Internship | The potential of AI for learning the structure of Bayesian Belief Networks with limited/missing data

During military operations, it is important that the commander obtains an understanding of the situation in order to make timely and better decisions than the opponent. Hypothesis testing models are a common method to obtain situational understanding. In TNO, we use Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) for hypothesis testing. However, data to learn the structure of a BBN is often limited or missing in military contexts, which significantly reduces the performance of the model. In this internship you will explore whether Artificial Intelligence can aid in determining the structure of a BBN when data is limited or missing.

The goal of this assignment is to explore the potential of AI for learning the structure of a BBN when available data is limited in size or contains many missing values. You will look into AI techniques that can be used for this purpose by means of a literature study. In this study, you will focus on the following two questions:

1. Which types of AI techniques exist that can be used to learn the structure of a BBN?
2. In what way can these algorithms be adapted to work with limited or missing data?

Given the results of the literature study, you will develop one or more potential (adapted) models and test the performance by means of a military use case.

The assignment is part of a multi-disciplinary project and will be performed within TNO’s Intelligence and Decision Support department, which is part of the Unit Defense, Safety and Security. We are a team of +/- 35 professionals who are passionate about applied research that make the Netherlands more safe and secure. We develop innovative solutions in our expertise areas of intelligence and (AI-based) decision support for the Dutch armed forces and national security partners. We're excited to welcome you to our diverse team.

Are you interested in Bayesian Belief Networks, Artificial Intelligence and learning from small datasets or missing data? Then this position may be a fit for you!

Requirements:

• You are following a master in a relevant field, for example applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, data science, knowledge engineering etc.
• You have some experience in working with Bayesian Belief Networks and Artificial Intelligence.
• You are interested in the military domain and Intelligence.
• You have good communication skills in English and/or Dutch.
• You like to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team.
• You can show a great deal of autonomy and have a structured approach in your work.
• The duration of the master project or internship is between 6 and 12 months.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.