Utrecht Science Park summer café dedicated to 900 million years of plant evolution
On a sunny day in July, the Utrecht Science Park Summer Café took place at the Botanical Gardens, the largest academic botanical garden in the Netherlands. This edition focused on the evolution of plants.
After a warm welcome by Fenna Hanraets and Jan Henk van der Velden, attendees were given an insight into the latest research and developments within the Botanical Gardens. The audience was taken into the story behind the plant world and the creation of a special new addition to the gardens: the Evolution Garden.
This new garden offers visitors a green time travel of no less than 900 million years. From the first simple Green algae to the more complex Flower Plants, the Evolution Garden shows how plants developed over the centuries and what role they played in the evolution of life on Earth. Visitors learned how and when certain plants originated and what their significance has been for the ecosystem.
The meeting not only offered inspiration and knowledge, but was also an opportunity to meet and strengthen the mutual connection within the Utrecht Science Park. The organisation looks back on a successful Summer Café, made possible in part by the hospitality of the Botanical Gardens and the commitment of the speakers and tour guides.
Official opening of the renovated Coimbra Square and Buurthuys at Utrecht Science Park
On Tuesday, 2 June, the renewed Coimbra Square and the new Buurthuys were officially opened at Utrecht Science Park. During a festive gathering, residents, students, staff, and partners came together to celebrate and officially open these new community spaces.
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.
Fantastic atmosphere at the Utrecht Science Park during the Utrecht Marathon 2026
On Sunday, May 31, Utrecht was all about sport: the Utrecht Marathon, with the Utrecht Science Park serving as both the start and finish location, brought together thousands of enthusiastic runners and spectators.