Reflecting, looking ahead, and pub quizzing: well-attended New Year’s Café a great success
On Monday evening, January 19th, the Utrecht Science Park New Year’s Café was held. It was wonderful to see so many different partners represented. An interactive pub quiz with questions from various partners thoroughly tested the guests’ knowledge of Utrecht Science Park.
Who followed the news most closely about the “Wennink Report,” the Genmab-Merus acquisition, and the investments in Ombion? Who was the all-knowing expert on sporting events at Utrecht Science Park? Who knew the most about developments at Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven and Zeist? That turned out to be Jan Willem van Ginkel of GinCo Biotech Solutions. He was rewarded with two vouchers for a Dom Tower climb!
The examples in the quiz and the valuable discussions during the evening once again demonstrated the importance of partnerships between all Utrecht Science Park partners, as well as with partners in the city and region. Groundbreaking research and its application cannot occur in isolation. The concentration of knowledge here at Utrecht Science Park creates a unique ecosystem where we can more efficiently deliver economic and social added value together.
We are therefore looking forward to this new year with great pleasure and confidence! Thanks to all who attended and especially to those who asked questions: André van Schie, Wilma Scholte op Reimer, Judith Oprins, Ton Logtenberg, Louis Bont, Krischan Hagedoorn, Walter van Dijk, Karlijn Snijders, Eva Oosters, Joost Kok, Hans Brug, Jan Henk van der Velden and moderator Mieke de Bruin.
Jan Henk van der Velden leaves Utrecht Science Park Foundation and becomes the new Managing Director at Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
After nine years, Jan Henk van der Velden will step down as Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation effective this coming July 1. As of September 1, 2026, Jan Henk will become Managing Director of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park Foundation. He announced his departure several months ago.
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 Entrepreneurship & Retail Management 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.
31 May running festival at Utrecht Science Park; read all about accessibility
On Sunday 31 May 2026, Utrecht will once again be fully dedicated to the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon supported by Utrecht Science Park. With a large amount of participants in the previous edition, the event has grown into a staple for runners from Utrecht and far beyond. This year also promises to be a special edition, featuring the new addition of the Dutch National Championships Half Marathon (NK Halve Marathon). Utrecht Science Park will once again be the vibrant heart of the event, where sport, energy, and connection come together.