SEPTEMBER 26 TO
OCTOBER 5 2025
OCTOBER 5 2025
SEPTEMBER 26 TO
OCTOBER 5 2025
OCTOBER 5 2025
In the main programme of the Utrecht Science Week 2023 on the opening day Friday 29th of September: the HU symposium The future of our water.
Featuring a keynote by meteorologist Reinier van den Berg.
Climate change has a major impact on our water, resulting in social and technical challenges. Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas, water shortages and pollution are worsened by extreme weather events, because of this among others the drinking water supply and ecosystems are at risk. Even the return of infectious diseases lurks.
Cooperation in the water chain is essential to tackle these challenges and ensure a sustainable future with clean and resilient water. At this symposium, we will explore together how we can act together in this regard. Join companies, teachers, researchers and other experts in discussing these challenges.
Jim Jansen,, editor-in-chief of New Scientist, will speak with Wilma Scholte op Reimer, Chair of the Executive Board of HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, and Roberta Hofman, Associate Lecturer in Water Treatment HU/KWR, about the role HU can play together with the region in the major challenges.
After the plenary programme, choice of several inspiring workshops from Bath University, Rainbeer, RIVM, Vitens, Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden and KWR, among others.
Symposium The future of our water
Friday 29 September 13:15 – 17:00
Speakers
including Reinier van den Berg, meteorologist
Check the site and the socials for the full programme, which will be availble soon.
Sign up here.
30 augustus 2023
Have you ever wondered about the sounds of Minnaertgebouw? Can you imagine making Educatorium dance? And what on earth is “junkspace”?
UPDATE: unfortunately, this workshop will not be able to take place
In today’s ever-changing technological world, it’s crucial to take a close look at how technology shapes our cities. That’s why we want to explore the concept of critical making, which emphasizes that technological creations carry values and can ignite interdisciplinary re-evaluation and revitalization of urban spaces.
“The concept of critical making has many predecessors, all of which start with the assumption that built technological artifacts embody cultural values, and that technological development can be combined with cultural reflectivity to build provocative objects that encourage a re-evaluation of the role of technology in culture.” – Matt Ratto and Garnet Hertz.
This Speculative Theatre Imaginary Platform (STIP) Critical Making workshop is organized by the Creative Urban Methods interdisciplinary group in collaboration with the Transforming Cities research hub.
This workshop delves into the captivating world of critical making and performative architecture. We’ll be using the process-oriented critical making method developed by Ratto and Hertz (2019). As a participant, you’ll have a unique opportunity to critically examine iconic landmarks in Utrecht Science Park, such as Rem Koolhaas’ Educatorium, the Minnaert building, and the enigmatic Hoge Bos.
After a brief introduction to CRUM by Olga Efremov (Utrecht University RMA MAPS), we’ll engage in hands-on explorations of performative architecture, using Utrecht Science Park as our research site.
Full description and registration on the website of Utrecht University.
Speculative Theatre Imaginary Platform (STIP) Critical Making workshop
Thursday 5 October 11 am – 5 pm
Learning Plaza, Minnaertgebouw, Leuvenlaan 4, 3584 CE Utrecht
In the main programme of Utrecht Science Week 2023 on Tuesday 3 October: de Dag van de Duurzaamheid (Day of Sustainability). This year, a co-production of HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Utrecht University. The central theme on this day is “sustainability in education and research”.
The urgency to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and growing inequality is felt worldwide. Teachers and students are increasingly asking for more attention to be given to these themes in the curriculum and research at higher education institutions. On de Dag van de Duurzaamheid, we look together at how we can further shape our sustainable ambitions.
A great programme has been put together with a plenary opening and keynote Reint Jan Renes, several inspiring workshops on, among other things, Sustainable Development Goals in education, creating a sustainable masterclass and Sprong Sure research, a Green Market and a festive closing.
Dag van de Duurzaamheid
Tuesday 3 October from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speakers
Including Reint Jan Renes, behavioural scientist, Lecturer in Psychology for a Sustainable City at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam
You will soon find the full programme on DvdD.hu.nl.
Utrecht Science Week 2023 will programme the second Utrecht Science Lecture in the main programme on Friday 6 October. It will be delivered by Prof Dr Bert Weckhuysen.
The Utrecht Science Lecture was created to give a prominent Utrecht scientist the opportunity to discuss the current state of science in the field of healthy and sustainable living during the Utrecht Science Week.
The first Utrecht Science Lecture was given by Prof Dr Hans Clevers.
Bert Weckhuysen is university professor of ‘Catalysis, Energy and Sustainability’ at Utrecht University. He is a member of several national and international boards and leads a number of major research initiatives including the ARC CBBC, MCEC, and SUNERGY.
Bert Weckhuysen’s research group has been active for many years in the design, synthesis, characterisation and application of catalytic solids for the conversion of fossil (crude oil & natural gas) and renewable (biomass, waste and CO2) feedstocks into sustainable transport fuels, chemicals and materials.
As scientific director, Weckhuysen is closely associated with the Advanced Research Centre Chemical Building Blocks Consortium, a public-private partnership in the field of circular and sustainable chemistry. Besides energy transition, the ARC CBBC focuses on the at least equally important raw materials and materials transition.
In addition, Weckhuysen is project leader of the Da Vinci Master and Bachelor programme. The Da Vinci Master Programme, as part of the Strategic Alliance EWUU, aims to train a new generation of changemakers, connectors and innovators.
This innovative programme contributes to personal development, teaches students to step outside their comfort zone and use their expertise in an interdisciplinary team to tackle a real-life sustainability issue.
Attending the second Utrecht Science Lecture on Friday 6 October from 10.00 – 11.30 a.m. is possible for all interested parties.
Keep an eye on the site and socials to register on time!
Second Utrecht Science Lecture
Friday 6 October 2023 from 10.00 – 11.30 a.m.
Speaker
Bert Weckhuysen
The Utrecht Science Week programmes the Research Day UMC Utrecht on Thursday 5 October!
This day will be entirely dedicated to research, aiming to shine a spotlight on everyone who wholeheartedly commit to doing research. UMC Utrecht will express its gratitude for their tireless efforts and provide an opportunity for all who are interested to experience the significance of the research for society and ourselves. So, mark your calendars for this wonderful event and save the date!
The entire programme can be found here.
Research Day UMC Utrecht
Thursday 5 October 2023 from 09.00 -18.00
Utrecht Science Week is programming the second Circular Economy Festival in the main programme on Wednesday afternoon 4 October.
The Festival focuses on Circular Economy at the Utrecht Science Park and in the region, highlighting the role of Utrecht University in the domain of Circular Economy together with campus partners such as HU, RIVM, UMC and TNO. An important role is reserved for regional cooperation.
The festival will open with a keynote by Paul Schenderling (author of the book ‘There is life after growth’), then several lectures, workshops and a Circular Market. Afterwards, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet and exchange experiences over drinks.
Circular Economy Festival
Wednesday 4 October 2023 from 13.00 – 17.00
Speakers
Including Paul Schenderling, economist, author and speaker
More information about the programme will follow soon!
Sign up here.
May 23, 2023
From Friday 29 September to Sunday 8 October next, the Utrecht Science Park will be colouring Utrecht Science Week. Behind the scenes, people are working hard on a wonderful programme. Time for a sneak peek!
Hackathon Green Labs
What if the many laboratories in the Utrecht Science Park joined forces and together searched for smart solutions to structurally reduce the environmental burden? This could involve attitude and behaviour, corporate culture, processes and procedures, but also materials, equipment and procurement strategy. After all, surely it cannot be the case that the lab, which is pre-eminently working on a healthy, sustainable society, itself contributes enormously to its threat?
This hackathon is a co-production of the Hubrecht Institute, Genmab, Prinses Máxima Centrum, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences; we are guests in the inspiring working environment of UtrechtInc.
In addition to this hackathon, the main programme includes a promising Sustainability Day, the impressive Hospital of the Future theme and, of course, the Second Utrecht Science Lecture. We will keep the drum roll for a while, announcement to follow!
Partner programme
In the framing programme of the partners, you will find multicoloured gems such as, for example, the Centre for Complex Systems Studies’ “Science of Success” workshop, a debate on animal-worthy husbandry (Veterinary Medicine), an exciting tour of the New Evolution Garden (Botanical Gardens) and a discussion initiated by the Centre for Unusual Collaborations on the question of how inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in research relates to the regular system of recognition and appreciation: should it be different? How then?
And more!
Before the summer holidays, anyone can register for the various programme components. Keep an eye on the socials and this website for more information the upcoming periode.
The power of innovation and cooperation aimed at a healthy, sustainable society is at the focus of the third edition of Utrecht Science Week. From Friday 29 September to Sunday 8 October next, the Utrecht Science Park will open its doors wide for students, professionals and all other interested parties to meet and exchange knowledge. Everyone is welcome.
At the Utrecht Science Park, the largest science park in the Netherlands, over 55,000 students and 30,000 employees of renowned knowledge institutions, medical centres and companies work intensively together to develop and apply groundbreaking science and solutions in the fields of healthcare, life sciences and sustainability.
Utrecht Science Week is keen to highlight the relevance and results of this collaboration. For inspiration, to make even more of a difference together. To strengthen and expand existing cooperation and to discover new, promising coalitions and alliances.
In close cooperation with the partners – Hogeschool Utrecht, Utrecht University, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Prinses Máxima Centrum, Genmab, Hubrecht Institute and RIVM – a varied, relevant programme is being developed. From June, anyone can register for the various programme components.
Join in!
With Utrecht Science Week, we celebrate the harvest and opportunities of the rich breeding ground of the Utrecht Science Park. And we plant seeds. For new knowledge and new encounters. Take part and mark the dates in your diary. Follow Utrecht Science Week on the website and via the social media.
Are you looking for a stage for your own project, research or idea? Let us know, mail us at usw@utrechtsciencepark.nl.
February 27, 2023
In the autumn we will once again open our doors wide at Utrecht Science Park: from September 29 to October 8 we organize the third edition of the Utrecht Science Week.
Utrecht Science week is about a big, week-long open house for anyone and everyone who is interested in the state of the art in (applied) science when it comes to sustainability and health. With connections to the future of the city and the region, to the world of the arts, industry, nature, food production, pharmacy and data sciences. Everyone is welcome. The Betweter Festival and the Weekend of Science are also programmed during Utrecht Science Week.
Utrecht Science Week is an initiative of Utrecht Science Park Foundation and is realized in cooperation with a large number of partners at the Utrecht Science Park. The successful combination of education, research and talented entrepreneurs leads to extraordinary results at Utrecht Science Park on a daily basis. During Utrecht Science Week, institutions, research centres and businesses present these results to each other and to a broad public. Central theme: Together towards a healthy, sustainable society.
Over the last year, among others various faculties, the university of applied sciences, the research centres, the Botanic Gardens, UtrechtInc and the Princess Máxima Center received students, (young) professionals and other interested parties from across the Netherlands at 15 different locations. Researchers lent a listening ear at social discussions, spoke about the latest research results and analysed the returns of their research for society at large. Finally, students in secondary vocational education (MBO), higher professional education (HBO) and university education (WO) competed for the grand prize of the Sustainable City Challenge.
Follow the programme development on this site. Starting in June, interested parties will be able to register here for the various programme components.