The Coïmbrapad is set to change. And you can vote on the design.
The square at Coïmbrapad on Utrecht Science Park will be renovated this year. Residents, students, and staff of Utrecht Science Park can have their say until January 25.
The initiative was started by resident representatives in collaboration with the partners of Utrecht Science Park (Municipality of Utrecht, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht Science Park Foundation, Utrecht University). Two design concepts have been developed.
Artificial grass and a sheltered garden
Option A: Happy Carpet
One of the designs notably includes artificial grass. “Originally, it was meant to be real grass,” Rania explains. “But then the question arose as to how realistic that was. Grass quickly turns muddy, so we chose this option instead: the ‘Happy Carpet’. It’s used at Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam and it works well.”
The survey will be further distributed within HU, the university, nearby hospitality venues, and the SPAR. Everyone connected to the USP can choose between the Happy Carpet and the Sheltered Garden. Voting is open until 25 January.
Before the start of summer (21 June), the current benches will be reused and replaced by the new design.
Rhabdoid tumor cells targeted through their building blocks
PhD candidate Marjolein Kes has identified new therapeutic targets for the treatment of rhabdoid tumors (MRT). In the laboratory, Kes found that inhibiting the production of DNA building blocks slows the division of tumor cells and can even cause them to disappear. These findings form the basis for the development of a new clinical study. Yesterday, she received her PhD from Utrecht University.
Health Starts in the Community, Not in the Hospital
A person’s health is shaped by more than access to medical care. Factors such as income, housing, stress, social environment, and access to essential services all play an important role. That is why researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and residents are working together to reduce health inequalities and create healthier communities.
Heineken Young Scientists Award for Miguel Leung
Miguel Leung, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute since 2024, has been awarded the Heineken Young Scientists Award 2026. This award recognizes young researchers who have made outstanding scientific achievements, setting an example for other young scientists. With his research group at the Hubrecht Institute, Miguel Leung investigates the 3D structure of protein complexes, tiny machines at work inside each of our cells. The group focuses on highly specialized cells that perform specific functions, such as sperm and egg cells.
Opening Utrecht Science Week with keynote by Juliette Legler on the hidden influence of environmental chemicals
On Friday, September 25, the annual science festival ‘Utrecht Science Week’ kicks off once again at Utrecht Science Park. We are pleased to announce that this year, Prof. Dr. Ir. Juliette Legler will deliver the Utrecht Science Lecture. Juliette Legler is Professor of Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and leads the ‘One Health Toxicology’ group at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).