Extension of partnership between Utrecht Science Park Foundation and Utrecht Marketing
The Utrecht Science Park Foundation and Utrecht Marketing have been working closely together for quite some time. 13 December, the collaboration was officially extended. Jan Henk van der Velden ( managing director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation) and Cor Jansen (managing director of Utrecht Marketing) signed the extended partnership agreement at the Utrecht Science Park Foundation office, near the magnificent Dom ornament.
The joint goal is to strengthen the positioning of the city and region, with the Utrecht Science Park playing an important role. Utrecht Marketing is involving the Utrecht Science Park Foundation in the city’s ‘Healthy Urban Living for Everyone’ agenda, which fits well with the Utrecht Science Park’s ambition: ‘Together towards a healthy, sustainable society’.
The partnership focuses, among other things, on increasing the reach and contributing to raising the profile of the Utrecht Science Park, including the Utrecht Science Week, and the city and region. The parties are jointly committed to developments in various fields, such as health, economic developments, attracting new visitors, businesses and talent. This is done through joint communication (campaigns), involvement in each other’s network, participation in the Utrecht Brand Team, knowledge sharing and collaborative meetings.
‘The Utrecht Science Park is the beating heart of the city and region in terms of knowledge economy. It hosts world-class (applied) research, education and entrepreneurship on crucial themes such as health and sustainability. As a healthy city and region, this cooperation therefore contributes to a future-proof positioning,’ said Cor Jansen.
Jan Henk van der Velden: ‘The cooperation with Utrecht Marketing and affiliated partners strengthens the cross-fertilisation between the Utrecht Science Park and the city and region. This is very important for the development of research and education, but also for business activity. This makes the Utrecht Science Park of great importance both socially and economically, also as a job engine for the region.’
About Utrecht Science Park
Utrecht Science Park is an innovative science community aiming to develop a healthy, sustainable society. With more than 31,000 employees and 55,000 students, it is the biggest science park in the Netherlands. Together with its two satellite locations Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven and Zeist, it works on the development and application of pioneering science and solutions to major societal challenges in the fields of life sciences, health and sustainability. Knowledge institutions, research institutes and companies work together intensively, within walking distance of each other.
About Utrecht Marketing
Together with partners, Utrecht Marketing positions Utrecht as a healthy city and region. The organisation focuses on visitor marketing, the promotion of the cultural offering, attracting (international) talent and supporting new businesses. The organisation also promotes Utrecht pride among residents and plays a more strategic role on themes such as inclusiveness, sustainability and the balance between growth and liveability.
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.