First part of ecological corridor Utrecht Science Park completed
Utrecht University, together with its partners, officially opened the first part of the ecological corridors at Utrecht Science Park.
Utrecht University, together with its partners, officially opened the first part of the ecological corridors at Utrecht Science Park. This thirty-meter-wide natural strip connects the Science Park with the surrounding estates, creating a continuous habitat for plants and animals. The corridors mark an important step in the university’s ambition to enhance biodiversity on and around the campus.
During the festive opening on October 28, Alderman Susanne Schilderman, President of the Executive Board Anton Pijpers, and Water Board Member Bert de Groot discussed the importance of biodiversity. Afterwards, they jointly planted a tree in the area.
Green lane for plants and animals
The ecological corridors literally form a green lane for flora and fauna between the nature reserves surrounding Utrecht Science Park. Flower-rich grasslands, ponds, shrubs and nature-friendly banks give species more space to move around, reproduce and survive.
‘These kinds of connections are incredibly valuable,’ says Anton Pijpers. ‘All plant and animal species are dependent on each other in one way or another; they keep each other in balance. The same applies to us as humans: only by working together with our environment can we restore biodiversity.’
Alderman Schilderman: ‘Utrecht Science Park is an important area for the municipality of Utrecht. Here, we are creating space for living, innovation, working, sports and recreation. A strong and healthy natural environment is naturally part of that. This corridor makes it possible for animals to cross the road safely. I am proud of the four wildlife passages that we have constructed around the Science Park in collaboration with the province, the university and Staatsbosbeheer. In this way, we are working together to strengthen the landscape and biodiversity in this area.’
The first zone, the north-south connection, runs from the Oostbroek estate to Fort bij Rhijnauwen. Construction of the east-west connection, between Tolakkerlaan and Boeijelaan, will start in 2026.
Collaboration for nature restoration
For the construction of the east-west connection, the university will collaborate with, among others, De Stichtse Rijnlanden Water Board, which is making €80,000 available through an incentive scheme. The collaboration agreement was officially signed during the meeting.
Bert de Groot: ‘There can’t be biodiversity without clean water. The water board is investing heavily in the water quality of the future. The pools and ten-metre-wide nature-friendly banks that are being created here are a good example of this.’
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.