Maria Hopman

Nature4Homes is a multidisciplinary PhD project at Radboudumc focused on how climate-adaptive, nature-inspired housing interventions can help reduce heat stress and improve health. The project sits at the intersection of climate change, the built environment, human thermophysiology, and residential health. The PhD candidate will work within the Department of Medical BioSciences , in the Human Physiology section, on the physiological and perceptual evaluation of interventions developed by the consortium partners. These interventions include green façades, natural visual patterns, and natural variation in the indoor climate, all aimed at improving energy efficiency while reducing thermal discomfort and heat-related strain for residents. The project combines field research and laboratory experimentation . In summer field studies, the candidate will collect continuous thermophysiological data from residents over multiple summers using non-invasive, easy-to-apply wireless monitoring. In collaboration with TU Eindhoven, the candidate will also run a controlled laboratory study using VR to examine how seeing greenery influences thermal perception and the body’s thermoregulatory responses. The role involves designing, conducting, and analysing multiple studies, working closely with participants, researchers, students, and stakeholders, and contributing to scientific publications that will form the basis of the dissertation. The position is embedded in a dynamic research environment with other PhD candidates working on (thermo)physiological topics, and the candidate will be supported by a team of researchers while having room for their own input. Prof. Maria Hopman will be the primary supervisor and Dr. Coen Bongers will act as daily supervisor.