Vitens reporting: bacteria in drinking water
Update on the news message below: the boil water advisory has been lifted according to an update of Vitens on Tuesday November 4th.
On Saturday morning, November 1st, drinking water company Vitens detected a bacterium (enterococcus) in the drinking water in the Utrecht region. Therefore, the recommendation is to boil water for three minutes before drinking it in parts of Utrecht and some surrounding villages. Utrecht Science Park also falls within the affected postal code area.
Are you coming to work, study at Utrecht Science Park, or visit one of the organizations here in the coming days? We recommend bringing your own drinks, as most coffee and tea machines will be turned off, and unboiled tap water is also unsafe to drink.
This advice applies at least until Tuesday, November 4th.
For more information, please also visit the Vitens website.
For advice and measures per organization, we advise you to consult the website and news item of the relevant organization, such as:
– UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis (WKZ): https://lnkd.in/ejm6WxQy
– Utrecht University: https://lnkd.in/eVr85gKK
– HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Hogeschool Utrecht): https://lnkd.in/etxHsFZH
– Prinses Máxima Centrum voor kinderoncologie: https://lnkd.in/eFV-NvgF
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.