Jan van de Winkel to deliver the Utrecht Science Lecture during the opening of Utrecht Science Week 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel, President & CEO of Genmab, will present the keynote opening Utrecht Science Lecture during the 2025 Utrecht Science Week on September 26. As a pioneering scientist and industry leader in antibody-based therapies, Jan van de Winkel has been at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in immunotherapy, shaping the future of cancer treatment and beyond.
With more than 30 years of experience in therapeutic antibodies, Jan van de Winkel has played a pivotal role in translating cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines. As a co-founder of Genmab, he has led the company’s journey from an ambitious startup to a global end-to-end biotech powerhouse. In addition to his executive role, he holds a professorship in immunotherapy at Utrecht University, contributing to academic research and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.
In his lecture, titled “Cracking the Code on Cancer and Other Serious Diseases: The Past, Present, and Future of Immunotherapy”, he will explore how immunotherapy is revolutionizing medicine. From early discoveries to today’s breakthroughs in cancer care, he will offer insights into the evolving role of antibody therapies, the next frontiers in biotechnology, and the power of collaboration and AI in driving innovation.
As Utrecht Science Week celebrates its fifth edition, this keynote lecture will highlight Utrecht’s ambition as the “Heart of Health” and the Utrecht Science Park as a unique life sciences ecosystem for cutting-edge research and medical innovation. Join us to gain a front-row perspective on the future of immunotherapy and how partnerships between academia, industry, and healthcare can accelerate progress for patients worldwide.
You can register here.
Betweter Festival during Utrecht Science Week 2026: your idea for an experiment is welcome!
Utrecht Science Week kicks off this year on Friday, September 25th. The Betweter Festival at Tivoli Vredenburg is the ever-popular opening night event. This year marks the tenth edition of the Betweter Festival. This art and science festival, where visitors immerse themselves in a unique mix of talks, music, film, interactive installations, and live research, is inviting participants to submit ideas for experiments during the festival.
Princess Máxima Center to expand with innovation wing thanks to partnership between the Foundation and Rabobank
The Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology will be able to start expanding the center later this year with a five thousand square meter innovation wing. This has been made possible by a multi-year strategic partnership between the Princess Máxima Center Foundation and Rabobank. The new innovation wing will provide space for pioneering research, innovation in care, and collaboration programs. This expansion supports the development of better and more effective treatments for children with cancer.
New Year’s promotion: all-in sports with a generous discount at Sportcentrum Olympos
Employees of Utrecht University, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU), UMCU, Hubrecht Institute and Westerdijk Institute can temporarily enjoy an extra 20% discount on all-in sports at Olympos!
Wennink plan: Life Sciences and biotechnology are important growth drivers for the earning capacity of the Netherlands
The Dutch Life Sciences and biotechnology sector can make a much larger contribution to the Netherlands’ economic strength. This is shown in a new growth strategy presented today as part of Peter Wennink’s advisory report. The report also highlights Utrecht Science Park as one of the key innovation locations and sources of progress and growth.