More dandelions and buttercups lead to far more bees and bumblebees (but we need to do more for rare species)
If we allow more flowers to bloom on dykes – even if there are only a few – dozens of bees can soon follow. This was discovered by ecologist Constant Swinkels, who will be awarded his PhD on 19 August at Radboud University.
Ticklish spots are shared across cultures – but why they are ticklish is more complex than it seems
People from different cultural backgrounds are tickled in similar ways. They are also ticklish in the same body regions. These are among the findings of a study published recently in Nature Human Behaviour by Ziliang Xiong and Konstantina Kilteni/
Why do people still sing ‘Hanki Panki Shanghai’?
Sociologist Peelen studies how Dutch people with a Chinese background take part in Dutch politics. For example, she looks at whether political parties represent their interests.
How can we ensure smart homes remain human?
Smart technology makes it easier to live independently at home for longer. But how do we ensure that such technologies in the home are not only smart, but also genuinely suited to the people who live there?
Deltares and Radboud Univeristy bring together scientific and applied knowledge on water issues: ‘It has grown organically’
Water has become a hot topic in society and policy. Issues such as drinking water availability, flooding and drought are causing headaches for decision-makers.
Climate impact research needs more real-world data
European cities are experimenting with hundreds of climate solutions, all in the hopes of adapting to the warmer world around us. But despite more and more research on these solutions, we still only barely have an idea of what actually works.
Sustainability reporting no longer shields companies from criticism
New rules from governments across Europe require companies to increase their reporting on sustainability efforts. Since then, stakeholders such as NGOs and journalists have been able to use those insights to ramp up their criticism against companies.
ENW-M and ENW-XS grants for research into molecules, malaria and more
Six research projects at Radboud University have been awarded funding in the latest round of the ENW-M and ENW-XS Open Competition.
Ethical challenges in educational research: how do you navigate them as a teacher educator?
Conducting research in your own classroom raises ethical questions. How free is a student to say 'no'? Researchers from the RDA explored these dilemmas together and arrived at a recommendation.
Holistic assessment in teacher education: opportunities and challenges
Holistic assessment offers opportunities for personalised learning and self-regulation in teacher education, but also raises important questions. Researchers from the Radboud Docenten Academie identify five key issues.
ERC Proof of Concept Grants for Willem Velema and Daniela Wilson
The Proof of Concept grants are specifically intended for researchers who see an opportunity for commercial or societal innovation arising from their research.
Behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for Tourette syndrome
Behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for Tourette syndrome. This is the finding of doctoral research conducted by clinical psychologist Jolande van de Griendt, who will receive her Ph.D. from Radboud University on July 3, 2026.
How delayed sound reveals the hidden system behind human speech
Have you ever been on a phone call where you suddenly hear your own voice echo back a split second later? It feels strange, confusing, and for many people it becomes impossible to keep speaking fluently.
Environmental regulations reduces emissions, but impact on climate is limited
The good news: when environmental rules pressure one company, the effect can spread through shared boardroom ties, leading connected firms to reduce emissions too. The bad news: the positive impact on the climate is limited.
Elephants move closer to humans when droughts last
If drought in an area persists for longer, elephants move closer to areas near human settlements. This is the finding of research by biologist Irene Bouwman of Radboud University.
Better leadership in the transportation sector can help reduce truck driver dropouts
The long-term employability of Dutch truck drivers is under pressure. Heavy workloads, long-term absenteeism, and a persistent labor shortage are making the profession of truck driver increasingly challenging.
Psychologists shouldn't replace thinking with AI
For some psychologists, it's becoming more common to use AI systems to replace human thinking in research. That's a very risky choice based on misconceptions, warn Iris van Rooij and Olivia Guest in a new paper appearing today.
Unearthed bathhouse reveals a thriving Roman Nijmegen. ‘The Romans did not regard this city as a backwater’
Excavations in Nijmegen-West have uncovered large sections of a Roman bathhouse. Radboud researcher Stephan Mols: ‘The new finds show that the Romans did not regard this city as a backwater.
Newspapers may have played a key role in the development of Standard Dutch
Historical linguist Machteld de Vos, who will be awarded her PhD at Radboud University on 23 June 2026, investigated whether newspapers played a role in the spread of Standard Dutch.
Teacher resistance is not a problem — it's a signal
Paulien Meijer contributed a chapter to the Third International Handbook of Educational Change in which she argues that resistance to educational reform is not an obstacle, but a signal that teachers' professional identity is under pressure.
