Strong growth in employment Campuses and Science Parks in the Netherlands
Campuses and science parks of the Netherlands are essential for growth of jobs and new business. Innovations and innovative collaborations result in solutions that accelerate societal transitions. So says the research report published on 4 December by Buck Consultants International (BCI). The report shows that the Utrecht Science Park has also grown strongly in terms of employees and remains by far the largest science park in the Netherlands with more than 31,000 employees.
‘We also see the significant growth in jobs at the Utrecht Science Park, even despite the fact that for a long time growth was hindered by lack of lab space. Meanwhile, much more space is being created at Utrecht Science Park. Also at our satellite location Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven, a lot of good space will become available after the RIVM’s relocation. The same applies to Utrecht Science Park Zeist after the relocation of TNO. It is nice to see that Utrecht Science Park remains by far the biggest science park in the Netherlands due to its growth (see page 31 of the report). We see that Utrecht Science Park also has the most employees at knowledge institutions, and this on about 1.5 square kilometres of surface area (see page 30 of the report). In addition, we also see a strong growth of employment at research & development companies at Utrecht Science Park, namely +76% from 2018 to now. This is almost 3 times higher than the average employment growth in the Utrecht Municipality. This is partly due to the growth of Merus, GenDx and Genmab. The number of companies has also grown significantly at 64% from 2018,’ said Jan Henk van der Velden, managing director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation.
The report underlines the importance of continuing to invest in knowledge, innovation and thus in the development of science parks, such as the Utrecht Science Park, as a job engine for the city, region and country. Based on the environmental vision, the number of jobs in research & development companies (from vocational to academic level) at the Utrecht Science Park will increase by another 4,000 to 8,000 in the coming years.
See and download the research report (in Dutch)
UMC Utrecht takes third surgical robot into use
UMC Utrecht has commissioned a third surgical robot. With the arrival of the latest generation, the Da Vinci 5, even more patients can be operated on with minimal stress. This leads to fewer complications and faster recovery. “Apart from the benefits for patients, the Da Vinci 5 also allows us to train even better,” says Jelle Ruurda, gastrointestinal surgeon and professor of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. “At the touch of a button, colleagues can watch remotely, and even learn from previous operations. This way we share knowledge faster and more widely.” The hospital is thus building on a tradition of 25 years at the forefront of robotic surgery.
The HU ORM program is moving to the Utrecht Science Park.
The Entrepreneurship & Retail Management (ORM) program will relocate from Amersfoort to the Utrecht Science Park as of September 1, 2026. According to program manager Lisette Luijk (Institute for Marketing & Commerce), it is mainly about one thing: more connection.
Danny Sahtoe receives NVBMB prize
Danny Sahtoe has been awarded the prestigious NVBMB prize, a prize that gives recognition to the work of a highly talented young independent researcher in the field of biochemistry or molecular biology. The prize includes funding to organize a one-day symposium on a topic of choice. Danny Sahtoe is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute and Investigator at Oncode Institute.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis, ambassador Mr. Paul Teesalu and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.