International journalists visited Utrecht Science Park for unique collaboration “Utrecht Cancer”
In mid-October, journalists from Germany and Belgium visited Utrecht Science Park to hear the story about “Utrecht Cancer.” Utrecht Cancer connects the largest and most multidisciplinary cancer research community in the Netherlands and is a partnership between UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Hubrecht Institute, and the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology.
Joining Forces
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the Netherlands and, within a few years, will be across Europe. To address this problem even more effectively, Utrecht Science Park has joined forces in the “Utrecht Cancer” partnership. This collaborative platform for cancer research at Utrecht Science Park brings together almost 2,000 researchers from Utrecht University (including the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medical Sciences), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Princess Máxima Center, the Hubrecht Institute, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Westerdijk Institute. This partnership aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment, quality of life, and survival rates of cancer in adults, children, and animals. It also includes collaborations with other public and private parties, such as life sciences and biotech companies at the park, and is a key component of Utrecht Science Park’s broader Life Sciences & Health theme.
New Dutch
This press trip was a collaboration between Utrecht and Leiden and part of NewDutch. Seventeen cities and regions in the Netherlands are joining forces to showcase what the Netherlands has to offer in innovation, health, technology, and sustainability. Many thanks to Utrecht Marketing and the UMC Utrecht for co-organising this event.
More information
More information about “Utrecht Cancer” can be found via the links below:
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.