Kadans Science Partner appointed as developer of the Transition Building
With the signing of the collaboration agreement on 13 January 2025, Kadans Science Partner is officially appointed developer of the Transition Building which has received the working title The Bridge. This marks an important milestone in the transformation of Utrecht Science Park, the accommodation of the Faculty of Science and the ambition of Utrecht University to be a trailblazer in sustainability and innovation.
From challenge to sustainable solution
The Bridge will be realised at the location of the former Earth Sciences Building. This office and laboratory building of approximately 20,000 m² provides the required temporary accommodation for the institutes Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB) and a part of the Bijvoet Centre during the renovation of the Kruyt Building. By reusing the pre-existing concrete frame of the Earth Sciences Building, over 1.4 million kilograms of CO₂ exhaust will be saved, equal to the emissions of 200 car rides around the world. This circular approach seamlessly links up with the sustainable ambition of the university: practice what you teach.
A shared ambition
Vice President Margot van der Starre emphasises the importance of this project: “With The Bridge, we make a concrete step towards our ambition to realise a sustainable and circular campus. By reusing pre-existing materials and constructing innovatively, we show we don’t just talk about sustainability, but actually put it into practice as well. Together with partners such as Kadans Science Partner, we work on a future in which knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
The Bridge is an important step in the accommodation of the faculty, Director of Operations of the Faculty of Science Klaas Druijf informs us: “I’m super happy there is a contractor and that we will commence. This is the beautiful first large step. With this building, we move ahead firmly in the accommodation puzzle of the faculty. It get us a fine workspace for our researchers and students, especially for biology and chemistry.”
Collaborating for impact
Kadans Science Partner is an established name in the world of academic campuses. With their expertise in developing and managing high-grade science clusters throughout Europe, they are the ideal partner to realise this project. The building will become a hub in which knowledge, innovation and sustainability meet, and it will contribute to a future-proof Utrecht Science Park. “We are extremely proud to be able to redevelop the shell of the old Earth Sciences Building into a new vibrant and inspiring hub for research and knowledge sharing. We understand the complexity of redeveloping existing buildings and are determined to meet this challenge with innovative and sustainable solutions, contributing to a future-proof campus,” said Johan van Gerven, Director Development of Kadans Science Partner.
View on the future
In 2025, the altering of the current frame and the expansion with two new levels will start. This enables a fast realisation, so the institutes can move in from October 2027 onwards. The development of The Bridge is not only necessary for the reaccommodation of the Faculty of Science, but also a tangible example of how the university puts its vision for a circular and sustainable campus into practice.
Would you like to know more?
Read more on the transformation of Utrecht Science Park and the sustainable ambitions of Utrecht University regarding Campus Development.
* Our planet is under pressure. Urgent and transformative action is needed. That is why Utrecht University collaborates with numerous partners to develop sustainable solutions that promote the health of both the planet and all living beings. Learn more: year theme 2025: Healthy Planet.
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.