In the renovated intensive care unit of the WKZ parents will soon be able to be with their sick child day and night
In their pediatric and neonatal ICU wards, the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital is making the switch from ward nursing to single rooms, with the option for parents to be with their sick child 24/7. This offers both the children and their parents more peace, space and privacy.
The parent-child rooms are part of a major renovation at the WKZ. Construction has begun and the wards will open in phases in 2026 and 2027. In total, the new rooms will allow about 3,500 families a year to be together day and night. The demand for parent-child rooms in the WKZ came not only from parents, but also from the medical staff, says Jorien Huisman. She is director of the Friends UMC Utrecht & Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital Foundation. Research shows that treatment in a private room with fewer stimuli contributes to faster recovery of the child or baby, she explains. Furthermore, this type of room is good for better bonding between parent and baby, for example because skin-to-skin contact is easier.
Huisman describes what the rooms should look like. On one side of the room will be all the medical equipment needed to treat the child. On the other side will be the parents’ area. That will include a bed and a closet. Through a fundraiser, the WKZ hopes to eventually pay for all the furniture in the rooms.
For more information or a donation go to: https://vriendenumcutrecht-wkz.nl/ouder-kindkamers/
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.