Around 2,500 to 3,000 visitors discovered the many sides of care, research, education, and technology, with contributions from around 400 Radboudumc colleagues.
From patient care and research to education and technology, there was plenty to discover during the busy Radboudumc Open Day on Sunday, October 4. Around 2,500 to 3,000 visitors took the opportunity to look behind the scenes, supported by approximately 400 colleagues from across the organization.
Throughout Radboudumc, visitors of all ages could experience what happens here every day through tours, presentations, lectures, and hands-on activities. Tours included the Bed Center, Audiology Center, and helipad, while presentations explored topics such as generative AI and the future of healthcare. Visitors could also see areas that are normally less accessible, including the High-Level Isolation Unit.
Step into the role of...
For one afternoon, visitors could experience what it is like to be a researcher, nurse, facilities employee, student, and more.
At Geriatrics, visitors could walk through a testing route and learn how brain and physical functions are assessed in older patients. Other activities explored how the brain works during sleep and what happens in the brains of babies and young children. At Orthopedics, visitors discovered how knee and hip replacements work and explored different orthopedic materials.
The Research Tower was another popular destination, particularly for families. The Laboratory for Diagnostics opened its doors, and young visitors could conduct their own experiments in a microscopic kids lab.
The Donders Institute also invited visitors to experience the ADHD Escape, an activity designed to give participants a sense of what it can be like to deal with many stimuli, distractions, and a different perception of time.
Research behind the scenes
Several Research Institute teams welcomed visitors on the ground floor of the Research Tower, where there was a steady flow of parents and children throughout the afternoon.
The Clinical Research Monitoring team showed how monitors help safeguard research participants and the quality of research data. Children could try out the role themselves, complete with gloves, sample containers, and mock medication.
At Human Research Compliance, visitors explored how research often starts by carefully observing, listening, feeling, and putting different pieces of information together. Hands-on activities included mystery boxes in which children had to identify objects by touch alone.
The Central Animal Laboratory also offered an accessible look at its work. Children could use Duplo to design their own animal laboratory and think about what different animals need, from housing to operating facilities. Staff explained why animals are only used in medical research when there is no suitable alternative, and why animal welfare is an essential part of this work. A virtual tour also allowed visitors to explore the laboratory from the inside.
A special anniversary edition
The Open Day took place as part of the national Weekend of Science. This year’s edition had an additional festive dimension, as Radboudumc celebrates 70 years of academic hospital care and 75 years of medical education.
