Newsletter June 2025

Register for the opening of the Utrecht Science Week 2025

The fifth edition of the Utrecht Science Week kicks off on Friday, September 26. The full program is currently being finalized and will be published soon. You can already register for the opening on Friday, September 26: the Utrecht Science Lecture by Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel, founder & CEO of Genmab.

For more information about the Utrecht Science Week, click here or sign up via the link below.

On Tuesday, June 10, the municipal council was updated during an information session at the office of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation about the current state of livability at the Utrecht Science Park.
During the session, the results of a survey among student residents were presented, along with plans from parties such as the supermarket, SSH (Student Housing Foundation), and Utrecht University regarding this theme.

The new website of Utrecht Science Park is live! In recent months, we have worked together with digital agency Eagerly to create a renewed and innovative platform. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information, from groundbreaking research and developments at Utrecht Science Park to events and inspiring stories.

Take a look now!

The number of animal experiments at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht has decreased once again in 2024: from 14,192 in 2023 to 12,584 in 2024. This is reported in the joint 2024 Animal Experiment Annual Report. A major step forward is the establishment of the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation. This center, initiated through the National Growth Fund, focuses on innovative alternatives for research into conditions such as ALS, cystic fibrosis, and asthma.

Since October 1, 2024, Paul Coffer has been the Scientific Director of Utrecht University’s strategic theme Life Sciences. With his broad expertise in areas such as cell biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine, as well as his experience in connecting research communities, he is committed to strengthening collaboration and impact. Now, more than six months into the role, he reflects:"We have everything we need, now it’s time to truly connect with one another."

In June, the new Evolution Garden of Utrecht University's Botanical Gardens was officially opened. This month, various activities are taking place to celebrate the opening. During a walk through the Evolution Garden, visitors embark on a journey through more than 900 million years of history from the first plants, the green algae, to the flowering plants, the most diverse plant group today.

Gijs Steur, curator of the Botanical Gardens, says: "An Evolution Garden of this scale and completeness I’ve never seen anything like it in any other botanical garden."

Utrecht Science Park offers a wealth of career opportunities. More than 31,000 passionate professionals work here every day on groundbreaking science, innovation and its applications, from lecturers to healthcare staff, from researchers to entrepreneurs and from facility workers to lab technicians. Utrecht Science Park is a true engine of employment for university (WO), university of applied sciences (HBO) and vocational (MBO) graduates. The demand for new talent remains as strong as ever. Watch our latest video!

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Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht celebrates 10-year anniversary

On June 30, the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMU) will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an inspiring symposium at TivoliVredenburg. A day filled with reflection, forward thinking, and collaboration on the future of regenerative medicine. The diverse program offers engaging keynotes on collaboration, learning from each other, society, and nature. Participate in interactive workshops about unconventional partnerships, the power of making mistakes, and organ creation. Join the symposium and celebrate this festive and meaningful milestone.

From September 26 to October 5, Utrecht Science Park will be buzzing with curiosity and discoveries during Utrecht Science Week. One of the main highlights is the Betweter Festival on Friday, September 26, at TivoliVredenburg. Betweter offers a stimulating mix of science, art, music, and live research. It is a unique meeting place where researchers, artists, and visitors come together to reflect on the world of tomorrow and the big questions of today.

Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center, together with international partners, have discovered that Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer in childre, contains far more genetic changes than previously thought.

Thanks to advanced DNA sequencing, they were able to map the tumor’s complete genetic profile. These new insights provide important leads for developing more targeted treatments in the future, such as immunotherapy.

DNA doesn’t always appear as the familiar double helix. Sometimes it folds into unusual shapes. One such structure is the G-quadruplex (G4), a type of knot in the DNA. These knots play a role in turning genes on or off. If they are not untangled in time, they can cause damage to the genome. Researchers from Puck Knipscheer’s group at the Hubrecht Institute, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet, have discovered a mechanism that keeps these knots under control. Their findings could contribute to new treatment strategies for diseases such as cancer.

In May 2029, the Utrecht Marathon will serve as the battleground for the European Running Championships, with Utrecht Science Park as the sporting center. Utrecht has a rich tradition in organizing running events. Besides the Utrecht Marathon, the city is also home to events like the Singelloop Utrecht, the oldest road race in the Netherlands. The European Running Championships are unique because they are a championship for everyone. Recreational runners compete in the same race as the top athletes battling for medals! The event includes, in addition to the iconic marathon, a half marathon and a 10K race.

On June 5, HU launched the brand campaign “Hoe? HU!” aimed at strengthening collaboration within the Utrecht region. HU positions itself clearly as a connecting partner between education, research, and the professional field. The campaign will run for several years and invites organizations, businesses, and students to work together on innovation and societal impact, covering topics from sustainability to health and digitalization.

Are you a life sciences entrepreneur in the Utrecht region? Then join the U-Forward Life Sciences Breakfast on July 1 at UtrechtInc. Start your morning with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and a good breakfast. Discover how UtrechtInc supports startups and growing companies through their programs, network, and expertise. The recurring ‘needs & leads’ format will also be used to share insights and make progress together.

Want to sign up? Email Annemarie Dijkman: annemarie.dijkman@utrechtsciencepark.nl.