Date Utrecht Science Week 2025 announced: 26 September to 5 October
The Utrecht Science Week 2024 was a great success! For over a week, you could visit inspiring events around (applied) science and innovation at the Utrecht Science Park. We are now preparing for the fifth edition of Utrecht Science Week, which will take place from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October 2025.
The Utrecht Science Park will open its doors and, together with various partners, a varied programme will be created for a diverse target group. The programme will focus on the themes of health and sustainability and include components such as lectures, presentations, tours and workshops.
Like last edition, in 2025 the Betweter Festival, the ‘Dag van de Duurzaamheid’ (Sustainability Day) and ‘Weekend van de Wetenschap’ (Weekend of Science) will also be part of the Utrecht Science Week.
Keep an eye on the website for current updates: https://utrechtscienceweek.nl/en.
Curious about what last year was like? Take a look at the recap, with photos and the aftermovie: https://utrechtscienceweek.nl/en/edtion-24/.
Knot good: How cells untie DNA to protect the genome
Not all DNA looks like the familiar twisted ladder. Sometimes, parts of our genetic code fold into unusual shapes. One such structure, the G-quadruplex (G4), looks like a knot. These knots can play important roles in turning genes on or off. But if not untangled in time, they can harm our genome. Now, researchers from the Knipscheer Group, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet, have uncovered a surprising mechanism that keeps these knots in check. Their work, published in Science on June 12th, could lead to new ways to treat diseases like cancer.
Number of animal experiments at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht declines further in 2024
The number of animal experiments conducted by Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht has declined again over the past year. The numbers dropped from 14,192 in 2023 to 12,584 in 2024. This is evident from the joint 2024 Annual Report on Animal Experiments.
Utrecht Life Sciences: from pitch to practise
On 1st October 2024, Professor Paul Coffer stepped into his role as Scientific Director of Utrecht University’s Strategic Theme Life Sciences. More than six months in, the honeymoon period is over and the course ahead is clear. What did he encounter, and where is he heading next?
Record number of participants cross the finish line at the sunny Utrecht Science Park during the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon
On Sunday 18 May, Utrecht was all about sports. The HiPRO Utrecht Marathon experienced a special edition with a full lap at the marathon distance and a record number of participants of over 18,500. In the morning, thousands of runners started their run. Traditionally, the start and finish took place at the Utrecht Science Park, which was the vibrant heart of this sports event.