Year theme Utrecht University: Healthy Planet
Healthy Planet is Utrecht University’s 2025 theme. Our planet is under pressure, facing complex challenges in areas such as sustainability, health and climate change. Urgent and transformative action is needed. That is why Utrecht University collaborates with numerous partners to develop sustainable solutions that promote the health of both the planet and all living beings.
The Year theme
Researchers and students from Utrecht University share their knowledge so that there is a better understanding of how we are doing. In addition, to know what we can do ourselves for a healthier planet. With a current and relevant annual theme, Utrecht University shows everyone what knowledge is being developed and how it collaborates with external partners. Staff and students from various disciplines make contributions to the annual theme during the year.
Healthy planet
The Healthy Planet theme has three main topics: sustainability, health and climate change.
- Sustainability: the sustainability crisis is a major challenge. The earth is warming, ocean temperatures are rising, and we are using too much of our natural resources. Plants and animals are also disappearing, and air, water and soil are becoming polluted. Tackling these problems requires cooperation. Utrecht University is at the forefront of sustainability. This is reflected in our research, teaching and working methods. Students and staff work together on sustainable projects, for example in living labs. More information.
- Health: To keep the planet liveable, the UU wants to look at health more broadly. It is important not only to treat problems, but above all to tackle the causes. That way, health problems can be better prevented. Innovative research into health and new treatments are being developed. In doing so, Utrecht University works closely with the UMC Utrecht and other (inter)national partners. More information.
- Climate change: climate change has major implications for people and nature worldwide. Scientists at Utrecht University study the climate, the greenhouse effect and human influence on climate change. With this knowledge, UU works on solutions for a sustainable future and a healthy planet. More information.
More on the annual theme
Check out the Healthy Planet annual theme page and find out more about the topics and activities around the theme.
Utrecht Science Week: René van Westen on a colder Netherlands in a warmer world
The Earth is warming, yet the Netherlands could face much colder winters in the future. It may sound contradictory, but the explanation lies in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a large system of ocean currents that transports heat and salt through the Atlantic Ocean. This circulation plays an important role in the mild climate that we are accustomed to in the Netherlands.
Utrecht Science week: The Future of Veterinary Medicine Requires New Ways of Working Together
Veterinary medicine is changing rapidly. New technologies and AI are entering the field, issues surrounding animal health and welfare are becoming increasingly complex, and the labour market is under pressure. At the same time, there is a growing need for professionals who not only have up-to-date expertise, but who can continue to develop throughout their careers and collaborate across disciplines.
Interview with Michiel van der Stelt: Water dialogue during Utrecht Science Week: Dive into the Future of Our Water
Water affects everything from our health and nature to the way we design our cities and shape our economy. But how can we ensure that our water system remains resilient to climate change and other challenges in the future?
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).