6th edition of Utrecht Science Week

Minister Micky Adriaansens visits Utrecht Science Park BilthovenWhat innovations are helpful for a long and healthy life? How can we make our knowledge economy respond to them? How do we ensure sufficient vaccines in the event of the next pandemic? At Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven, knowledge institutions, companies and government are working together on all kinds of innovations in the field of health and care. This innovation location is a good example of where the region excels: Utrecht, Heart of Health. Beating heart of a healthy society.On Monday, April 15, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens visited Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven (USPB) together with deputy André van Schie. This campus is working on smart opportunities and solutions to improve health in the region, the Netherlands and the world. For example, the location contributes to research on better preparation for pandemics, such as the Corona crisis, in the future. As a satellite location, USPB is part of the Utrecht Science Park, the largest science park in the Netherlands with over 30,000 employees at leading knowledge institutions, research institutes and companies.USPB is unique and special because it houses many companies that are experts in the field of health, such as the company Bilthoven Biologicals. This company mainly makes vaccines for diseases such as polio. Now they are even building, commissioned by Europe, a special center to make vaccines quickly when the need is high.During the visit, the minister and deputy discussed how to make USPB even better. Important for the economy of the region and the country. Delegate Van Schie called for supporting such places and connecting them with other companies and institutions that are also engaged in knowledge development and innovation, both within the Utrecht region and beyond.Improving locations, such as USPB, also requires enough space for such places and good accessibility. This is not always easy, as the Utrecht region has a limited amount of space for many different issues, such as housing construction and energy transition. Still, it is important to invest in these kinds of places, because they help create a better future.The minister’s visit to the Utrecht region is good for the cooperation between the Utrecht region and the national government. Together they want to continue to encourage innovation. USPB and its inspiring examples help not only the Utrecht region, but also the entire Netherlands to find smart solutions to issues of the future.

Growing Utrecht Science Park still largest science park in the NetherlandsCampuses and science parks of the Netherlands are essential for employment growth and new business activity. Innovations and innovative collaborations result in solutions that accelerate social transitions. So says the research report published on December 4 by Buck Consultants International (BCI). The report shows that the Utrecht Science Park has also grown strongly in terms of employees and, with more than 31,000 employees, remains by far the largest science park in the Netherlands.

Opening Utrecht Science Week with keynote by Juliette Legler on the hidden influence of environmental chemicals On Friday 25 September, the annual Utrecht Science Week will kick off at Utrecht Science Park. The official opening will feature the Utrecht Science Lecture, which this year will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Ir. Juliette Legler. Legler is Professor of Toxicology at Utrecht University, affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and heads the One Health Toxicology research group at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS).Influence of environmental chemicalsIn her lecture, Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Towards Solutions for a Polluted World, she takes the audience into the world of environmental chemicals. Juliette Legler and her team research how environmental pollutants like endocrine-disrupting chemicals and microplastics affect the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. Environmental chemicals are all around us: in products we use every day, in food packaging and in the environment. Increasingly scientific research indicates that some of these substances can disrupt the hormone system. What does that mean for the health of people and animals? And how can science, policy and society contribute to a healthier living environment?By promoting connection across disciplines and sectors, her research has moved from diagnosing the problems towards working on solutions for a healthier future. These solutions include innovative chemical risk assessment approaches and the development of safer chemicals and materials.During her keynote, Juliette Legler shares the latest insights from the research and discusses the challenges and opportunities that this knowledge offers. Her story underlines the importance of science that not only produces new knowledge, but also contributes to solutions for urgent social issues. Program and registration for the OpeningThe opening of Utrecht Science Week 2026 will take place on Friday, September 25 in the Accelerator at Utrecht Science Park. Register now for the opening on September 25 via this link.DetailsDate: Friday, September 25, 2026Program:From 15:00 Arrival and reception15:30 Opening of Utrecht Science Week 2026 (by Utrecht Science Park directors)15:45 Utrecht Science Lecture 2026 by Juliette Legler16:45 Closing and drinksLocation: Utrecht Science Park, Accelerator (Uppsalalaan 17, 3584 CT Utrecht)Language: EnglishYou can register for the opening on 25 September via the Utrecht Science Week website.Week full of connection and discoveryWith this inspiring opening, Utrecht Science Week immediately sets the tone for a week full of connection, discovery, and conversation about the science of today and tomorrow. Researchers, students, professionals, and curious visitors are warmly welcome to be surprised by groundbreaking research and innovative ideas that contribute to a healthy, sustainable society.More information about the full program will follow soon via the Utrecht Science Week website. About Utrecht Science WeekFrom Friday, September 25 to Sunday, October 4, the sixth edition of Utrecht Science Week will take place, and Utrecht Science Park will open its doors wide to everyone interested in (applied) science. In collaboration with various partners of Utrecht Science Park, a varied program is being put together, featuring engaging lectures, interactive workshops, tours, and thought-provoking interviews centering on science at Utrecht Science Park, with a focus on the themes of ‘health’ and ‘sustainability’.