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.
Following a word of welcome and an introduction by Mayor Sharon Dijksma, Wilco Hazeleger of Utrecht University, and Jan Henk van der Velden of Utrecht Science Park Foundation, Ms. Katrina Laks of Health Founders Estonia spoke about the healthtech ecosystem in Estonia, and Paul Coffer spoke about how Utrecht Science Park functions as a hub for the Dutch healthtech and biotech ecosystem.
Subsequently, the program included visits to various leading partners at Utrecht Science Park, such as Genmab, the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, and UtrechtInc., including cluster meetings and networking sessions.
We look back on a very successful visit during which much knowledge and expertise regarding life sciences, biotech, and AI was exchanged and valuable connections were made.
A heartfelt thank you to the Estonian delegation for the visit to Utrecht Science Park and, of course, to all speakers and participants.
Pictures: Raigo Pajula
Petra Baarendse appointed new Managing Director of Stichting Utrecht Science Park as of 1 September
Utrecht, 2 July 2026 – As of 1 September 2026, Petra Baarendse will take office as the new Managing Director of Stichting Utrecht Science Park. She succeeds Jan Henk van der Velden, who has stepped down and will take on a new role as Managing Director of Stichting Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Registration for Utrecht Science Week 2026 is now open: the knowledge festival at Utrecht Science Park
From Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October, the sixth edition of Utrecht Science Week will take place. Utrecht Science Park will open its doors to everyone interested in (applied) science and innovation in the fields of life sciences, health, and sustainability.
The first programme elements have now been announced and registration is open. Many more events and activities will be added to the programme in the coming weeks.
New artificial heart implanted for the first time in Europe
Earlier this month at UMC Utrecht, a patient with advanced heart failure became the first person in Europe to receive a BrioVAD ventricular assist device. The new system is being evaluated in a European study and may offer advantages over the existing ventricular assist device. For UMC Utrecht, the implantation marks a new milestone in a long history of innovation in the field of mechanical circulatory support.
Opening Utrecht Science Week with keynote by Juliette Legler on the hidden influence of environmental chemicals
On Friday, September 25, the annual science festival ‘Utrecht Science Week’ kicks off once again at Utrecht Science Park. We are pleased to announce that this year, Prof. Dr. Ir. Juliette Legler will deliver the Utrecht Science Lecture. Juliette Legler is Professor of Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and leads the ‘One Health Toxicology’ group at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).