking about relationships between people, landscapes and migratory species.

Research centre supported by two University of Groningen faculties

BirdEyes operates through collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Campus Fryslân, both part of the University of Groningen.

The centre is also affiliated with the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development, providing additional links with interdisciplinary research addressing environmental and societal challenges.

Its wider academic and cultural network includes strong relationships with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), the University of Amsterdam, Tresoar and the Fryske Akademy.

These relationships provide BirdEyes with a broad research network across ecology, marine science, academia, regional knowledge and public engagement.

Special donation supports new Scientific Director position

The creation of Vansteelant’s Scientific Director position has been enabled by a special donation to the University of Groningen in support of BirdEyes.

Under the appointment, Vansteelant will take up a tenured Assistant Professor role at GELIFES while holding specific responsibility for the scientific leadership of BirdEyes.

The arrangement provides the centre with dedicated long-term academic leadership as it continues developing its national and international research programmes.

Appointment continues legacy established by Theunis Piersma

Vansteelant succeeds BirdEyes founder Theunis Piersma, whose work helped establish the centre’s interdisciplinary approach to migratory bird ecology and environmental change.

As Scientific Director, Vansteelant will build on BirdEyes’ existing long-term research programmes and international partnerships while helping determine the next phase of its scientific development.

His appointment positions BirdEyes to continue combining ecological research, researcher training, citizen science and public communication as understanding the effects of global environmental change becomes increasingly important.

Media Contact:

Sjoerd Bekius
Press officer
E-mail: s.bekius@rug.nl
Mobiel: 06 31921490

SOURCE: University of Groningen