Principles of research at Radboud university medical center

Research at Radboudumc

The Radboudumc's key strength is the combination of medical life sciences and clinical practice. Our medical center has an impressive infrastructure comprising of three research institutes and our state-of-the-art technology centers. Our scientists perform cross-disciplinary research regarding 18 clinically relevant research themes.

Excellence

We believe that scientific breakthroughs emerge when the most gifted researchers perform cutting-edge research to solve their curiosity-driven questions. This philosophy is embodied in our Principal Investigator structure, in our specific talent programs and in our competitive Hypatia Fellowship Program for recruiting aspiring group leaders. The training of our students and young scientists is also governed by the pursuit of scientific excellence. We face stiff competition for talent and so we cannot afford to miss out on any source of talent. We are aware that scientific excellence is hard to measure and requires multidimensional assessment beyond quantitative measures.

Objectives

• We will implement a new coherent system for assessing scientific excellence in our training, promotion, and hiring activities as well as in our funding system. This assessment system will be based on multidimensional analysis beyond pure quantitative measures of excellence, thus acknowledging the contribution made by individuals or groups of researchers to conceptual or practical impact on healthcare.
• We will employ regular, rigorous and independent external assessment of our scientific excellence and its sustainability.
• We will work on our culture and structures in order to create a diverse workforce and broader talent source.
• We will develop a career path allowing talented junior researchers to combine international experience with local career perspectives.
• We will scout globally and provide flexible means of attracting the most creative and adventurous senior researchers in relevant strategic fields.
• We will provide systematic support and coaching for our researchers to gain prestigious personal grants and awards at all career stages and for us to obtain a top position in the Netherlands.
• We will reward researchers’ participation in education, as education has an impact on healthcare and stimulates young research talent.