Description of the thesis topic

Insect pollinators provide an ecosystem service fundamental to the maintenance of ecosystems. Yet we are currently experiencing an unprecedented massive decline in these animals, calling into question food security for an ever-growing human population. A better understanding of the movement of pollinators across landscapes could help improve pollination processes and stem the decline of pollinators. The obstacle to this better understanding is primarily technological: at present, there are no tools for measuring the precise 3D movements of several insects in flight simultaneously in their natural conditions. Harmonic radar-based tracking systems are promising for this purpose, but limited to a single target and in 2D. The aim of the thesis is to develop a multi-target, 3D radar-based insect movement tracking system for field behavioral studies.

Work Context

The mission is part of the ERC Bee-Move project. The candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary team (electronic engineering, computational biology, ethology, ecology) aiming to understand pollinator movements and their consequences on plant reproduction. He will work in close collaboration with PhD and post-doctoral students carrying out field experiments. Work will be carried out under the supervision of Mathieu Lihoreau (DR CNRS - CRCA) and Hervé Aubert (Prof - LAAS-CNRS).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

- Laboratory and field work (Langlade experimental farm, 10 km from Toulouse)
- Exposure to radar waves
- Risk of insect stings (bees and bumblebees

Additional Information

https://cnrs.hal.science/hal-03858146/
https://www.europeandissemination.eu/article/modelling-bee-movements-to-improve-pollination/21089