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On Tuesday 18 June, the Radboudumc research community gathered for its annual Strategy Day—a moment to reflect, reconnect and chart our collective path forward. With the new research organization and governance now in place, and valorization fully embedded, the focus has shifted toward the content and future direction of our research.
This year’s Strategy Day aligned closely with the upcoming Strategy Evaluation Protocol (SEP), offering a timely moment to take stock of our progress and sharpen our focus for the years ahead. In a series of breakout sessions, research group leaders rehearsed the pitches they will soon present to the SEP committee. These dry runs proved highly valuable, as colleagues provided thoughtful and constructive feedback to help strengthen each storyline
As we look forward, we also considered the broader national research context—particularly the opportunities and questions raised by the new ZonMw strategic agenda. ZonMw vice-president Han van Krieken introduced the agenda, prompting in-depth discussion about how Radboudumc can strengthen its societal impact, maintain academic excellence, and support the next generation of researchers in the years ahead.
Following the strategic day, the community celebrated the award ceremonies. Out of numerous strong nominations, three winners were selected for the Envision Award, the Open Science Award and the PhD Supervision Award. Together, these recognitions highlight how a collaborative, transparent and inspiring research culture drives impact.
Envision Award – Martine Hoogman and team
Martine Hoogman and her team took home the 2025 Envision Award for their creative approach to public outreach with the ADHD Escape Room. Developed together with students, the interactive experience lets visitors step into the shoes of someone with ADHD. The jury praised the project for its playful concept, stigma-busting power, and the way it brings research directly into the public space.
The award-winning team consists of Martine Hoogman, Jeanette Mostert, Amy de Roubaix, Lessa Schippers, and Esther Fluijt (all Radboudumc), Yvonne Kuiper (Donders Institute), and Esther Fluijt (Radboud Honours Academy).
Other shortlisted entries included outreach on gut health for families (Lotte Hazeleger), the global health value of traditional African diets (Quirijn de Mast), hands-on genomics diagnostics (Alexander Hoischen), and media-friendly outreach on organ-on-a-chip technology (Emma Streutker).
Open Science Award – Predictive Clinical Neuroscience Lab
The Predictive Clinical Neuroscience Lab led by André Marquand won the 2025 Open Science Award. The team was recognised for embedding open science deeply in their work—from data sharing and reproducibility to open collaboration across borders. Their example shows how openness drives innovation in complex brain research.
The team includes Mila Brandsen, Tim Wiesner, Loran Knol, Imogen Leaning, Ramona Cirstian, Linda Schlüter, Saige Rutherford, Stijn de Boer, Charlotte Fraza, Yaping Wang, Barbora Rehák Bučková, Johanna Bayer, Alice Chavanne, Antoine Bernas, and André Marquand.
Also on the shortlist were the Brain, Bacteria and Behavior Group, the FAIR Data Stewards Team, and the Luna-Velez Lab.
PhD Supervision Award – Sirwan Darweesh
PhD candidates praised Sirwan Darweesh for his contagious enthusiasm, personal support and scientific leadership. As one PhD described it: “He brings out the best in you, without ever taking the spotlight himself.” For his role as mentor, bridge-builder and role model, Darweesh was honoured with this year’s PhD Supervision Award.
Six other inspiring supervisors were nominated, including Saskia Schols (nominated for a third time), Rose Collard, Rob ter Heine, Jorge Cuenca Escalona, and Catharina van Oostveen.
About the awards
The Envision Award honours science communication that connects research to society. The Open Science Award highlights teams that set a standard in transparency, data sharing and collaboration. The PhD Supervision Award recognises supervisors who make a difference in the lives and careers of young researchers. All three awards reflect core values of Radboudumc’s research mission: relevance, openness and empowerment.
You can download this pdf for more information about the prizes, the jury, the shortlists, and more.
Impression of the day
For an impression of the day, please check out the photo library.
