Meet the speakers of the Utrecht Science Week 2025
During Utrecht Science Week 2025, leading scientists, innovative entrepreneurs and inspiring thinkers will share their vision on the major societal challenges of today and tomorrow. From sustainable innovations to the future of health, education and technology — our speakers will take you through the latest developments in their field. Be inspired by a diverse programme with keynotes, panels and interactive sessions.
See below which speakers you can expect during this week full of knowledge, collaboration and progress. More speakers will follow in the coming weeks.
Dr. Markus Weingarth is Associate Professor at the Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University. He will be speaking at the Science For Life Café on Monday, September 29.
Dr. Nicolina Montesano Montessori has been a researcher at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences since 2013. Since 2023, she has been working at the Chair of Social Interaction in Public Spaces. Nicolina Montesano Montessori will lead Expedition Amelisweerd on Monday, September 29.
Nanda Vrielink has been working at the Centre of Expertise Smart Sustainable Cities since 2017. As a project leader and researcher, she has been involved in research projects, particularly focusing on the social energy transition and urban greening. Nanda Vrielink will lead Expedition Amelisweerd on Monday, September 29.
Eelco Eerenberg is an alderman in Utrecht, responsible for Spatial Development, Education, and Public Health. During the Sustainable City Challenge on Friday, October 3, he will present the award to the winning team.
Professor Stefan van der Stigchel is Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the Department of Experimental Psychology at Utrecht University. He is also the lead researcher of the AttentionLab research group. He is involved in the launch of Utrecht Brain on Thursday, October 2.
Tinka Louter is program manager at UMC Utrecht with a scientific background in neuroscience. She coordinates and implements strategic decisions across all brain-related research activities at the UMC Utrecht Brain Center. On Thursday, October 2, Tinka will speak at the launch of Utrecht Brain.
Professor Hilleke Hulshoff Pol is a psychologist and neuroscientist at Utrecht University. During the launch of Utrecht Brain on Thursday, October 2, she will give a lecture.
Dr. Andrik Becht is an assistant professor at the Department of Youth & Family at Utrecht University. On Wednesday, October 1, he will participate in the session The Climate Crisis and Action Perspectives for Students.
Dr. Michiel van Harskamp is a researcher at the Freudenthal Institute of Utrecht University (Faculty of Science), with a scientific focus on science education and sustainability in secondary education. Michiel is involved in the session The Climate Crisis and Action Perspectives for Students on Wednesday, October 1.
Iris Muis is team leader and knowledge valorization officer at Data School (Utrecht University). She is an expert with over 10 years of experience in responsible AI and digital ethics. Iris will be present at Data School: Collaboration between Science and External Partners on Thursday, October 2.
Joris Verbeek is a data researcher at the Data School and a PhD candidate in the Department of Media and Culture Studies at Utrecht University. His research focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in investigative journalism. On Thursday, October 2, he will speak at the session Data School: Collaboration Between Academia and External Partners.
Dr. Mirko Schäfer is co-founder and scientific director of Data School (Utrecht University). On Thursday, October 2, he will speak at the session Data School: Collaboration between Science and External Partners.
Julia Straatman is a researcher at Data School (Utrecht University), focusing on digital ethics within Dutch (government) organizations. Julia is involved in the session Data School: Collaboration between Science and External Partners.
Dr. Karin van Es is an associate professor of media and cultural studies and project leader for the humanities at Data School (Utrecht University). Karin will be present at Data School: Collaboration between Science and External Partners.
Joris Becker is an MSc student in medicine at Utrecht University. He is also active in the CO2 assistant. The CO₂ assistant aims to implement sustainability and climate change in medical education. Joris also works as a doctor’s assistant at various general practices in the central Netherlands. Joris will supervise the interactive session Planetary Health in the Consultation Room on Thursday 2 October during Utrecht Science Week.
Esmée Marsman is an MSc student in medicine at Utrecht University. She is also active as a doctor’s assistant in the central Netherlands. Esmée will supervise the interactive session Planetary Health in the Consultation Room on Thursday 2 October during Utrecht Science Week.
Isabel van der Velden studies at Utrecht University and also works at the UMC Utrecht at the Medical Control Center and at the Oncological Surgery ward. Isabel will supervise the interactive session Planetary Health in the Consultation Room on Thursday October 2 during Utrecht Science Week.
Utrecht Science Week 2025: Sustainability Day 30 September – Connecting with Nature
From Friday 26th September to Sunday 5th October 2025, the Utrecht Science Week is happening. One of the highlights of the week is the Sustainability Day (Dag van de Duurzaamheid), taking place on Tuesday 30th September. This year, the Day of Sustainability is a collaboration between HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Utrecht University, and the theme is: Connecting with Nature.
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.
Date Utrecht Science Week 2025 announced: 26 September to 5 October
The Utrecht Science Week 2024 was a great success! For over a week, you could visit inspiring events around (applied) science and innovation at the Utrecht Science Park. We are now preparing for the fifth edition of Utrecht Science Week, which will take place from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October 2025.
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.