U.S.S.V. Softijs wins Gouden Voorzet and organised amusing karaoke crawl at the Utrecht Science Park
Last year, U.S.S.V. Softijs was the winner of the Gouden Voorzet, a subsidy paid annually to a student sports association by the Sportraad and Utrecht Science Park Foundation. The board used the grant to purchase a brand new music box, which they can put to good use during training sessions. To strengthen the Utrecht Science Park community and livability, a playful action is always linked to this as well. This time, this took the form of a Karaoke Crawl in the science cafés at the Utrecht Science Park.
At the HideOut and the Proeflokaal, the party was on Monday evening, 16 December. Softijs members gathered at the HideOut for the start of the karaoke. Then the journey continued to the Proeflokaal where everyone tried hard to sing the stars from the sky there as well. Even during a busy period with exams and deadlines, it is good to take a break. It was a successful evening with a lot of fun and where connection was made.
Gouden Voorzet
The Gouden Voorzet is a grant paid annually to a student sports association by the Sportraad and Utrecht Science Park Foundation. The associations submit a creative idea for the association with a positive contribution. The association with the most original idea receives the Gouden Voorzet.
31 May running festival at Utrecht Science Park; read all about accessibility
On Sunday 31 May 2026, Utrecht will once again be fully dedicated to the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon supported by Utrecht Science Park. With a large amount of participants in the previous edition, the event has grown into a staple for runners from Utrecht and far beyond. This year also promises to be a special edition, featuring the new addition of the Dutch National Championships Half Marathon (NK Halve Marathon). Utrecht Science Park will once again be the vibrant heart of the event, where sport, energy, and connection come together.
Jan Henk van der Velden leaves Utrecht Science Park Foundation and becomes the new Managing Director at Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
After nine years, Jan Henk van der Velden will step down as Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation effective this coming July 1. As of September 1, 2026, Jan Henk will become Managing Director of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park Foundation. He announced his departure several months ago.
UMC Utrecht takes third surgical robot into use
UMC Utrecht has commissioned a third surgical robot. With the arrival of the latest generation, the Da Vinci 5, even more patients can be operated on with minimal stress. This leads to fewer complications and faster recovery. “Apart from the benefits for patients, the Da Vinci 5 also allows us to train even better,” says Jelle Ruurda, gastrointestinal surgeon and professor of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. “At the touch of a button, colleagues can watch remotely, and even learn from previous operations. This way we share knowledge faster and more widely.” The hospital is thus building on a tradition of 25 years at the forefront of robotic surgery.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis, ambassador Mr. Paul Teesalu and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.