Newsletter november 2025

In the media: Utrecht Science Park as a “powerhouse” of the biotech sector

Following the announced collaboration between Utrecht Science Park–based companies Genmab and Merus, several media outlets published strong articles highlighting the strength of the Utrecht Science Park ecosystem. For example, the Financieele Dagblad described it as a “biotech powerhouse” and emphasized the importance of growth opportunities to ensure that this knowledge remains in the Netherlands. Read more here about this fertile ecosystem for innovation

At his farewell as President of the Executive Board of Utrecht University, Anton Pijpers was appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He also received several medals in recognition of his exceptional contributions as an administrator, scientist, and bridge-builder within the university, the city of Utrecht, and beyond.

The very first Utrecht Science Park Night Run attracted no fewer than 1,800 participants and transformed the Utrecht Science Park into a magical running course full of lights, music, and atmosphere. The event, with distances ranging from 1.5 kilometers for children to 15 kilometers and including relay options, offered students, staff, and visitors a festive start to the weekend, combining athleticism with togetherness and fun.

In mid-October, journalists from Germany and Belgium visited Utrecht Science Park to learn about the story behind “Utrecht Cancer.” Utrecht Cancer brings together the largest and most multidisciplinary cancer research community in the Netherlands and is a collaboration between UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Hubrecht Institute, and the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. The press trip was an initiative of “New Dutch” and was organized in collaboration with Utrecht Marketing and UMC Utrecht.

On Tuesday, October 28, the winners of the ECIO Inclusion Award 2025 were announced. For the first time, a public choice award was also presented, which was decisively won by the StudieHUiskamer of Hogeschool Utrecht. The StudieHUiskamer provides students who struggle with studying a dedicated place and time to study together with others, supported by a coach or mentor. Students often wrote, “I wouldn’t have made it without this.”

Utrecht University has become the first Dutch university to map its biodiversity footprint in order to understand the impact of its activities on nature and species diversity. With concrete actions on energy, food, materials, and nature restoration, the university aims to reduce this footprint by at least 35 percent by 2030.

At the Princess Máxima Center, five research projects funded by KiKa are underway, focused on developing better, more effective, and less harmful treatments for children with cancer. The studies include new therapies for Ewing sarcoma, brain and solid tumors, Burkitt lymphoma, and ATRT, as well as research into understanding secondary cancers that may develop later in life.

During the annual drill of the Emergency Hospital, a rocket strike was simulated to test the readiness of both civilian and military healthcare. UMC Utrecht, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Health trained together to set up a fully operational hospital within thirty minutes. Minister Jan Anthonie Bruijn and Mayor Sharon Dijksma attended and were impressed by the collaboration. Hundreds of healthcare professionals, Red Cross volunteers, and role-playing victims practiced the entire crisis process, from triage to family support.

Utrecht University, together with its partners, has opened the first section of the ecological corridors at Utrecht Science Park. The new green strip connects the area with surrounding estates and enhances biodiversity on and around the campus. During the opening, a tree was planted, and the importance of healthy nature was highlighted. The east-west connection will be completed in 2026.

Twenty-two researchers from Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, and the Princess Máxima Center have received a Vidi grant of up to €850,000. With this funding from NWO, they can establish a new line of research over the next five years. The projects range from climate-resilient plants and sustainable materials to learning analytics, MRI innovations, and improved treatments for children with cancer.

UMC Utrecht and the Ministry of Defence are strengthening their collaboration within the Civil-Military Centre of Expertise for Trauma Care (CETC). With a new agreement, both parties are taking the next step in jointly improving acute and psychotrauma care for civilians and military personnel. Over the coming years, the CETC will focus on applied research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across four areas: the patient journey, burn care, synthetic patient data, and value-based care.

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute and Radboud University have, for the first time, developed a fully synthetic, animal-free gel in which organoids can grow reliably over an extended period. This new PIC–invasin gel provides an ethical, stable, and affordable alternative to animal-based gels such as Matrigel, opening the door to more consistent drug research, regenerative medicine, and fundamental 3D tissue studies.

The Botanical Gardens of Utrecht University are getting a brand-new greenhouse complex. From December 1, 2025, the old greenhouses will close to make way for a modern facility, which is expected to open in 2028. Here, researchers will be able to fully experiment with biodiversity, tropical collections, and the unique Ecotron facility for mini-ecosystems. The new complex will provide an inspiring environment for research, education, and discovery.

More News

Working together to improve palliative care for children with cancer

UMC Utrecht builds the research infrastructure of tomorrow

NWO Roadmap Grant for new national X-ray research centre

Utrecht Science Park start-up Beephonix grows with the help of student workers

Vacancy

Could you be the new point of contact for Stichting Utrecht Science Park? We are looking for an independent and energetic Office Manager who enjoys organizing, connecting people, and bringing structure to a dynamic environment. Excited? Check out the job opening and apply via our website.