Research into societal themes | Radboud University

At Radboud University, our research covers a wide variety of themes and topics. Combining various scientific disciplines allows us to delve into multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Our research is focused on the complex issues of today and tomorrow.

Research in the news

ChatGPT and other AI chatbots

Artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini use large language models to generate quick, accessible answers to a variety of questions. It presents opportunities, but also risks. At Radboud University, research on this form of...
Research on sustainable IT

Will technology solve all our problems, or will it just create new ones? From rising energy consumption due to chatbots to the cloud being filled with our holiday snaps and viral videos – how are we going to deal with this? Our researchers are...

Artificial Intelligence

Ontdek onderzoek over de menselijke kant van artificial intelligence. Bijvoorbeeld met chatbots en robots die ondersteunen in onderwijs en gezondheid, of met algoritmes voor complexe vraagstukken.

Brain and behaviour

We are all human, but we all behave differently. Why is that? On research into what moves people and how our behavior emerges from our brain: from the level of molecules to human relationships.

Diversity

How do we ensure an inclusive society where everyone can be themselves and still have equal opportunities? We research diversity in the broadest sense of the word.

Education

We all want the best education, but how do we actually get there? To help students get ahead in the future, our researchers are working on innovations in education right now. Discover our community of research into better learning.

History

Discover expertise in ancient history and archaeology, historical demography and World War II, as well as the history of sports, women, slavery, disasters and famines.

Innovation

Technological innovations that make an impact can change our lives. Discover groundbreaking, unique and striking research from Radboud University that affects us, now or in the future.

Law

Practicing good law is about more than just legal knowledge. Law scholars at Radboud University work together with legal practitioners, and have one foot in society.

Linguistics

Our researchers work on the big questions of linguistics: from language technology to genetics, from brain research to sign language, and from rhetoric and influence to language acquisition and psycholinguistics.

Molecules and Materials

From molecules to atoms to nanoparticles. How does this tiny world operate? Using the strongest magnets, the most precise infrared lasers, microscopes and other techniques, the fundamental properties of materials are investigated.

Politics

How is a country or region governed? How do politicians campaign? Our political research spans from topical current-day issues to major global themes that have impacted the world for decades.

Privacy

Large companies, governments and other organizations collect large amounts of personal data from all of us. What are the risks and consequences and what can we do about it?

Religion

Researchers at Radboud University deal with fundamental questions about the nature and meaning of human beings in the world, including from a religious context. What role do religious traditions play in our history, but also in contemporary society?

Sustainability in research

Products, technology and human actions impact the natural world. Research into these effects and how we should adapt is essential in sustaining a habitable planet.

Universe

Research about everything that goes on outside our planet Earth. From lunar missions to black holes, within our galaxy and far beyond.