SEPTEMBER 26 TO
OCTOBER 5 2025
OCTOBER 5 2025
SEPTEMBER 26 TO
OCTOBER 5 2025
OCTOBER 5 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.
With more than 30 years of experience in therapeutic antibodies, Jan van de Winkel has played a pivotal role in translating cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines. As a co-founder of Genmab, he has led the company’s journey from an ambitious startup to a global end-to-end biotech powerhouse. In addition to his executive role, he holds a professorship in immunotherapy at Utrecht University, contributing to academic research and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.
In his lecture, titled “Cracking the Code on Cancer and Other Serious Diseases: The Past, Present, and Future of Immunotherapy”, he will explore how immunotherapy is revolutionizing medicine. From early discoveries to today’s breakthroughs in cancer care, he will offer insights into the evolving role of antibody therapies, the next frontiers in biotechnology, and the power of collaboration and AI in driving innovation.
As Utrecht Science Week celebrates its fifth edition, this keynote lecture will highlight Utrecht’s ambition as the “Heart of Health” and the Utrecht Science Park as a unique life sciences ecosystem for cutting-edge research and medical innovation. Join us to gain a front-row perspective on the future of immunotherapy and how partnerships between academia, industry, and healthcare can accelerate progress for patients worldwide. More information about the lecture and the opening of registration will follow soon.
From growing cells to making your own flower bulbs. And from researching soil with fungi to practising in court. There was plenty to experience at the Utrecht Science Park during the ‘Weekend van de Wetenschap’ (Weekend of Science).
The Utrecht Science Week wrapped up with the ‘ Weekend van de Wetenschap’ on Sunday 6 October. Six organisations at the Utrecht Science Park opened their doors to science lovers of all ages.
Starting in the morning, visitors were already queuing up to discover science at the various organisations.
Throughout the day, it was nicely crowded around the Koningsberger building and the Botanic Gardens, where Utrecht University’s wide range of activities could be found, with experiments, presentations and experiments on various topics such as the brain, veterinary medicine, climate, law and health. In addition, visitors could do research at the Tuinlab in the Botanic Gardens.
At the Hubrecht Institute, the activities of the institute itself, the Westerdijk Institute and Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht came together. Here, visitors could, among other things, isolate their DNA, make a fungus and look through the eyes of a doctor.
At the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ), visitors were introduced to bacteria in our bodies and there was an inflatable bowel through which they could walk as true bacteria. They also practised dealing with emotions, using VR glasses to practice different situations where these emotions arise.
The Princess Máxima Center opened its doors to introduce visitors to the world of researchers and, for a day, they were researchers themselves. Wearing lab coats, they did many experiments, were shown around the labs and gained knowledge at the mini-lectures.
The ‘Weekend van de Wetenschap’ at the Utrecht Science Park was a great success. It is great to see that even the younger audience can learn about science and the research being done here at the Utrecht Science Park in an accessible way. This was a great ending to the Utrecht Science Week.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and digital transformation are playing a major role in healthcare and laboratories. This was reflected very well on Thursday 3 October at Genmab’s ‘Healthcare and Laboratories of the Future’ event, part of the Utrecht Science Week, which looked ahead to pioneering (digital) developments within healthcare.
The event started with a plenary session. Several persons from the industry shared their experience on digital developments within the organisation and in their field, including stories from the biotech industry and around healthcare research. This was followed by a panel discussion where professionals and students from Utrecht University, HU University of Applied Sciences, UMC Utrecht and Genmab discussed the future of healthcare and labs together.
The plenary session was followed by the ‘Health of the Future Fair’ at which (young) professionals could interact with companies and healthcare and educational institutions.
A valuable addition to the diverse programme of the Utrecht Science Week, where this important topic was discussed from different perspectives.
On Tuesday 1 October, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht organised the Sustainability Day (Dag van de Duurzaamheid) during the Utrecht Science Week. This year, the theme of the day was ‘A social and fair sustainability transition’.
Globally, the urgency to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and inequality is being sensed. Students and teachers in higher education are also calling for more attention to these issues. It is important to explore together how sustainable ambitions can be shaped and how everyone can contribute to a sustainable and fair society.
The opening
The day began with the plenary programme in a full lecture hall at Padualaan 101. Day chairman Aniek Moonen, former president of the Young Climate Movement, opened the day and introduced the theme. Next to speak was Wilma Scholte op Reimer, chair of the Executive Board, followed by welcoming the keynote speaker Eva Rovers. Eva is a writer and director of ‘Bureau Burger Beraad’. She took the audience through 4 ‘ democratic weaknesses’ that she believes are slowing down the transition to a sustainable society and how setting up a citizens’ council helps to solve this problem. The opening ended with a panel discussion, during which people discussed the topics.
Choice of eight workshops
The opening was followed by the workshop rounds, with the choice of eight different workshops. There were workshops on recognising climate disinformation, citizen participation in the sustainability transition and the future of higher education in the climate crisis, among others.
The Green Market
Throughout the day, the Green Market was open, with various activities from the Green Office, Gender and Sexuality Alliance and the Diversity and Inclusion Network, as well as others. These included learning about swapping clothes at the Swaplab and scoring a plant at the Plant Doctor’s Clinic. In addition, as part of Diversity Day, there was the Diversity Wall where people talked about diversity and inclusion.
SpaceBuzz and ClimateCasino
Besides all the inspiring and cool workshops, visitors could drop by the ClimateCasino, where they could test their climate knowledge in a game format, and the SpaceBuzz. In the SpaceBuzz, (a virtual) André Kuipers took visitors on a space journey. The chair moves and through the VR glasses you can see the earth turning. From space, you have the ‘overview effect’ and see how extremely beautiful, but also how vulnerable the earth is. The aim is to make visitors even more aware of climate change and motivate them to get involved.
During Sustainability Day, the importance of paying attention to issues such as climate change and the sustainability transition is highlighted. It is important to discuss this and plan how we work together to create a healthy, sustainable society.
Curious about all the other sustainability initiatives at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, visit the website (in Dutch).
Wednesday 2 October is the (Dutch) pubquiz for students during the Utrecht Science Week. The quiz is full of challenging questions about education and science, sports, the Utrecht Science Park and the city of Utrecht. Compete against other student teams and win coveted prizes!
The pub quiz will take place at Café Minnaert at the Utrecht Science Park. At 5pm is the start with free pizza (optional), followed by the pubquiz from 6pm to 8pm. This will be followed by the spectacular prize-giving ceremony and drinks. The first two drinks will be provided by the organisation this evening.
Programme
Walk-in and pizza: 5 pm – 6 pm
Pubquiz: 6 pm – 8 pm
Prize-giving ceremony and drinks: 8 pm – 9 pm
Practical information
Quickly gather your team members together (4-6 people) for a chance to win great prizes. Attention: students only!
Register via This page.
Go to this page for more information about the pubquiz.
As part of Planetary Health, several programme elements will be organised during the Utrecht Science Week. Listen to interesting lectures and join the discussion on societal themes around climate, environment, health and sustainability.
Our health depends largely on the health of all the ecosystems we depend on. This realisation, which is becoming increasingly urgent in light of the current environmental crisis, calls for research with a broad perspective. Under the umbrella of the Planetary Health thematic community Planetary Health (Utrecht University), several Utrecht research themes come together to address global sustainable health issues.
Utrecht Life Sciences: Open Meeting Planetary Health Community
Friday 27 September
Scientists, faculty, staff and students meet during the Open Meeting of Planetary Health. There will be a joint review of actions within Planetary Health and the Life Sciences community and a look at shaping the shared vision of Planetary Health. Together with the other participants, brainstorm on creative ideas and strategies to promote societal change. The meeting will end with drinks and music. Will you be there? More information.
Climate disinformation workshop: increase your resilience to this health risk
Monday 30 September
Nowadays, a lot of disinformation is being spread about climate change, mostly through social media. Suddenly, everyone is a climate or transition expert. Despite the danger of disinformation, a serious counter voice from the government and the academy is missing. What are the dangers and how should we deal with them? Take part in the workshop and learn to recognise disinformation, counter it and engage with colleagues and experts on this topic. More information.
Book Club, “Less is More”
Tuesday 1 October
Leading thinker and economist Jason Hickel wrote the book ‘Less is more’ about the necessity and possibilities of outgrowth economies (‘Degrowth’). He describes how infinite economic growth is always at the expense of people, animals or nature and how a society that is not primarily focused on growth can have health, equality and well-being at its core. Intrigued by these ideas? Or perhaps you have doubts? Come to the book club, learn more about de-growth and join the conversation. More information.
Fair Food Transitions, Health, and Degrowth
Wednesday 2 October
Our food systems are making the planet and its inhabitants sick. 44% of our habitable land is used for intensive agriculture and animal husbandry. This agriculture leans on the use of manure, pesticides and frequent water use. This evening will explore how our health systems can be organised differently and more fairly for the health of nature and people. Come to the lecture, listen and join interesting discussions on different visions of the future working towards a healthier and more fair world. More information.
Present at the lecture will be photographer Kadir van Lohuizen, World Press Photo award winner. He has focused his camera on the global food industry in recent years.
Round Table on Ethical Academic Partnerships: A Collaborative Brainstorm
Thursday 3 October
What values should guide academic collaborations and how can they collaborate with industries that are affected by health or the planet? Initiated by the student organisation IFMSA-NL, this session has been organised to brainstorm on the future of ethical collaborations in academia.
This session brings together researchers, students and university staff to explore important questions. Through open dialogue and bringing together different perspectives, a framework is developed for collaborations that reflect the values of sustainability, integrity and social responsibility.
Work together for a more ethical academic future! More information.
Eco-emoties: filmvertoning en Socratische dialoog
Thursday 3 October
How does the climate crisis affect you and how can you turn these feelings into action?
During this event, you are invited to reflect on the emotional dimensions of the climate crisis. The evening starts with the screening of the short film ‘Over Morgen’ (About Tomorrow), which shows how young people are affected by the climate crisis. After the screening, philosopher Rudolf Kamper will take you on a dialogue to explore your own climate emotions. More information.
Discover the full Utrecht Science Week programme.
Research drives the advancement of knowledge and health, but did you know that an estimated 85% of biomedical research was pointless in 2009? (Bio)medical research also accounts for 2% of global plastic waste, and research priorities do not always match stakeholders’ needs.
In this panel discussion, the CO₂ assistant, together with you and various experts, will discuss how to balance the societal values, scientific values and ecological impact of (bio)medical research. When is research useful for society? And is there research that really should no longer be carried out? Discover the answers to these questions and help think about the future of (bio)medical research.
Practical information
Date and time: Monday 30 September from 4:00 till 5.30PM.
Location: Utrecht Science Park Foundation, Heidelberglaan 11.
Find out more about the panel discussion and register on this page.
Illustration by Martien van den Hoek, for ‘De Duurzame Wetenschapper’ of the UMC Utrecht.
On Wednesday 2 October 2024, the sixth lecture from the Foundation Animales will be held during the Utrecht Science Week. Want to know more about animal-free innovations? Visit this lecture.
This year, Daniela Salvatori, will be the speaker. She is professor of Comparative Anatomy and Physiology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. Salvatori is an international authority on animal-free innovations in education and research. The title of her lecture is: ‘Better science with fewer laboratory animals: a techno-moral revolution’. This will include demonstrations and presentations on animal-free innovations.
Practical information
Lecture: Better science with fewer laboratory animals: a techno-moral revolution (in English)
Date: Wednesday 2 October 2024
Time: coffee and tea from 19:00, after the lecture there will be drinks and side program
Do you want to attend? Then visit this page and register.
Animal-free
At Utrecht University, among others, work is being done on animal-free innovations. This offers a world of new possibilities, which will be passed on to the next generation. Smart innovations such as organs-on-a-chip and virtual humans take science to the next level, while reducing or replacing animal testing. Together, the aim is to create a better future, with fewer laboratory animals.
About Animales Foundation
The Animales Foundation is building a future in which every animal in the Netherlands receives the care and love it deserves. In doing so, the foundation focuses on enhancing animal welfare by financially supporting scientific research.
The preparations for Utrecht Science Week are in full swing. From Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be a big open house. By now, almost all programme elements are announced and the programme with timetable is live. More programme elements will follow in the coming weeks. Take a look, register for the events you want to attend and don’t miss a thing!
In cooperation with various partners of the Utrecht Science Park, a varied programme has been created, with appealing lectures, interactive workshops, guided tours and high-profile interviews, around science in the Utrecht Science Park, focusing on the themes ‘health’ and ‘sustainability’.
For example, we kick off the Utrecht Science Week on Friday 27 September with the Utrecht Science Lecture by Professor Dr Peter Luijten. After the weekend, we look forward, among other events, to the Dag van de Duurzaamheid (Day of Sustainability), organised by HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. On Wednesday evening, there is an Utrecht Science Week pub quiz for students, obviously focusing on science, the Utrecht Science Park and the city of Utrecht. On Thursday, visitors can discover what the healthcare and laboratories of the future look like, during Genmab’s Healthcare and Laboratories of the Future. We will close the Utrecht Science Week with a component for younger visitors, as that is the Weekend van de Wetenschap (Weekend of Science).
But there is more, so check out the full programme here.
Thursday 3 October is Genmab’s ‘Healthcare and Laboratories of the Future’, as part of the Utrecht Science Week. Explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming healthcare and laboratory sciences.
Plenary Session (16:00 -16:45)
Engage with leaders from industry, healthcare, and academia in a dynamic panel discussion. Discover how automation, digital transformation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing labs and healthcare, and learn how educational institutions are evolving to train the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.
Presenters and panelists from the biotech industry (Genmab), healthcare and education will discuss several topics, such as:
Health of the Future Fair (16:45 – 18:30)
Network with representatives from leading companies, healthcare institutions, and educational bodies. Discover career opportunities, showcase and experience innovations, and discuss the future of life sciences over drinks and snacks.
Who Should Attend?
Join the event
The event will take place at the Accelerator at the Utrecht Science Park (Uppsalalaan 17) from 15:30 to 18:30. More information about the programme and registration will follow soon.
