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
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.