Utrecht Science Park Summer Café: Farewell to Managing Director Jan Henk van der Velden
On Monday, 6 July, the Utrecht Science Park Summer Café took place at Grand Café Living on Utrecht Science Park. This edition was dedicated to the farewell of Jan Henk van der Velden, Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, after nine years in which he played a key role in the development and positioning of the ecosystem.
During the gathering, speakers reflected on Jan Henk’s contribution to strengthening collaboration between education, research, healthcare and entrepreneurship at Utrecht Science Park. Partners, board members and stakeholders came together to look back on his achievements while also looking ahead to the next chapter of Utrecht Science Park.
Arjen Gerritsen, Independent Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation since 2025, opened the evening with words of appreciation for Jan Henk’s dedication. He highlighted Jan Henk’s strategic leadership and the way he helped position Utrecht Science Park as a nationally leading knowledge and innovation ecosystem.
Hans Brug, President of the Executive Board of Utrecht University, then spoke about the importance of strong knowledge networks and collaboration between science and society. He reflected on the future of Utrecht Science Park and its vital role in addressing major societal challenges in the fields of health and prevention. He also thanked Jan Henk for the strong foundation he has built.
Next, André van Schie, Deputy of the Province of Utrecht, emphasised the strategic importance of Utrecht Science Park for the region and its contribution to innovation, economic development and societal impact. He also acknowledged Jan Henk’s significant role in achieving these developments over the past nine years.
The programme concluded with remarks from Cor Jansen, Managing Director of Utrecht Marketing/Utrecht & Partners. He reflected on the strategic partnership between Utrecht Science Park and Utrecht & Partners and highlighted Jan Henk van der Velden’s important contribution to strengthening the national and international positioning of Utrecht Science Park.
Following the official programme, guests enjoyed live music and drinks, providing an opportunity to celebrate Jan Henk van der Velden’s achievements and raise a toast to the future of Utrecht Science Park.
Grand Café Living at Utrecht Science Park provided the setting for this year’s Summer Café. The venue offered the perfect space for meeting, reflection and strengthening connections between partners from across the ecosystem.
The Utrecht Science Park Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended and express its sincere gratitude to Jan Henk van der Velden for his years of dedication and commitment to the continued development of Utrecht Science Park.
As of 1 September, Jan Henk will be succeeded by Petra Baarendse as Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation. More information can be found in this article