“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:
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From Empty Polder to Science Paradise – Aryan Sikkema on the origins of Utrecht Science Park
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Fort Flora – about the Botanic Gardens and Fort Hoofddijk with Gerard van Buiten & Bertwin de Groot
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Wildlife at UU: badgers, bats and lapwings – biodiversity on campus with Marie-Jeanne Schiffelers & Jorn Vernooij
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From Wet Socks to Cow Manure – Living Labs & floating gardens with Lena Kortman & Joep Wijnhoven
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Solid & Sustainable – on circular construction with Ernst Worrell & Tim Sluiter
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Energy Beneath Our Feet – how thermal energy storage works, with Thomas Sweijen & Jolt Oostra
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Sustainable Labland – on lab sustainability with Wim de Leeuw & Joep Sprangers
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Books, Concrete and Boogie Woogie – the birth of the University Library with Bas Savenije
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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.
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