“An Academic Quarter with…”
The shortcast series “An Academic Quarter with…” takes you on a 15-minute journey to surprising spots at Utrecht Science Park, sharing stories about sustainability, biodiversity, and history. Listen on Spotify or at one of the recycled listening poles on campus.
New: shortcast series “An Academic Quarter with…”
Discover Utrecht Science Park in just 15 minutes
Did you know badgers live near the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine? Or what Victory Boogie Woogie means to Utrecht University Library? In the new shortcast series “An Academic Quarter with…” you’ll dive into stories about the past, present and future of Utrecht Science Park. From floating gardens to sustainable labs — each 15-minute episode takes you to a remarkable spot on campus.
This Utrecht University shortcast is available on Spotify and through special listening poles across Utrecht Science Park. Discover hidden stories and be surprised by how sustainable, unique and green your campus really is.
The nine episodes include:
-
From Empty Polder to Science Paradise – Aryan Sikkema on the origins of Utrecht Science Park
-
Fort Flora – about the Botanic Gardens and Fort Hoofddijk with Gerard van Buiten & Bertwin de Groot
-
Wildlife at UU: badgers, bats and lapwings – biodiversity on campus with Marie-Jeanne Schiffelers & Jorn Vernooij
-
From Wet Socks to Cow Manure – Living Labs & floating gardens with Lena Kortman & Joep Wijnhoven
-
Solid & Sustainable – on circular construction with Ernst Worrell & Tim Sluiter
-
Energy Beneath Our Feet – how thermal energy storage works, with Thomas Sweijen & Jolt Oostra
-
Sustainable Labland – on lab sustainability with Wim de Leeuw & Joep Sprangers
-
Books, Concrete and Boogie Woogie – the birth of the University Library with Bas Savenije
-
From Cowshed to Campus Pubs – nightlife at USP with Niels Vreeswijk and various students
Each episode explores a different part of campus life, always linking back to sustainability — from biodiversity and renewable energy to circular building.
Listening poles
Special listening poles have been placed throughout Utrecht Science Park. In line with the series’ sustainable focus, the poles are made from recycled materials: old COVID-era sanitiser stations and leftover Trespa panels — the latter reused due to their long lifespan. Around 100 to 150 kg of Trespa has been repurposed. The design is reminiscent of the iconic Dutch roadside info poles.
Listen on-site or online
Curious to hear more? Find a listening pole at Utrecht Science Park, scan the QR code, and listen on the spot. Perfect for a short walk between classes or during your commute.
Listen now via: uu.nl/kwartiertje
Commissioned by the Communications Directorate of Utrecht University
Editorial: Judith Boekel & Nour Shoukear
Interviews & audio editing: Robert Verkerk
Photography: Laura Hompus, Daniel de Kruijf & Rosa Falkenburg
Listening poles: with thanks to Otto van de Beek, Jorn Smit, Annemiek Pronk and Donald Witteman
Contact
For more information, contact Judith Boekel, Communications Advisor UU: j.boekel@uu.nl or +31 6 3458 2965.
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.
The HU Entrepreneurship & Retail Management 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.
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.