What we do
About our project
Burden of Research Participation
Participating in research can be a significant burden for children. In addition to the extra time investment for both children and parents, visiting the hospital can be very stressful for young participants.
Sophia Research Bus
To alleviate these challenges, the Sophia Bus was created. This mobile research lab allows studies to be conducted at the homes of participants. By bringing the research to them, children are more relaxed during assessments, and the time commitment is reduced. As a result, researchers can include more participants in their studies - a clear win-win!
Facilities
The front of the bus features a small table for neuropsychological testing or questionnaire administration. At the back, there is a compact testing area equipped with a built-in PC and a foldable table. A refrigerator is available for storing biological samples. The bus has its own Wi-Fi network and is fully accessible for children in wheelchairs.
Our research focus
Studies using the Sophia Bus
The Sophia Bus can be used by all researchers of the Sophia Children's hospital of the Erasmus Medical Center. Multiple studies from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology have used the bus, as well as a study from the Department of Neonatology.
Funds & Grants
- Stichting Vrienden van het Sophia
- For Wis(h)dom Foundation
Publications
Doctor-Loeb, H. (2025). Science on the go: bringing labs into the field. Nature, 637(8047),1005-1007.
Our team
- Sabine E. Mous, PhD, Project Leader
- Gwendolyn C. Dieleman, PhD, MD, Project Leader
- Kamil R. Hiralal, MSc, Coördinator
