Impressive presentations of new cell technologies at well-attended ‘Ziekenhuis van de Toekomst’ event
A new knee with your own cartilage cells? Or a world where there is no shortage of donor organs? It sounds like future music, but during the well-attended public event ‘Ziekenhuis van de Toekomst’ (Hospital of the Future) on Tuesday 1 October at UMC Utrecht, it turned out that reality is closer than you think.
Regenerative medicine
The theme of the evening was regenerative medicine. This aims to develop new treatments that take advantage of the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue itself. During the evening, there were very interesting presentations and demos that gave visitors a unique insight into the future of medicine.
Stem cells
After the introduction by Carina Hilders, chairman of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht, and Stephan van Duin, University lecturer and biologist Joost Fledderus gave a clear explanation of what stem cells are, why they are so important for medicine and how they could change the future of treatments. Stem cells, form the basis of the human body and through division are able to change into other cell types.
A new knee with your own cartilage cells
Orthopaedic surgeon Roel Custers gave visitors more insight into the effective treatment of osteoarthritis (a decrease in cartilage around a joint) through the use of stem cell cartilage transplantation.
Repairing DNA
Next, paediatrician Sabine Fuchs told an impressive story about treating children with metabolic diseases. These are often serious diseases caused by a mistake in the DNA. Advances in genetic techniques are making it increasingly possible to repair faults in DNA.
Alternatives to dialysis and repairing brain damage
After the break with interesting demos, nephrologist Karin Gerritsen explained her research on how we can make dialysis better, more sustainable and less stressful for patients by using smart materials, chip technology and kidney cells. Paediatric neonatologist Manon Benders explained how stem cells can repair brain damage in newborns.
The costs of innovation
Finally, health economics researcher Renske ten Ham addressed the cost side. Cell and gene therapies are often much more expensive than regular treatments, but essential for curing a patient. Renske develops models to support reimbursement decisions.
Impressive evening
Overall, a very impressive evening during the Utrecht Science Week, in which visitors were taken through the wonderful innovations within the field of medicine at UMC Utrecht, in cooperation with many other parties and organisations.
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.