USW-Utrecht Science Park-visual 2025

Utrecht Science Week a great success

The fifth edition of Utrecht Science Week took place from September 26 to October 5, 2025. A rich and varied programme with appealing lectures, interactive workshops, guided tours and interviews, around (applied) science, groundbreaking research and innovation at Utrecht Science Park.

Take a look and enjoy the experience with us: an impression of the past few days. See you next year!

Watch the 2025 aftermovie
Finale Sustainable City Challenge

Final Sustainable City Challenge

During this event, Utrecht students presented their fresh, sustainable ideas for the city. Sustainable innovation, collaboration, and social impact came together!

From reuse to climate adaptation and energy: 80 students worked in a “pressure cooker” for a week on concrete solutions to current urban sustainability issues and pitched their ideas to the audience.

Winners were chosen per district, with team “Merwede” being chosen as the overall public winner, with a solution for smarter energy consumption in the district: a digital energy assistant.

Photographer: Seth Carnill

Collage Dierenziekenhuis van de Toekomst

The Veterinary Hospital of the Future

During the inspiring event “The Veterinary Hospital of the Future,” we learned more about how science contributes to a healthy future for animals.

Maurice Zandvliet spoke about cancer in animals and the parallels with human oncology. Franck L.B. Meijboom addressed the ethical questions surrounding the relationship between humans and animals. Hille Fieten discussed healthy breeding and how hereditary diseases can be prevented. Harold Brommer and Ineke Smit demonstrated modern movement analysis for equine lameness. Sarah van Rijn showed how 3D-printed implants offer new treatment options. And the team of Daniela Salvatori and Beerend Hierck presented AvatarZOO, holographic 3D models that are innovating education and replacing laboratory animals.

Together, we are building the veterinary medicine of the future at Utrecht Science Park!

Photographers: Seth Carnill and Jelle Boontje

Utrecht Science Park Pub Quiz for students

Utrecht Science Park Pub Quiz for students

What a fantastic evening it was on Thursday 2 October during Utrecht Science Week! No fewer than 16 teams competed against each other during the Utrecht Science Park Pub Quiz. Their knowledge was tested in rounds about Utrecht, sport, music and, of course, Utrecht Science Park itself.

With free pizzas at the start, the atmosphere was immediately lively. During the quiz, everyone played enthusiastically, but there was also a lot of laughter and fun. Afterwards, there was a festive award ceremony and drinks.

We would like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. It was an evening full of fun, competition and connection.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Launch Utrecht Brain

Launch Utrecht Brain

Utrecht Brain is an initiative of the UMC Utrecht Brain Centre and the Faculty of Social Sciences at Utrecht University. The aim of Utrecht Brain is to unite neuroscientific research in Utrecht, increase the visibility of our expertise, and promote multidisciplinary and institutional collaboration.

Utrecht Brain was officially launched during this event. The initiative was explained, along with what it hopes to achieve. Participants were then given the opportunity to provide input: what is needed and what is important to you in joining this initiative? These “networking and discussion tables” were concluded with a lecture, the official launch of the Utrecht Brain website, and, of course, drinks and snacks.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Applied Science R&D Congress 2025

Applied Science R&D Congress 2025

Practical research for innovative solutions with an impact on people and the environment.

The Applied Science Domain (DAS) organised the first edition of the Applied Science R&D Congress in collaboration with Utrecht University of Applied Sciences – a national congress for practical research in the applied natural sciences.

This congress focused on the content of practice-oriented research and the power of collaboration in innovation. The focus was on Key Enabling Technologies and their role in current issues such as climate change, energy transition, future-proof healthcare, food security, circularity and safety.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Water Dialogue - Water in the (near) Future

Water Dialogue - Water in the (near) Future

Why, despite all our knowledge and the urgency of the situation, do we not opt for the most logical solutions to improve our water quality?

That was the central question during the water dialogue “Water in the (near) Future” on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at Utrecht Science Park. The meeting brought together scientists, administrators, entrepreneurs and policymakers for an open and critical discussion about the future of our water.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Lecture The beauty of decay

Lecture The beauty of decay

Fungi are everywhere: on your food, in the soil, and in the air. Yet most people know very little about what fungi actually are and the unique role they play in nature and in our daily lives. Microbiologist Jan Dijksterhuis took us on a journey into the fascinating world of fungi. He does so based on his research at the Westerdijk Institute in Utrecht.

The Westerdijk Institute is named after Johanna Westerdijk, the first female professor in the Netherlands. The institute is an internationally renowned center for fungus research. It manages the largest collection of living fungi in the world, with more than 130,000 species, and plays an important role in understanding the biology, diversity, and applications of these remarkable organisms.

Photographer Seth Carnill

The 11th Ureka Mega Challenge Finale Show

The 11th Ureka Mega Challenge Finale Show

Innovation in healthcare is essential to maintaining high-quality care. Unfortunately, many good ideas are shelved prematurely and never reach patients or the workplace. This has to change! That is why we organised the Ureka Mega Challenge at UMC Utrecht as part of Utrecht Science Week.

This is a unique, competitive innovation programme that stimulates, facilitates and partially finances the further development and realisation of good ideas. In recent years, the Ureka Mega Challenge has proven to make a valuable contribution to the realisation of innovations in healthcare.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Science for Sustainability Café x KlimaatHelpdesk

Science for Sustainability Café x KlimaatHelpdesk

 The importance of Climate Communication

Climate change raises questions – but where can you find reliable answers? The KlimaatHelpdesk links questions from Dutch citizens about climate to relevant experts. What is ecocide? How can the music industry become more sustainable? What is the climate impact of space travel?

In recent years, with more than 400 experts from various disciplines- from physics, to biology, psychology, geography and law, and many enthusiastic editors, we have already answered over 200 questions. We aim to share scientific information on climate related topics with the general public in an understandable way.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Dag van de Duurzaamheid (Sustainability Day)

Dag van de Duurzaamheid (Sustainability Day)

The theme of this edition was: “Connection with Nature.

Together, they explored the issue in depth and answered the overarching question: how can we look at the world around us in a different way, and what does this mean for our actions?

There is a global sense of urgency to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and growing inequality. Teachers and students are increasingly calling for more attention to be paid to these themes in the curriculum and research at higher education institutions. Together, we looked at how we can further shape our sustainability ambitions. It was a great programme with a plenary session, workshops, a Green Market and the Climate Casino.

Photographer Seth Carnill

Utrecht Science Park Walking Dinner: Infectious Diseases

Utrecht Science Park Walking Dinner: Infectious Diseases

Special evening at the Utrecht Science Park with the theme ‘infectious diseases’
During a special “Walking Dinner” at the Utrecht Science Park, the theme of “infectious diseases” took centre stage. Administrators, scientists, entrepreneurs and representatives from the city, region and country were given presentations and tours about innovative research, such as in the field of vaccines, antibiotic resistance, animal-free methods and microscopy.

Five years after COVID-19, it became clear how much progress has been made in better preventing and treating infectious diseases. The evening emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge concentration here at Utrecht Science Park, as well as continued investment in innovation and science.

Photographer: Seth Carnill

Guided tour of high-tech plant lab NPEC

Guided tour of high-tech plant lab NPEC

NPEC Utrecht (Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre) opened during Utrecht Science Week 2023. In this lab with state-of-the-art robots, laser scanners, climate chambers and other installations, researchers fully automatically follow the growth and development of thousands of plants. At the same time, they map the influence of pathogens, beneficial micro-organisms and other factors, such as rising temperatures or prolonged drought, with extreme accuracy.

This research can, for example, provide building blocks for the development of stronger crops. These crops are more resistant to climate change and can do with less pesticides thanks to an interplay with beneficial microbes.

Photographer: Seth Carnill

Picture a scientist: film and discussion on the role of women in science

Picture a scientist: film and discussion on the role of women in science

The film ‘Picture a scientist’ follows three female scientists along their ambitions and experiences in a field once dominated by men. Their stories are interwoven with the insights on the subject from various academic luminaries, such as sociologists and psychologists. The result: an extraordinary search for the best way to make science as diverse, equal and welcoming to all as possible.

Photographer: Seth Carnill

Opening Utrecht Science Week 2025: The Utrecht Science Lecture

Opening Utrecht Science Week 2025: The Utrecht Science Lecture

Utrecht Science Week has started!
Last Friday, the fifth edition of the Utrecht Science Week officially kicked off with a keynote speech by Jan van de Winkel, CEO and founder of Genmab. In his inspiring lecture, he emphasised the importance of combining research, education and entrepreneurship in order to continue innovating in areas such as the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Many thanks also to Utrecht Science Park directors Wilco Hazeleger, Eva Reuling, Carina Hilders, Jan Henk van der Velden and moderator Mieke de Bruin for introducing and guiding the session. We look forward to a wonderful week, in which all the groundbreaking, world-class research at the Utrecht Science Park will be in the spotlight!

Photographer: Seth Carnill

Latest news

News overview
USW vlaggen

New events added to Utrecht Science Week programme

Utrecht Science Week takes place from September 26th to October 5th. In recent weeks, several new events have been added to the already extensive programme. Residents, professionals, researchers, and students interested in the themes of health and sustainability can choose from a wide variety of interesting and inspiring events. Below is a selection of some recently added program items.

Utrecht Science Week 2025 programme announced

The programme for Utrecht Science Week 2025 has been announced. From now on, you can register for one or more of the many inspiring events. More events will follow in the coming weeks. Take a look, register for the events you would like to attend and don’t miss anything!

WvdW 2024, Máxima, kinderen, labjas

Science comes to life during the Weekend van de Wetenschap at the Utrecht Science Park

On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October, leading organisations will open their doors for everyone during the Weekend van de Wetenschap (Weekend of Science), which takes place as part of the Utrecht Science Week. Visitors will get a unique look behind the scenes at, among others, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) and the Princess Máxima Center.

Portret Jan van de Winkel

Jan van de Winkel to deliver the Utrecht Science Lecture during the opening of Utrecht Science Week 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel, President & CEO of Genmab, will present the keynote opening Utrecht Science Lecture during the 2025 Utrecht Science Week on September 26. As a pioneering scientist and industry leader in antibody-based therapies, Jan van de Winkel has been at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in immunotherapy, shaping the future of cancer treatment and beyond.

Utrecht Science Week 2024 USW Ziekenhuis van de toekomst

Come visit us during the Utrecht Science Week 2026 edition!

Did or do you study at Utrecht Science Park? Or do you work at or with an institution or company at Utrecht Science Park? Are you closely involved with and/or interested in developments in the field of sustainability and healthy living? Then participating in Utrecht Science Week is definitely something for you. The date for the 2026 edition will be announced soon. Keep an eye on this website and our newsletter to stay informed.

Utrecht Science Week is an initiative of Utrecht Science Park Foundation with the cooperation of the partners:

Partnerbalk Utrecht Science Week USW 2025 - Engels

View the programme of the 2025 edition
USW Utrecht Science Week 2024

View and download the toolkit

Are you looking for images, logos or textual content of the Utrecht Science Week? Click on the button below and view the Utrecht Science Week toolkit.

Is the desired content not there? Send an email to communicatie@utrechtsciencepark.nl and we will help you further.

View and download the toolkit
close up van een camera tijdens Utrecht Science Week op Utrecht Science Park

Press

Here you can find press information, press materials and contact details.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for or if you have a specific communication question, a request for an interview, images or publication, please send a message to communicatie@utrechtsciencepark.nl.

View press materials Utrecht Science Week

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I register for the programme?

Very simple: go to Programme; if you click on an event, you will find more information about content and speakers. And: the registration button. We keep it simple: no account creation, no shopping cart; just fill in your name and email address.
You can register for one event, but of course also for more. Enough choice, a shame to miss something!

Can I also participate online?

No, we won’t have online events this year. Come along and meet interesting people. And we want to meet you.

What is the main language?

In addition to Dutch-language events, there are also English-language events. In the Programme, the English-language events are marked with an icon of the English flag.

Where is Utrecht Science Week?

Most events will take place at Utrecht Science Park and a few in Utrecht city centre. The location of each event is stated (see Programme).

And if you are stuck? Or do you fancy a cup of coffee or have a question? Then come and visit us, in the heart of the Utrecht Science Week organization, at Heidelberglaan 11 (office of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation). Feel free to drop by, we have an open house all week, you are welcome!

How does ticket sales work?

There are no ticket sales, all events are free to visit. The only exception is Betweter Festival in TivoliVredenburg. Participation in all other events is free. Please register, then you are assured of a place.

Can I also participate without registering?

Free entry is possible at some events, as long as there is space. It is smarter to register in advance, then you are sure that you can participate in the programme.

I registered, but I haven't received anything yet, is that correct?

Please send an email to communicatie@utrechtsciencepark.nl and we can manually add you to the list.

Watch the teaser of the Utrecht Science Week
Partnerbalk Utrecht Science Week USW 2025 - Engels