A diverse programme for a wide range of audiences

For more than a week, Utrecht Science Week brought science and innovation to life through over 30 activities across 25+ locations, including workshops, lectures, panel discussions and guided tours.

The week opened with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Ir. Juliette Legler on the hidden impact of environmental chemicals on human health and the environment. Her message, “Connection always leads to hope,” emphasised the importance of collaboration and scientific knowledge in tackling societal challenges.

Throughout the programme, visitors explored topics ranging from child health, biotech, sustainable food and veterinary medicine to AI in healthcare and climate-resilient water management. Leading knowledge institutions, healthcare organisations and innovative companies opened their doors, showcasing the groundbreaking research and collaborations that make Utrecht Science Park a hub for science and innovation.

Societal and economic impact

Utrecht Science Week highlighted the importance of investing in research, innovation and strong knowledge clusters such as Utrecht Science Park to drive societal progress and strengthen the Netherlands' long-term economic prosperity. In line with the findings of Peter Wennink's report, the life sciences and biotechnology sectors are focusing on talent development, entrepreneurship and innovation to accelerate the development of new medicines, diagnostics and medical technologies. These efforts contribute to better health outcomes, high-skilled employment, a stronger Dutch innovation ecosystem and a more attractive business and investment climate, while strengthening the country's future earning capacity. Strong regional ecosystems such as Utrecht Science Park are essential to achieving these ambitions. 

Red biotechnology and MedTech

Together with the Utrecht Metropolitan Region (MRU), Utrecht Science Park is working to accelerate progress towards these ambitions. The Utrecht region ranks among Europe's leading economic regions, accounts for approximately 12% of the Netherlands' gross domestic product (GDP) and is home to Utrecht Science Park, the largest science park in the Netherlands.

In September 2026, the MRU presented its “Ruimtelijk-Economische Investeringsagenda” (REIA), Utrecht, Heart of Health, to the Dutch national government. Through this public-private agenda, businesses, knowledge institutions and governments demonstrate how investment in health, energy, digitalization and innovation can help address major societal challenges while strengthening the Netherlands' future earning capacity.

The agenda focuses, among other things, on two key areas in which Utrecht Science Park has a strong position: red biotechnology, which drives the development of new therapies and medicines, and MedTech, which advances innovative technologies and applications to help keep healthcare accessible and affordable. 

Powerhouse of the biotech sector

Utrecht Science Park is a unique and valuable ecosystem where universities, hospitals, R&D companies and research institutes work closely together. This enables new ideas and scientific discoveries to be translated rapidly into practical solutions for healthcare and society.

Last year, Utrecht Science Park was described by Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma as the “golden square mile” and by newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad as the “powerhouse of the biotech sector”. These descriptions came in part in response to the multibillion-euro acquisition of biotechnology company Merus by Genmab. To achieve an even greater impact, it is essential to provide stronger support for innovation, foster the creation of more startups and accelerate the development and commercialisation of new products.

For more information about the groundbreaking research and innovation taking place at Utrecht Science Park, visit utrechtsciencepark.nl.