Louis Bont appointed Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Utrecht University and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht
The Executive Board of Utrecht University and the Supervisory Board of UMC Utrecht have appointed Prof. Dr. Louis Bont as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Utrecht University and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht, effective December 1, 2025. Louis Bont succeeds Prof. Dr. Arno Hoes, who will then retire.
Louis Bont is a pediatric infectious disease specialist-immunologist and, since 2021, has also been the Medical Scientific Manager of the Children’s Division of the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) at UMC Utrecht. He plays a key role in patient care and scientific research in the field of pediatric infectious diseases.
Broad experience in healthcare, education, research, and valorization
To succeed Arno Hoes, the Supervisory Board of UMC Utrecht, in collaboration with Utrecht University, sought someone with broad experience in patient care, higher education, and scientific research, with a keen eye for societal challenges. Henk Broeders, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: “With Louis Bont, we have certainly succeeded. Louis is a passionate pediatrician with impressive experience in both national and international research, including the associated funding and valorization. For example, the immunization of babies against the RS virus, his life’s work, has been included in the national vaccination program. Moreover, Louis brings not only a comprehensive vision on research, education, and patient care, but also the personality and experience to provide direction and connect, both within and outside the organization.”
Anton Pijpers, Chairman of the Executive Board of Utrecht University: “In addition to his impressive track record as a physician and scientist, Louis Bont also has extensive teaching experience. He is able to approach complex issues proactively and with vision. As a connecting and people-oriented leader, he combines strong social engagement with original thinking and a keen eye for areas for improvement.”
“After having had the privilege of working in pediatrics for fantastic years, it is a privilege to be able to embark on a new, exciting challenge,” says Louis Bont. As a physician, researcher, and administrator, I enjoy working on issues that matter to society. I see it as my mission to strategically connect research, education, healthcare, and valorization – and I want to strengthen UMC Utrecht both nationally and internationally with my experience and international profile. I realize I have a big role to fill. During his long career at UMC Utrecht, Arno Hoes has guided our education and research with vision and dedication. I look forward to building the healthcare of tomorrow on this solid foundation.
Utrecht Science Park Summer Café: Farewell to Managing Director Jan Henk van der Velden
On Monday, 6 July, the Utrecht Science Park Summer Café took place at Grand Café Living on Utrecht Science Park. This edition was dedicated to the farewell of Jan Henk van der Velden, Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, after nine years in which he played a key role in the development and positioning of the ecosystem.
UMC Utrecht is to get a new main entrance and a green campus park
The north side of UMC Utrecht is set to undergo a major redevelopment in the coming years. Utrecht City Council and the teaching hospital have presented plans for a new main entrance, a central car park and a green reception area designed to improve connections between the hospitals at Utrecht Science Park. The plans have now been submitted to the city council.
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.
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).