Newsletter October 2025

Anniversary Edition of Utrecht Science Week was a great success: Watch the after movie!

The fifth edition of Utrecht Science Week was a great success, featuring more activities, locations, speakers, visitors and connections than ever before. The diverse program attracted a wide audience, giving the groundbreaking research at Utrecht Science Park the chance to inspire others.

Relive the week through the aftermovie and photo reports! See you again next year?

View here

Biotech companies Genmab and Merus at Utrecht Science Park join forces

The Danish-Dutch company Genmab is acquiring its neighbor Merus for $8 billion. Both companies have their main R&D centers on our science park, ensuring that the development of the promising drug petosemtamab for head, neck, and colorectal cancer continues here in Utrecht.

Thanks to this acquisition, valuable knowledge and expertise remain in the Netherlands, further establishing Utrecht as a leading center for biotech innovation. Read more about the acquisition and its impact on our sector.

Researchers at UMC Utrecht have developed a custom 3D-printed template for nasal cancer radiation therapy. This template allows tumors to be targeted more precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and enabling faster recovery for patients.

The template makes it possible to achieve the same effect with fewer tubes during brachytherapy, making the treatment both more comfortable and accurate.

Patients experience fewer side effects, and the results so far are very promising.

On 2 October, Hogeschool Utrecht celebrated the installation of an innovative bio-digester that converts fruit, vegetable, and food waste into biogas. The installation marks an important step toward a carbon-neutral HU by 2030 and serves as a learning and research hub where students, researchers, and partners collaborate on circular solutions.

The bio-digester demonstrates how sustainability ambitions can be put into practice and acts as an inspiring example for the region. In this way, HU is working with partners at Utrecht Science Park toward a future where energy is generated locally and circularly.

Stichting Incubator Utrecht provides start-ups at Utrecht Science Park with workspace, facilities, and a valuable network to develop and scale their innovative ideas.

The incubator also supports entrepreneurs with regulations and technical requirements, allowing them to focus fully on their innovation. In this way, Stichting Incubator Utrecht acts as a springboard for new ventures.

Researchers at UMC Utrecht and the Princess Máxima Center discovered that liver tumors in children contain a large number of myeloid immune cells, a cell type that has received little attention until now. This finding provides new opportunities for the development of targeted immunotherapy in pediatric cancer.

On Sunday, 5 October, Utrecht Science Park was all about science and discovery. Thousands of visitors enjoyed experiments, workshops, and tours at Utrecht University, Hogeschool Utrecht, the Princess Máxima Center, and the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital.

A wonderful way to close Utrecht Science Week!

Good news for travelers to and from Utrecht Science Park: during FC Utrecht home games and the Open Days of Hogeschool Utrecht and Utrecht University, trams will run as usual on weekends. This ensures the park remains easily accessible even on busy days.

To raise as much money as possible for WKZ Sportief, UMC Utrecht & the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital Foundation are organizing an active padel afternoon together with the Utrecht Hospitality Group. The event will conclude with a cozy walking dinner and auction. Play padel against celebrities such as Barry Atsma, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, Fatima Moreiro, John van ’t Schip, and Michaëlla Krajicek.

Join in, play, and donate!

During Utrecht Science Week 2025, the innovative project “Alphabet” won the Ureka Mega Challenge. The idea focuses on patients with locked-in syndrome and helps translate brain signals into words and sentences, enabling them to communicate and, for example, control devices at home. This digital solution represents a significant step forward in improving the independence and quality of life for these patients.

The future of healthcare is taking shape with the unique Medical 3D Bioprinting minor at Hogeschool Utrecht, co-developed with UMC Utrecht. For six months, fifteen students learn the latest applications of 3D printing technology in healthcare, from cartilage models to structures for cell growth, gaining a glimpse into the healthcare of tomorrow.

The minor was developed in close collaboration with multiple partners at Utrecht Science Park, demonstrating how education and research together bring healthcare innovations closer to reality.

In September, GenDx organized the “Fit to Donate” initiative at Utrecht Science Park to mark World Marrow Donor Day. Colleagues, friends, and family participated in the GenDx Tulip Run, walking or running to raise funds for Matchis.

The result: €3,850 raised for new stem cell donors and a wonderful day full of energy, teamwork, and social engagement.

More News

Louis Bont appointed Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Utrecht University and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board of UMC Utrecht

UU researchers contribute to Global Tipping Points Report

UMC Utrecht & WKZ Foundation on shirts Men’s 1st team Kampong

Vacancy

Could you be the new point of contact for Stichting Utrecht Science Park? We are looking for an independent and energetic Office Manager who enjoys organizing, connecting people, and bringing structure to a dynamic environment. Excited? Check out the job opening and apply via our website.