3 April is Walk During Your Workday – Take a WorkWalk

Thursday 3rd April is Walk During Your Workday – the perfect opportunity to get out of your chair and combine your brainstorming sessions, meetings, or introductions with a refreshing walk. Walking not only helps to clear your mind but also stimulates your creativity. Moreover, it contributes to higher efficiency and productivity.
About the WorkWalk
The WorkWalk is an inspiring initiative from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, in collaboration with the Utrecht Science Park Foundation. This project is based on applied research from Fontys, which carefully mapped out the benefits of walking meetings. The research confirms that walking not only promotes physical and mental health but also leads to higher efficiency and productivity. Inspired by these insights, the WorkWalk was introduced in September 2024 at the Utrecht Science Park. There are three beautiful walking routes of different lengths on the Utrecht Science Park grounds, which you can explore and use every day.

Which route will you choose?
All three WorkWalk routes start at Spar (Heidelberglaan 1B). Scan the QR codes in the image or click on the links below to follow the route via Google Maps. You can also easily follow the route signs from the starting point.
More about Walk During Your Workday
Walk During Your Workday 2025 is the day to combine work and movement. This initiative encourages employees to walk part of their commute, making them more physically active while boosting their creativity and energy. Walking helps to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve wellbeing. Companies are encouraged to challenge their employees to participate, discovering together the benefits of an active workday.
More information: https://defittemedewerker.nl/wandel-tijdens-je-werkdag-2025/

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.

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.

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.