The Nominations and the Winner in Particular
On 2 April 2025, the jury received thirteen nominations. The evaluation criteria were: 1) teamwork, 2) diversity, and 3) performance. According to the jury, Team BIBO most clearly demonstrated how they foster a positive collaboration culture (teamwork), how team members complement one another (diversity), and what they have achieved scientifically (performance).
Over the past nineteen years, Team BIBO has produced numerous publications in various disciplines such as (developmental) psychology, pediatrics, psychiatry, nutrition, neuroscience, and biology. Examples include findings that room-sharing with parents during the first six months is not associated with behavioral problems in middle childhood, and that sensitive maternal care predicts fewer health complaints in infancy. Additionally, Team BIBO was the first to demonstrate that prenatal maternal stress and infant colic are linked to early gut microbiome characteristics.
Beyond their research achievements, Team BIBO devotes significant attention to creating a pleasant and safe working environment. For example, they organize an annual event on harassment in science and scientific integrity. Weekly meetings are not only used to discuss research projects, but also offer space to talk about mistakes and scientific dilemmas. The chair role rotates among all team members, including master’s students. They also attend writing retreats together and support one another during data collection.
Long-term success
According to the jury, Team BIBO has managed to actively maintain and manage a unique longitudinal dataset for nineteen years through joint efforts. The team began researching and tracking babies and children in 2006. Some participants were already involved before birth and are still participating at age 18. The jury finds it remarkable that the team has managed to retain 80% of the original participants over such a long period. The team also makes its rich dataset available to researchers worldwide, actively contributing to Open Science.
The team emphasizes the substantial contribution of the participants (parents and their children). The nomination clearly conveys the researchers' gratitude toward the participants, as BIBO could not exist without them.
The Radboud Team Science Award 2025 will be presented during the Opening of the Academic Year 2025–2026, on 1 September. In addition, Team BIBO will receive €10,000, which they can use to further promote team spirit.