Science comes to life during the Weekend van de Wetenschap at the Utrecht Science Park

On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October, leading organisations will open their doors for everyone during the Weekend van de Wetenschap (Weekend of Science), which takes place as part of the Utrecht Science Week. Visitors will get a unique look behind the scenes at, among others, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) and the Princess Máxima Center.
During this national science weekend, visitors can learn about the world of research, technology and innovation in an accessible and interactive way. From doing experiments in a real laboratory to building your own robots or discovering how paediatricians and researchers work together on groundbreaking therapies. There is something for everyone.
With lectures, workshops, demonstrations and guided tours, the participating institutions will bring science closer than ever. Children, families, students and curious adults can experience for themselves how science contributes to a healthy, sustainable society.
Access to the Weekend van de Wetenschap is free of charge, but registration is required for some activities. The programme will be announced soon via the websites of the participating organisations and Utrecht Science Week. Keep an eye on the channels.
About the Utrecht Science Week
From Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October is the fifth edition of the Utrecht Science Week and the Utrecht Science Park will open its doors for everyone interested in (applied) science. In cooperation with various partners of the Utrecht Science Park, a varied programme will be put together, with appealing lectures, interactive workshops, guided tours and high-profile interviews, around science at the Utrecht Science Park, focusing on the themes ‘health’ and ‘sustainability’. For more information visit https://utrechtscienceweek.nl/en
About Utrecht Science Park
Utrecht Science Week is an initiative of the Utrecht Science Park, the biggest science park in the Netherlands with over 31,000 employees and 55,000 students. Together with its two satellite locations Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven and Utrecht Science Park Zeist, Utrecht Science Park forms the beating heart of Europe’s most competitive region (RCI, 2022). At the Utrecht Science Park, knowledge institutions, research institutes and companies work intensively together towards a healthy, sustainable society. For more information visit www.utrechtsciencepark.nl/en

Knot good: How cells untie DNA to protect the genome
Not all DNA looks like the familiar twisted ladder. Sometimes, parts of our genetic code fold into unusual shapes. One such structure, the G-quadruplex (G4), looks like a knot. These knots can play important roles in turning genes on or off. But if not untangled in time, they can harm our genome. Now, researchers from the Knipscheer Group, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet, have uncovered a surprising mechanism that keeps these knots in check. Their work, published in Science on June 12th, could lead to new ways to treat diseases like cancer.

Number of animal experiments at Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht declines further in 2024
The number of animal experiments conducted by Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht has declined again over the past year. The numbers dropped from 14,192 in 2023 to 12,584 in 2024. This is evident from the joint 2024 Annual Report on Animal Experiments.

Utrecht Life Sciences: from pitch to practise
On 1st October 2024, Professor Paul Coffer stepped into his role as Scientific Director of Utrecht University’s Strategic Theme Life Sciences. More than six months in, the honeymoon period is over and the course ahead is clear. What did he encounter, and where is he heading next?

Record number of participants cross the finish line at the sunny Utrecht Science Park during the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon
On Sunday 18 May, Utrecht was all about sports. The HiPRO Utrecht Marathon experienced a special edition with a full lap at the marathon distance and a record number of participants of over 18,500. In the morning, thousands of runners started their run. Traditionally, the start and finish took place at the Utrecht Science Park, which was the vibrant heart of this sports event.