GenDx is ‘Fit to Donate’ and goes the extra mile to raise funds for Stichting Matchis
With the ‘GenDx Tulip Run’, colleagues, friends and family raised €3,850 for Matchis, good for one new potential stem cell donor per employee.
In September, the month of the World Marrow Donor Day, GenDx organized their ‘Fit to Donate’ initiative. Since 2018, GenDx has partnered with Matchis, the Dutch Center for Stem Cell Donors, to raise awareness about stem cell transplantation among the target population of young, healthy potential donors in and around Utrecht. This aligns with GenDx’s mission to improve the quality of life and survival chances of transplant patients. This year, we shifted the focus to raising funds for Matchis.
You probably heard on the news that there is a need for more potential stem cell donors in order to find a life-saving match for all patients in need of a stem cell transplant. Each new donation represents hope to get a second chance at life.
Did you know that it costs Matchis €35,- to type and register one single potential stem cell donor in the international database? With an aimed growth of 20.000 new registrations per year, this represents a major expense. To cover these costs, Matchis largely relies on sponsorships and donations. That’s why GenDx decided to start a campaign on SterkvoorMatchis.nl, Matchis’ fundraising platform.
To support this ‘Sterk voor Matchis’ campaign, GenDx organized the ‘Fit to Donate’ initiative during the month of September, that culminated in the ‘GenDx Tulip Run’ on September 23. Inspired by previous “Tulip Runs” held during Immunogenetics conferences, this event brought together GenDx colleagues, friends, and family to run or walk at Utrecht Science Park, all motivated by a shared goal.
Our colleagues really went the extra mile in September. We look back on an amazing day filled with teamwork, laughter and a healthy sense of competitiveness. We raised an impressive € 3.850,- for Matchis – symbolizing one newly registered stem cell donor for each GenDx employee.
Learn more about the initiative here.
Official opening of the renovated Coimbra Square and Buurthuys at Utrecht Science Park
On Tuesday, 2 June, the renewed Coimbra Square and the new Buurthuys were officially opened at Utrecht Science Park. During a festive gathering, residents, students, staff, and partners came together to celebrate and officially open these new community spaces.
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.
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.
Fantastic atmosphere at the Utrecht Science Park during the Utrecht Marathon 2026
On Sunday, May 31, Utrecht was all about sport: the Utrecht Marathon, with the Utrecht Science Park serving as both the start and finish location, brought together thousands of enthusiastic runners and spectators.