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.
Back in Utrecht
Petra Baarendse currently serves as Director of Amsterdam Science Park. Prior to this role, she was a member of the Executive Board at the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel). However, Utrecht Science Park is far from new to her: between 2007 and 2023 she worked there in various roles, including at Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, and the Prinses Máxima Centre. Petra Baarendse holds a PhD in Neuroscience and has since focused on strategic policy development and (change) management.
Experience in science, innovation, and impact
Petra Baarendse brings extensive experience at the interface of science, entrepreneurship, knowledge valorisation, and cross-sector collaboration. With her appointment, Stichting Utrecht Science Park chooses a director with a strong network and a proven track record in connecting knowledge institutions, companies, governments, and societal partners. Her experience aligns closely with Utrecht Science Park’s ambition to further strengthen its position as a leading ecosystem for education, research, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
“I look forward to working with all partners at Utrecht Science Park to continue building an environment where talent, science, and innovation come together to address societal challenges,” says Petra Baarendse. “The unique combination of knowledge, research, care, and entrepreneurship provides a strong foundation for further development and impact.”
Power of collaboration
Stichting Utrecht Science Park is pleased with the appointment of Petra Baarendse. Arjen Gerritsen, Chair of the Supervisory Board, states: “Petra brings not only managerial experience, but also a clear vision on the power of collaboration within innovation ecosystems. We are confident that she will shape the further development of Utrecht Science Park with energy and connecting leadership.”
Note to editors
For more information, please contact Stichting Utrecht Science Park via mailto:communicatie@utrechtsciencepark.nl.
About Utrecht Science Park
Utrecht Science Park is the largest science park in the Netherlands, with more than 31,000 employees and 55,000 students. Together with its two satellite locations, Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven and Utrecht Science Park Zeist, it forms the beating heart of Europe’s most competitive region (RCI, 2022). At Utrecht Science Park, knowledge institutions, research institutes, and companies work closely together towards a healthy and sustainable society. For more information, visit www.utrechtsciencepark.nl.