Dr. Indushree Banerjee

Postdoctoral Researcher | TU Delft

I am a computational ecologist specializing in agent-based modeling and complex adaptive systems for wildlife conservation. My research focuses on developing spatially and temporally explicit models of tiger ecosystems to investigate policy and intervention impacts on conservation efforts. I apply complex systems theory and self-organizing principles to model emergent properties of ecological systems, combining participatory methods, field studies, and computational modeling to address real-world conservation challenges. I recently completed a research visit at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, collaborating with Dr. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt's group.

Research Projects

Tiger Ecosystem Conservation Modeling

2022 - Present | TU Delft, Water Management Department

Developing spatially and temporally explicit agent-based models of tiger ecosystems (BaghSim) to investigate policy and intervention impacts on tiger conservation. Conducting semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders and field studies in Nepal, applying complex systems theory to model emergent properties of tiger habitats and investigating hydrological dynamics' impact on habitat suitability.

Agent-Based Modeling Wildlife Conservation Complex Systems Participatory Methods

Self-Organization For Survival (SOS)

2016 - 2022 | PhD Research at TU Delft

Developed novel self-adaptive topology control protocol based on value-sensitive design for disaster communication networks. Implemented and evaluated protocol in agent-based models, demonstrating how participatory fairness in emergency communication can support self-organization for survival. The SOS system won the Best Tech Idea of Netherlands 2021 (Second Prize) and received extensive media coverage.

Disaster Management Network Design Value-Sensitive Design Self-Organization

Immersive Learning for Disaster Management

2014 - 2015 | Academy of Technology, West Bengal

Incorporated shared online 3D virtual worlds as educational aids for disaster preparedness. Developed game-based immersive learning environments to simulate various disaster scenarios, introducing innovative training methods for emergency response education. Published multiple scientific papers on virtual worlds for educational requirements.

Virtual Worlds Education Technology Disaster Training

Selected Publications

Designing inclusion and continuity for resilient communication during disasters

Banerjee, I., Warnier, M., and Brazier, F.M.T.

Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure, 7(6), 955-970, 2022

Introducing participatory fairness in emergency communication can support self-organization for survival

Banerjee, I., Warnier, M., Brazier, F.M.T., and Helbing, D.

Scientific Reports, 11, 7209, 2021

Self-organizing topology for energy-efficient ad-hoc communication networks of mobile devices

Banerjee, I., Warnier, M., and Brazier, F.M.T.

Complex Adaptive System Modeling, 8, 7, 2020

Ad hoc communication topology switching during disasters: From altruistic to individualistic and back

Banerjee, I., Warnier, M., and Brazier, F.M.T.

COMPLEXIS, 103-107, 2020

Incorporating smart software-defined networks to enhance resilience and survivability in the cloud

Banerjee, I., Perera, I., Nag, A. and Choudhury, J.

Smart Computing Review, 5(4), 308-317, 2015

Manuscripts in Preparation

  • Scale choices shape species prediction (under review)
  • BaghSim: Simulating habitat ecology for Royal Bengal Tiger (in preparation)
  • Tigers and Topologies: exploring an eco-hydrological model for tiger conservation (in preparation)
  • Chronicles of Bardia: The tiger, the river and the grasslands (in preparation)

Models & Software

BaghSim

Agent-Based Model | NetLogo

Spatially and temporally explicit agent-based model simulating Royal Bengal Tiger habitat ecology. The model investigates policy and intervention impacts on tiger conservation by modeling emergent properties of tiger ecosystems, including prey dynamics, water availability, and human-wildlife interactions. Incorporates complex adaptive systems principles and self-organization.

NetLogo Ecological Modeling Conservation

SOS Communication System

Disaster Communication Protocol

Self-organizing, energy-efficient ad-hoc communication network protocol for disaster scenarios. Features value-sensitive design incorporating participatory fairness to maximize survival chances during emergencies. The system adaptively switches between altruistic and individualistic communication topologies based on resource availability and network conditions.

Network Protocol Agent-Based Model Emergency Systems

Thesis Work & Supervision

PhD Thesis

Self-organisation For Survival

Indushree Banerjee

TU Delft, Department of Multi-Actor Systems, 2022

Developed novel self-adaptive topology control protocol based on value-sensitive design for disaster communication networks. The research demonstrated how participatory fairness in emergency communication can support self-organization for survival, combining agent-based modeling, complex systems theory, and participatory design methods to create resilient communication systems for disaster scenarios.

PhD Supervision

Semi-arid water collectives: modelling and representation

Lodimeda Kini

2023 - Ongoing | TU Delft, Water Management

Master Theses Supervised

Gender disparity and water access in the buffer zone of Bardia, Nepal

Nina Stockhof

2025 | MSc Environmental Engineering, TU Delft

Irrigation challenges in the buffer zone of Bardia, Nepal

Charlotte Kerr

2024 | MSc Environmental Engineering, TU Delft

Awards & Recognition

Best Tech Idea of Netherlands 2021

Second Prize | Kijk Magazine | For SOS disaster communication system

Design for Dignity Special Interest Group

Member | TU Delft

Seed Project Grant

Design for Values and Critical Raw Materials: a Decolonial Justice Perspective | TU Delft

Masters Scholarship

School of Computer Science | University of St Andrews

Media Coverage

  • New Scientist Magazine - "In a disaster, a little battery power can save your life" (April 2021)
  • Computer World Magazine - "Make better use of smartphone networks in disasters" (April 2021)
  • ETH Zurich - "Making better use of smartphone networks during disasters" (April 2021)
  • Delftse Post - "New TU Delft SOS system saves lives" (April 2021)
  • Story of Science - "Saving lives with a Fair Disaster Communication System" (April 2021)

Teaching Experience

Managing Science & Technology in Society

2023 | MSc Course, VU Amsterdam

Lectured on modeling and quantification of human values in system design for sustainable technologies. Introduced students to value-sensitive design principles and their application in technological systems.

Environmental Engineering

2023 | MSc Course, TU Delft

Lectured on modeling hydrology in agent-based models for human-wildlife interaction and conflict resolution, connecting computational methods with real-world conservation challenges.

Participatory System Design

2020-2023 | Master-level Course, TU Delft

Lectured on the design process of socio-technical systems and value-sensitive design principles, guiding students in creating systems that account for diverse stakeholder values.

African Dynamics

2022-2023 | Selection Minor Course, TU Delft

Presented use-cases of human-wildlife coexistence and survival in disasters. Conducted interactive multi-stakeholder games including the SOS-game for disaster scenarios.

Complex Systems Engineering

2019 | Master-level Course, TU Delft

Supervised and graded five groups of master's students alongside Prof. Frances Brazier on various projects from inception to completion, focusing on complex adaptive systems approaches.

Agent Based Modeling

2016-2018 | Bachelor-level Course, TU Delft

Provided one-to-one and group support for bachelor students alongside Prof. Martijn Warnier, including supervision and grading of student projects.

Get in Touch

I'm always interested in new collaborations, research opportunities, and discussions about complex systems, wildlife conservation, and value-sensitive design.

Email: i.banerjee@tudelft.nl

Phone: +31 682285092

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Institution: TU Delft, Department of Water Management

Recent Research Visit: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
Group of Dr. Stephanie Kramer-Schadt