Offer N° : PRS-24-352
Calibration, Evaluation, and Application of a 3D Plant Growth Model of Oil Palm
Keywords :Modelling
Agronomy
Sustainability
Ecophysiology
Plant science
Agronomy
Type : Master 2 Internship
Place : Montpellier, AMAP lab.
Period : Starting in January - March Duration: 6 months
Level required : We’re looking for a student with modelling skills and a background in plant science (e.g., agronomy, ecophysiology) paired with some statistical and programming knowledge. While experience in Julia programming is a plus, curiosity and a willingness to learn are key!
Place : Montpellier, AMAP lab.
Period : Starting in January - March Duration: 6 months
Level required : We’re looking for a student with modelling skills and a background in plant science (e.g., agronomy, ecophysiology) paired with some statistical and programming knowledge. While experience in Julia programming is a plus, curiosity and a willingness to learn are key!
Laboratory:
UMR AMAP "botAnique et Modélisation de l'Archtecture des Plantes et des végétations", Université Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD
Job description:
Purpose :
Subject Overview
Are you passionate about plant science, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology? This internship offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of plant modelling and make a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture. You’ll join our PalmStudio research project team to advance a 3D growth and development model for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), supporting the development of innovative sustainable management practices.
Project Background
In this role, you’ll work on XPalm, a state-of-the-art functional-structural plant model (FSPM) we’ve designed to simulate the development of oil palms down to individual organs—leaves, inflorescences, and fruits. Our goal is to optimise palm growth predictions based on climate, soil, and genetic data, enabling smarter cultivation strategies. This work aims to maximise productivity within existing agricultural areas, helping to reduce the pressure to expand into forested regions and contributing to the broader goal of mitigating deforestation. This modelling tool could also help explore innovative systems by changing planting design and integrating intercrops for more resilient agricultural systems.
Your Role and Responsibilities
As a Master 2-level intern, you’ll engage in model calibration using a rich, multi-source dataset: field data from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Benin; controlled experimental data from Montpellier’s European Ecotron; and ongoing field monitoring data. Key tasks include:
• Mastering XPalm – Understand the inner hypothesis and models of our growth model.
• Evaluation Pipeline – Create streamlined, efficient workflows to analyse and validate model outputs.
• Calibration Pipeline – Build a powerful calibration framework using our diverse dataset.
• Sensitivity and Error Analysis – Use PlantSimEngine.jl to run parameter sensitivity tests and MonteCarloMeasurements.jl to track error propagation.
• In-Silico Experimentation – Perform virtual studies to predict how palm growth and productivity shift across varied environments or management practices.
Why Join Us?
Based in Montpellier, you’ll be part of the FSPM team at UMR AMAP, Cirad (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement), and collaborate with AGAP institute and the Macs4Plants network, a passionate group of scientists and engineers dedicated to modelling plants to address global agricultural challenges.
Period
The internship is funded for 6 months starting early 2025 (January-March).
How to candidate?
Send us a CV and short motivation letter by email.
Other details : Doc_6728eb9d31494.pdf
UMR AMAP "botAnique et Modélisation de l'Archtecture des Plantes et des végétations", Université Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD
Job description:
Purpose :
Subject Overview
Are you passionate about plant science, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology? This internship offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of plant modelling and make a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture. You’ll join our PalmStudio research project team to advance a 3D growth and development model for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), supporting the development of innovative sustainable management practices.
Project Background
In this role, you’ll work on XPalm, a state-of-the-art functional-structural plant model (FSPM) we’ve designed to simulate the development of oil palms down to individual organs—leaves, inflorescences, and fruits. Our goal is to optimise palm growth predictions based on climate, soil, and genetic data, enabling smarter cultivation strategies. This work aims to maximise productivity within existing agricultural areas, helping to reduce the pressure to expand into forested regions and contributing to the broader goal of mitigating deforestation. This modelling tool could also help explore innovative systems by changing planting design and integrating intercrops for more resilient agricultural systems.
Your Role and Responsibilities
As a Master 2-level intern, you’ll engage in model calibration using a rich, multi-source dataset: field data from Indonesia, Nigeria, and Benin; controlled experimental data from Montpellier’s European Ecotron; and ongoing field monitoring data. Key tasks include:
• Mastering XPalm – Understand the inner hypothesis and models of our growth model.
• Evaluation Pipeline – Create streamlined, efficient workflows to analyse and validate model outputs.
• Calibration Pipeline – Build a powerful calibration framework using our diverse dataset.
• Sensitivity and Error Analysis – Use PlantSimEngine.jl to run parameter sensitivity tests and MonteCarloMeasurements.jl to track error propagation.
• In-Silico Experimentation – Perform virtual studies to predict how palm growth and productivity shift across varied environments or management practices.
Why Join Us?
Based in Montpellier, you’ll be part of the FSPM team at UMR AMAP, Cirad (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement), and collaborate with AGAP institute and the Macs4Plants network, a passionate group of scientists and engineers dedicated to modelling plants to address global agricultural challenges.
Period
The internship is funded for 6 months starting early 2025 (January-March).
How to candidate?
Send us a CV and short motivation letter by email.
Other details : Doc_6728eb9d31494.pdf
Knowledge required
How a plant growths, modelling and calibration, programming (not necessary)