Utrecht Science Week 2024: 3 Programme Highlights
From 27 September to 6 October, Utrecht Science Week highlights health and sustainability through events like a debate on scientific activism, a preventive health seminar, and the Sustainable City Challenge finale.
Utrecht Science Week: 3 Programme Highlights
The Utrecht Science Week takes place from 27 September to Sunday 6 October. During this week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to anyone interested in (applied) science. A diverse programme has been put together, with a strong focus on the themes of health and sustainability.
Nearly 20 programme items have already been announced. Below, three of them are highlighted:
House of Commons Debate: Activism by Researchers and Research Supporters
On Tuesday 1 October, the House of Commons-style debate “Activism by Researchers and Research Supporters” will take place, moderated by Professor Erik van Sebille (Oceanography and Public Engagement).
Researchers and research supporters are not only expected to produce excellent research, but also to make a meaningful societal impact. While individuals adopt different approaches—ranging from public outreach to activism—there is no consensus in the research community on which forms of engagement are most effective, nor on whether activism affects the credibility of those involved.
This debate session (by invitation only) will explore arguments for and against researcher activism in a dynamic, participatory format.
Interactive Preventive Health Seminar
Preventive health has become a cornerstone in promoting long-term well-being and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
On Thursday 3 October, this seminar will showcase how transdisciplinary collaboration—between healthcare professionals, researchers, communities, urban planners, and policymakers—is essential for designing and implementing effective preventive health interventions. Through real-world examples, including lifestyle initiatives and the creation of healthy urban districts, participants will see how transdisciplinary research translates into practice.
Are you a researcher working on preventive health, lifestyle, or healthy living environments? Join the seminar and learn how others are approaching these vital topics.
Final of the Sustainable City Challenge
In collaboration with regional partners, student teams from vocational (MBO), applied sciences (HBO), and academic (WO) institutions work together to tackle sustainability challenges that aim to make Utrecht healthier, more liveable, and greener. Themes include greening & biodiversity, mobility, energy, circular economy, and healthy urban living.
The challenge concludes with an exhibition and the grand finale on Friday 4 October, where the most promising ideas will be presented through student pitches—followed by the announcement of the winner.
Join us on 4 October to discover the students’ innovative ideas and creations during the Sustainable City Challenge finale.
Talkshow ‘The New Utrecht Doctor’: What Will the Doctor of the Future Look Like?
What will the doctor of the future look like? Changing insights into healthcare, technological developments such as AI, and evolving patient expectations call for a renewed approach to medical education. That is why UMC Utrecht is updating its medical curriculum under the name The New Utrecht Doctor
Olympic champion Maarten van der Weijden swims one last time, now for the Máxima
Maarten van der Weijden is putting on his swimming suit one last time to raise money for cancer research. From 17 to 22 August, he will swim an incredible 270 kilometers through 22 cities, with the Princess Máxima Center as his final destination. With this special challenge, he is raising money for pioneering research into the immediate and long-term effects of childhood cancer.
New exit for construction traffic at the Utrecht Science Park
Various construction works are taking place in the north-west cluster of Utrecht Science Park. This is the area where the Minnaert Building and the Buys Ballot Building, amongst others, are located. To ensure that construction traffic flows more safely and efficiently through the area, a new exit is being constructed from Sorbonnelaan to Leuvenlaan.
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).