Well-attended Weekend of Science, a wonderful conclusion to Utrecht Science Week
On Sunday, October 5th, the Weekend of Science took place at Utrecht Science Park. This national event has been a staple at Utrecht Science Park for years and marks the annual culmination of Utrecht Science Week. It aims to introduce younger generations to science, innovation, and technology. Despite the changeable weather, thousands of visitors flocked to Utrecht Science Park for the free experiments, workshops, and presentations.
Across the Netherlands, more than 300 organizations opened their doors—from universities and colleges to museums, libraries, and research institutions—offering a unique glimpse behind the scenes of science and technology. There were also inspiring lectures, interactive demos, and live research projects that visitors could participate in themselves. At Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, the Princess Máxima Center, and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital opened their doors. An estimated several thousand visitors came to Utrecht Science Park for the fun and educational activities.
At Utrecht University, visitors could learn how research contributes to understanding and improving our world, from climate and health to AI and animal welfare. Through experiments, tours, and short lectures, children and adults discovered how UU researchers study microplastics in water, work towards a more sustainable food system, and investigate how our brains process emotions.
At HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, visitors could, among other things, build their own sustainable birdhouse, learn more about the world of hackers, participate in an eye-tracking experiment, and give old clothes a second life. At the Princess Máxima Center, the largest pediatric oncology center in Europe, everyone could experience firsthand the research being conducted to improve treatment for children with cancer. This included everything from immunotherapy to DNA, and from quality of life to improvements in bedside care.
At the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (UMC Utrecht), visitors could become researchers for a day. They donned white coats and toured the labs. There were also experiments and presentations on topics such as 3D printing cartilage, growing mini-organs, measuring brain activity, and the wonderful world of bacteria.
The Weekend of Science at Utrecht Science Park was a great success. It’s wonderful to see that even younger audiences can learn about science and research in an accessible way here at Utrecht Science Park. It was a wonderful way to end Utrecht Science Week.
Thank you to all the researchers, students, and volunteers who made this weekend possible, and to everyone who came to explore, ask questions, and find inspiration! The next edition of Weekend of Science will take place on October 3 and 4, 2026.