The 538 Morning Run for the Máxima, a day full of impact
Saturday, March 22, the second edition of The 538 Ochtendrun took place at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. Once again, thanks to the radio DJs of the 538 Ochtendshow and their listeners, money was raised for the Prinses Máxima Centrum. This time following the story of the incurably ill Jade Kops (18). For several months she has been working tirelessly to raise money for her fellow sufferers in the Máxima. With her openness and positivity, she touches people throughout the Netherlands, including the DJs of the 538 Morning Show.
An impressive result
The 538 Morning Show took action for Jade and her peers to raise money for a cell sorting machine. Nearly 600 €538 tickets were sold to participate in one of the three runs of 5.38 km. Many enthusiastic participants, colleagues, ambassadors and Dutch celebrities took action. This resulted in a large number of checks that were personally handed over on the spot. Donations also poured in during The Morning Run. The result? An amazing final amount of no less than € 790,542! After The Morning Run this was increased to € 822,000. With this amount, the Princess Máxima Center can purchase the desired cell sorting device, a BD Aria Fusion flow cytometer. This will allow researchers to more quickly and accurately find the immune cells that can best fight the tumor.
A special thanks to all donors, campaigners, Radio 538, partners, and also to the ambassadors – especially Bas Smit -, Jeroen ’the sponsor runner’ and the artists who performed selflessly. Without their commitment and support this would not have been possible. This brings the Princess Máxima Center one step closer to realizing their mission: to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life.
Picture: Princess Máxima Center/ The Arrows
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.
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.
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.