Radboud University presents a broad overview of recent developments, from major research awards to cultural and educational initiatives. Three scientists, Esther Aarts, Marieke van den Brink and Tamar Sharon, each received a prestigious Vici research grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, supporting advanced work on obesity, gender-related violence and digitisation. In parallel, neuroscientist Soha Farboud at the Donders Institute demonstrated that ultrasound can be used to adjust activity in specific brain areas, highlighting a potential new technique for non invasive neuromodulation. An international team using the Low Frequency Array unveiled a highly detailed radio sky survey, with Radboud researcher Marijke Haverkorn contributing to mapping the universe in unprecedented radio detail.
Several items focus on social issues, inequality and inclusion. Behavioural scientist Michelle Baars examined how the mbo stigma affects vocational “stackers,” noting that slechts 4,6 procent van alle mbo-studenten uiteindelijk een universitair diploma behaalt and exploring how this small group is received within the university environment. Research on gender inequality in careers shows that the pay gap between men and women does not disappear after earning a doctorate, and that immediately after obtaining their doctorate, women already start with an average disadvantage of 171 euros per month. Historical research into Surinamese slave registers finds that young children who grew up in slavery on Surinamese plantations were much more likely to die if they lacked a mother, underlining how family ties were crucial for survival. A study of adolescents and social media reports that young people feel there is intense debate about online platforms but that their own voices are still not sufficiently heard.
The university also highlights organisational, political and technological shifts. Radboud University describes a big challenge in its Business Operations Savings Programme, stating that lower government revenues, declining student numbers and increasing costs mean it must deploy resources more efficiently and reduce costs. Alumnus Rob Jetten, who studied public administration at Radboud University between 2005 and 2011, has become the new prime minister of the Netherlands, reinforcing the university’s presence in national leadership. In education, Radboud University and Maastricht University will launch a master’s programme in Crop Biotechnology and Engineering in Venlo to train agrifood professionals capable of driving sustainable food production. Cultural and outreach activities include preparations for International Women’s Day on 8 March, a call for scientists to conduct research at the Lowlands festival, a competition for a Klokhuis Science Prize episode, and the InScience film festival in Nijmegen focusing on love. A separate item notes that generative Artificial Intelligence tools offer increasing opportunities to support and enrich work, and Radboud University responds by formulating nine rules for responsible engagement with generative Artificial Intelligence, stressing both the opportunities and the associated risks.
