Impressive developments at Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven
On Thursday 14 November, Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven opened its doors for a unique look behind the scenes. The Utrecht Science Park Café highlighted several impressive topics that are in full development in Bilthoven.
After a brief introduction by Jef de Clerq (CEO Poonawalla Science Park B.V.) and Jan Henk van der Velden ( managing director of the Utrecht Science Park), Jorrit van Hoorn (director of Corporate Development) took us through the latest developments of Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven.
Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven is home to Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio), a major producer of polio vaccines, among other things. BBio also has a crucial role to play in responding to a possible new pandemic. Over the past year, the Pandemic Preparedness Centre has been developed. This centre ensures that enough production capacity is available for vaccine production in possible future emergencies affecting public health.
RIVM, currently still housed in Bilthoven, is scheduled to move to the Utrecht Science Park during 2025. This offers new opportunities for both locations.
The interesting presentation was followed by a tour of Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven, past the special facilities.
Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven
Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven is one of the two satellite locations of the Utrecht Science Park. Bilthoven is home to companies and organisations in the fields of life sciences and sustainability. Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven specialises in product development, product improvement and manufacturing with a focus on vaccines.
Rhabdoid tumor cells targeted through their building blocks
PhD candidate Marjolein Kes has identified new therapeutic targets for the treatment of rhabdoid tumors (MRT). In the laboratory, Kes found that inhibiting the production of DNA building blocks slows the division of tumor cells and can even cause them to disappear. These findings form the basis for the development of a new clinical study. Yesterday, she received her PhD from Utrecht University.
Health Starts in the Community, Not in the Hospital
A person’s health is shaped by more than access to medical care. Factors such as income, housing, stress, social environment, and access to essential services all play an important role. That is why researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and residents are working together to reduce health inequalities and create healthier communities.
Heineken Young Scientists Award for Miguel Leung
Miguel Leung, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute since 2024, has been awarded the Heineken Young Scientists Award 2026. This award recognizes young researchers who have made outstanding scientific achievements, setting an example for other young scientists. With his research group at the Hubrecht Institute, Miguel Leung investigates the 3D structure of protein complexes, tiny machines at work inside each of our cells. The group focuses on highly specialized cells that perform specific functions, such as sperm and egg cells.
Fantastic atmosphere at the Utrecht Science Park during the Utrecht Marathon 2026
On Sunday, May 31, Utrecht was all about sport: the Utrecht Marathon, with the Utrecht Science Park serving as both the start and finish location, brought together thousands of enthusiastic runners and spectators.