More than a week full of science and innovation: Utrecht Science Week 2025 programme announced

PRESS RELEASE – 9 July 2025

A unique look behind the scenes at Utrecht Science Park from 26 September to 5 October

From Friday, September 26th to Sunday October 5th, Utrecht Science Park will be transformed into an open house for (applied) science and innovation for everyone. The Netherlands’ largest science park, where 31,000 employees and 55,000 students work daily towards a healthy, sustainable society, offers a rich programme that week with engaging lectures, interactive workshops, tours, and interviews. Visitors can register now (free of charge) for the various events.

Opening by Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel

Utrecht Science Week kicks off with a special lecture by Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel, founder and CEO of Genmab, an international biotechnology company specializing in antibody therapies for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. During this Utrecht Science Lecture on Friday, September 26, he will explore how immunotherapy is revolutionizing medicine.

Varied program for various audiences

After the weekend, we are looking forward to a very varied program for various audiences. There will be lectures, workshops and tours for those interested in science and innovation to policy makers and from healthcare and sustainability professionals to families with children.

The week offers a unique opportunity to see where and how science of the future is being shaped. Visitors will have access to normally closed facilities such as the high-tech plant lab NPEC, can participate in tours at Utrechtinc, and join an expedition to Amelisweerd. You can also get inspired during the Sustainability Day organized by HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Utrecht University and contribute your ideas about AI in healthcare at UMC Utrecht. Of course there are also several events for students, such as the Utrecht Science Week Pubquiz and the final of the Sustainable City Challenge, where students pitch their ideas for making various Utrecht neighborhoods more sustainable.

We will close Utrecht Science Week on Sunday October 5th, with a special event for younger visitors, as it’s the “Weekend van de Wetenschap”. During this national science weekend, visitors can explore the world of research, technology, and innovation in an accessible and interactive way. From conducting experiments in a real laboratory to building robots yourself or discovering how pediatricians and researchers collaborate on groundbreaking treatments. This year, visitors will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ), and the Princess Máxima Center.

Full programme

But there is much more to experience during Utrecht Science Week. Visitors can view the full programme and register here. Except for the Betweterfestival all events are free of charge, but for some there is a limited number of places, so it is recommended to register soon.