Opening Utrecht Science Week with keynote by Juliette Legler on the hidden influence of environmental chemicals

Influence of environmental chemicals

In her lecture, Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Towards Solutions for a Polluted World, she takes the audience into the world of environmental chemicals. Juliette Legler and her team research how environmental pollutants like endocrine-disrupting chemicals and microplastics affect the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Environmental chemicals are all around us: in products we use every day, in food packaging and in the environment. Increasingly scientific research indicates that some of these substances can disrupt the hormone system. What does that mean for the health of people and animals? And how can science, policy and society contribute to a healthier living environment?

By promoting connection across disciplines and sectors, her research has moved from diagnosing the problems towards working on solutions for a healthier future. These solutions include innovative chemical risk assessment approaches and the development of safer chemicals and materials.

During her keynote, Juliette Legler shares the latest insights from the research and discusses the challenges and opportunities that this knowledge offers. Her story underlines the importance of science that not only produces new knowledge, but also contributes to solutions for urgent social issues.

Program and registration for the Opening

The opening of Utrecht Science Week 2026 will take place on Friday, September 25 in the Accelerator at Utrecht Science Park. Register now for the opening on September 25 via this link. Details:

• Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
• Program:
  • From 15:00 Arrival and reception
  • 15:30 Opening of Utrecht Science Week 2026 (by Utrecht Science Park directors)
  • 15:45 Utrecht Science Lecture 2026 by Juliette Legler
  • 16:45 Closing and drinks
• Location: Utrecht Science Park, Accelerator (Uppsalalaan 17, 3584 CT Utrecht)
• Language: English
• Register here

Week full of connection and discovery

With this inspiring opening, Utrecht Science Week immediately sets the tone for a week full of connection, discovery, and conversation about the science of today and tomorrow. Researchers, students, professionals, and curious visitors are warmly welcome to be surprised by groundbreaking research and innovative ideas that contribute to a healthy, sustainable society.

More information about the full program will follow soon via the Utrecht Science Week website.

About Utrecht Science Week

From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, October 4, the sixth edition of Utrecht Science Week will take place, and Utrecht Science Park will open its doors wide to everyone interested in (applied) science. In collaboration with various partners of Utrecht Science Park, a varied program is being put together, featuring engaging lectures, interactive workshops, tours, and thought-provoking interviews centering on science at Utrecht Science Park, with a focus on the themes of ‘health’ and ‘sustainability’. For more information, please visit the website.