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.
The HU ORM program is moving to the Utrecht Science Park.
The Entrepreneurship & Retail Management (ORM) program will relocate from Amersfoort to the Utrecht Science Park as of September 1, 2026. According to program manager Lisette Luijk (Institute for Marketing & Commerce), it is mainly about one thing: more connection.
Danny Sahtoe receives NVBMB prize
Danny Sahtoe has been awarded the prestigious NVBMB prize, a prize that gives recognition to the work of a highly talented young independent researcher in the field of biochemistry or molecular biology. The prize includes funding to organize a one-day symposium on a topic of choice. Danny Sahtoe is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute and Investigator at Oncode Institute.
Thousands of previously unknown proteins discovered
A group of international researchers has discovered 1,700 new proteins. The research data they collected has been made accessible to other scientists. These are small proteins that may play an important role in cells, for example in the development of diseases such as (paediatric) cancer.
The researchers hope to quickly learn more about the function of these newly discovered micro-proteins in the so-called “dark proteome,” which they refer to as peptideins. These proteins may provide potential starting points for new treatments.
Kuros signs agreement with USPB
Kuros will expand R&D and manufacturing activities.
Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven (USP Bilthoven), the science park for life science and biomanufacturing companies, has entered into a lease agreement with Kuros Biosciences to support the company’s continued growth and expansion of R&D and manufacturing activities. This milestone agreement underscores USP Bilthoven’s ambition to be a premier destination for companies scaling advanced biomanufacturing and life sciences operations in Europe.
Prinses Máxima Centrum International expands its impact in Indonesia
Máxima International, the department that aims to improve local cure rates through collaboration with hospitals outside the Netherlands, has established two new twinning partnerships in Indonesia. Last month, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Public Hospital and Dr. Soetomo Hospital were added to the existing collaborations in Yogyakarta and Bandung. Prinses Máxima Centrum now collaborates with all four hospitals where paediatric oncologists are trained, with the goal of improving the survival rates and quality of life of all children with cancer in Indonesia.
Scientists strip cancer cells of their disguise using sound waves
A combination of immunotherapy and ultrasound appears to be safe and may potentially help treat metastatic cancer in the future. However, research into this new treatment is still in an early stage.
Roadworks Universiteitsweg (phase 2) from 24 to 26 April
In the weekend from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April, the second phase of the works on Universiteitsweg will be carried out. This phase involves replacing the asphalt surface layers on the southern section of the road, between Leuvenlaan and the tram tracks.
Study on operating using light-emitting neuroblastoma has started
Surgeons and researchers have started a new clinical study. They are investigating the best way to remove neuroblastoma more precisely by making tumour cells light up during surgery. For the first time in the world, doctors at the Princess Máxima Center are applying this method in children.
Looking back at the successful Utrecht Science Park Spring Café: the power of an ecosystem in setting up and running a startup
On Thursday, April 9, the Utrecht Science Park Spring Café took place at UtrechtInc. In an informal setting, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders gathered to meet and catch up on developments within the Utrecht Science Park.
Utrecht Science Week: Art and science unite at the Betweter Festival on 25 September
From 25 September to 4 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be alive with curiosity and exploration during the annual Utrecht Science Week. For over a week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to everyone interested in both applied and fundamental science. In close collaboration with various partners, a diverse programme is put together, with special focus on themes such as sustainability and health.