Working together towards a healthy, sustainable society

People who cycle to work are generally healthier, happier and more productive. More and more employers are encouraging this by offering cyclists a mileage allowance. Research by Nationale Vacaturebank, based on data from sources including the RIVM and IenW, shows that cycling is increasingly being rewarded financially. For example, 33% of collective labour agreements already offer an allowance for cycling less than 5 kilometres. That is 15% more than 5 years ago.The appreciation for cycling is also noticeable at the local level: in many municipalities, residents cycle to work, with the municipality of Utrecht leading the way in the province.‘Encouraging cycling is a win-win,’ says Sharita Boon, director at Nationale Vacaturebank. ‘Employees are healthier and take less time off work, and the environment also benefits.’Utrecht residents cycle to work most oftenNo less than 42.9% of Utrecht residents between the ages of 18 and 65 cycle to work or school. The percentage of residents who choose this sustainable mode of transport is higher than the national average of 37.9%. No other province scores higher. Limburg brings up the rear: here, “only” 38.6% of workers cycle.The municipalities of Utrecht and Houten most often opt for sustainable transportThe number of Utrecht residents who cycle to work or school varies greatly. The municipality of Utrecht tops the list: no less than 52.4% walk or cycle. This healthy habit is also popular in Houten and Bunnik. The top 10 municipalities where this sustainable mode of transport is most often chosen:· Utrecht (municipality): 52.4% cycle to work or school· Houten: 47% cycle to work or school· Bunnik: 45% cycle to work or school· Amersfoort: 42.6% cycle to work or school· De Bilt: 42.3% cycle to work or school· Zeist: 42.2% cycle to work or school· Veenendaal: 42.1% cycle to work or school· Woerden: 40% cycle to work or school· Nieuwegein: 39.5% cycle to work or school· Bunschoten: 39.4% cycle to work or school In Lopik, the proportion of residents who cycle to work or school is 31.1%, the lowest in the whole of Utrecht. In Vijfheerenlanden (31.9%) and De Ronde Venen (32.4%), the percentage of workers who cycle is also relatively low.Rainy year slowed growth in cyclingAfter years of growth, the number of employees cycling to work suddenly declined in 2024. Whereas in 2023, 47% of employees who lived nearby cycled to the office, this figure fell to 38% in 2024.One possible explanation for this is the weather. An analysis of KNMI data shows that the number of rainy working days in 2024 was significantly higher than in 2023. In April, the number of rainy working days was as high as 95%. It is therefore likely that people were more likely to take the car to avoid getting wet.‘The National Travel Survey shows that employees mainly choose their mode of transport based on distance, weather conditions and safety. A workplace close to home is preferred because it saves time on travelling. But the weather can also be a spoilsport. For example, when it rains heavily, we prefer to take the car or public transport,’ says Sharita Boon.

San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Nairobi – these are global cities that Utrecht can now measure itself against since this week. The Domstad has been selected for the World Economic Forum's (WEF) new Pioneering Places Programme. Utrecht is seen as a pioneer in innovative solutions to urban challenges, partly due to its “healthy” Cartesius neighbourhood.The official launch of the one-year Pioneering Places programme took place on 21 October during the Urban Transformation Summit in San Francisco. Michiel Dijkman, director of Economic Board Utrecht, attended on behalf of Utrecht. Economic Board Utrecht is a partnership between businesses, knowledge institutions and government bodies aimed at stimulating the economy in the Utrecht region. CartesiusTogether with Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Medellín (Colombia), Montréal (Canada), Nairobi (Kenya) and San Francisco (United States), Utrecht forms a group of six cities that, according to the WEF, serve as role models. They are at the forefront of solutions to universal urban challenges, such as problems with housing, infrastructure and health. Utrecht was selected as the “Heart of Health” because of the latter theme; the designation given to the region by the Economic Board Utrecht. An important reason for this is the Cartesius district, located around the CAB building near Zuilen station. Construction of the district began in 2021 and is still ongoing, but part of it has been inhabited since 2023.Blue ZonesIt is a “special neighbourhood”, says Onno Dwars, director of area developer Ballast. Not only because it will contain some 3,500 homes on less than 25 hectares, but also because it has a unique goal: residents of Cartesius should be able to live five years longer on average than residents of other neighbourhoods in Utrecht. That mission is being monitored by a ten-year study conducted by UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences.Cartesius is inspired by the so-called Blue Zones: areas where people live longer than average, partly thanks to their lifestyle and environment, such as on the Japanese island of Okinawa or in Sardinia, Italy. Elements from these zones are also being applied in Utrecht, such as facilities for exercise and healthy eating, the presence of animals and a “community manager” who encourages social connection.Utrecht on the international map Partly because of this concept, Utrecht is now eligible to participate in the WEF's Pioneering Places Programme. Over the next twelve months, the participating cities will exchange experiences at international meetings and share their ideas with other cities. But how did a “small city” like Utrecht (by comparison, Nairobi, the largest of the six cities, will be almost thirteen times larger in 2024 with 4.8 million inhabitants) end up on the World Economic Forum's radar? “Utrecht was approached during the summer holidays. The WEF saw many positive developments happening,” says Michiel Dijkman from the United States. According to Dijkman, there are several factors that have put Utrecht on the international map. For example, at the end of 2024, the Overvecht neighbourhood was selected for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, in which researchers from the prestigious Harvard University contribute ideas about the future of young people in the neighbourhood. He also believes that innovative projects such as the car-free Merwedekanaal zone and the close collaboration between government, business and knowledge institutions in Utrecht have made an impression. World Health OrganisationFurthermore, Dijkman explains that the WEF is interested in the fact that the Cartesius mission is also being researched. This means that if the concept works, it can be replicated in other cities.The research was not initially part of the plan, but knowledge institutions involved in Cartesius pointed out that the “five years longer life” claim should be investigated. Professor Roel Vermeulen (Utrecht University) is now leading the research. After a visit by those involved, including Michiel Dijkman, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was so intrigued that Cartesius was selected as one of its ten pilot regions worldwide. The WHO is now also investigating how healthy Cartesius is. ‘All of this has had a snowball effect on our international reputation,’ says Dijkman.What does Utrecht gain from this?An important question is: what does Utrecht itself gain from these international collaborations? ‘First and foremost, recognition, of course,’ says Dijkman. ‘We are putting Utrecht on the map with the image we want: “Heart of Health”.’He also emphasises that Utrecht has been named the most competitive region out of 232 European regions by the European Commission. ‘We have been in the top five for fifteen years, but almost no one knows that we are doing so well. The mayor sometimes says: “Utrecht should be a little less modest”. We are now actively trying to change that by establishing more international contacts.’According to him, international visibility helps to attract European funding, attract knowledge and strengthen the regional economy. 'There are regions that are further ahead economically, but the balance between well-being and prosperity is very good here. That's why we score so high. And if a neighbourhood like Cartesiuswijk really works, we can also sell that concept internationally.'Inspired by other countriesDuring the summit in San Francisco, Dijkman spoke with politicians, including a councillor from Washington DC and the deputy governor of the Argentine province of Buenos Aires. He also participated in panels, discussions and signing ceremonies. ‘It's inspiring, you learn from it, and you take that back with you to Utrecht.’ He also listened to examples from other cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco, which are doing well in the field of circular economy. ‘That could also be interesting for Utrecht.’ The summit lasted until Thursday 23 October, after which Dijkman returned home feeling proud. ‘It's quite special to be mentioned in the same breath as Montréal or San Francisco.’ Now it's a matter of waiting to see what the rest of the year brings. World Economic ForumThe World Economic Forum is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1971 that brings together public and private leaders (including entrepreneurs, politicians and academics) to tackle global challenges. The forum is best known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

FSC puts Wonderwoods in the spotlight for choosing tropical timberThis week, two 2-metre-high bus shelters made of tropical wood were installed at Wonderwoods in Utrecht. This is a thank you from FSC Netherlands to all parties involved in the realisation of Wonderwoods for their contribution to protecting tropical forests by choosing FSC-certified tropical wood for this project. The bus shelters are part of FSC Netherlands' “Hier hout, daar bos” (Wood here, forest there) campaign.Wonderwoods and FSCIn the construction of Wonderwoods, a building with 360 trees and 9,640 shrubs and plants, considerable attention was paid to sustainability. Among other things, 257m³ of FSC-certified tropical wood (Okan) was selected. According to calculations by FSC Netherlands, this will protect more than 500,000 m² of tropical forest in Gabon*. Agreements were made regarding the use of different sizes for the cladding, so that the sawmill could reuse offcuts. This ensured that the wood from the trees was used as efficiently as possible."We notice that people still too often prefer not to use tropical wood precisely in order to protect the tropical forest. But responsible timber harvesting is never the cause of deforestation. Choosing FSC-certified (tropical) wood rewards sustainable forest management. This means there is no financial need to convert the forest into land for agriculture, such as soy plantations, or livestock farming. And so the forest is preserved," says Wyke Smit, director of FSC Netherlands.To increase knowledge and awareness, information kiosks have been placed next to the bus shelters with various QR codes linking to audio clips that allow curious passers-by to learn more about tropical wood, tropical forests and FSC. The audio clips are narrated by researcher Joeri Zwerts, climate optimist Maartje Bregman and Mark Kemna of FSC Netherlands, among others.“With Wonderwoods, winner of the MIPIM Best Mixed Use Project 2025 award, we are keeping future generations in mind. By planting 1 hectare of vertical forest and working with FSC-certified wood, we are consciously choosing to use sustainable materials. It is not without reason that we are future makers. This is also reflected in our materials.” Lars van der Meulen, Director of Sustainability at VolkerWessels.“Wonderwoods sets the tone for new developments in the centre of Utrecht: green, healthy and innovative. The wood used in this sustainable development is, of course, FSC-certified and has been beautifully processed by the architects at MVSA and Boeri. Wonderwoods marks the start of Beurskwartier and shows how we want to densify Utrecht city centre in a sustainable way. Beurskwartier will be a green urban district with varied architecture and a mix of functions, where almost 10,000 people will live and work.” Marjo de Kraker, landscape architect, Utrecht city centre.Wonderwoods is an example of how to make ecological impact tangible. By consciously choosing a Lesser Known Timber Species from an FSC®-certified forest, we reduce the pressure on the most sought-after wood species and ensure that every tree trunk is used to its full potential. Shorter lengths and multiple widths were included so that the absolute minimum amount of wood was lost and recovery remained possible. In combination with Forestlines®, which achieves fire reaction class B-s1,d0 without any pre- or post-treatment, this project shows that smart material choices and intelligent design directly contribute to sustainability and ecological gains." Steven Paulussen, manager of Paulussen Houthandel."At Wonderwoods, we want to show that nature and urban development can go hand in hand. We do this not only by bringing trees and plants back into the city, but also by making responsible choices in the construction of the building. By choosing FSC-certified tropical wood, we are actively contributing to the protection of valuable forests in Gabon," says Joost Compaan, asset manager for residential properties at a.s.r. real estate.Campaign: Wood here, forest thereThe bus shelters at Wonderwoods are part of the multi-year campaign “Wood here, forest there”. With this campaign, FSC Netherlands wants to raise awareness about everyone's influence on protecting (tropical) forests. As part of this campaign, FSC launched an online knowledge platform (www.hierhoutdaarbos.nl) featuring the most frequently asked questions and beliefs about tropical wood, along with the corresponding facts and arguments. FSC's main aim is to increase awareness of our own role in forest protection. By highlighting projects such as Wonderwoods in Utrecht and, previously, the IJboulevard and the WEC, FSC hopes to inspire and motivate other organisations to follow their example.*Calculation made using the Forest Calculation Tool from FSC Netherlands: https://www.nl.fsc.org/nl-nl/newsfeed/bosberekentool-inzicht-in-belang-keuze-tropisch-fsc-hout

Utrecht selected for the new global Pioneering Places ProgrammeThe World Economic Forum has selected Utrecht for its new global Pioneering Places Programme. The official launch of this one-year programme will take place during the World Economic Forum - Urban Transformation Summit in San Francisco.Utrecht, Heart of Health was selected because of its focus on a healthy society with healthy people in a healthy living environment. The impact of the Blue Zones-inspired Cartesius Utrecht neighbourhood, the approach to equal opportunities in the Overvecht neighbourhood and the car-free Merwedekanaalzone neighbourhood are of particular international interest.This includes research into effectiveness by knowledge institutions and companies.The first group of Pioneering Places consists of:·Utrecht (Netherlands): Embedding health-centric design and wellbeing in regional development.· Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Promoting adaptive reuse and sustainable urban renewal.· Medellín (Colombia): Expanding smart water systems and inclusive infrastructure.· Montréal (Canada): Accelerating circularity to strengthen local character.· Nairobi (Kenya): Realising large-scale, community-oriented affordable housing and services.· San Francisco (USA): Promoting climate resilience and waterfront revitalisation. Over the next 12 months, these pioneers will work together to translate global principles into local action. They will do this through shared learning, collaboration and leadership to create better communities.This is a defining moment for the World Economic Forum's Davos Baukultur Alliance, demonstrating how global ambition and local leadership come together to deliver sustainable quality and impact in the places where we live and work.

Biotech: a billion-dollar business. Utrecht Science Park is almost a city in itself.In brief· Genmab acquires biotech company Merus for $8 billion, the largest Dutch deal in the sector ever.· Both companies are located at Utrecht Science Park, which employs over 30,000 people.· Genmab's CEO emphasises the combined strength of companies and knowledge institutions in Utrecht.It is the largest acquisition ever in Dutch biotech: Genmab acquires Merus for $8 billion. Where are these two companies based? In Utrecht. The FD visits the Science Park there. 'Drug development cannot take place in isolation.'Photo: The Genmab building at Utrecht Science Park. (C) Ramon van Flymen for the FD

‘Through collaborations, we make an impact inside and outside the pitch’Whoever thinks of football in Utrecht thinks of FC Utrecht. The club in the heart of the Netherlands is much more than that. In the middle of Utrecht, Heart of Health, the club contributes to a vital and healthy region. “Through our innovation platform FC Utrecht Next, starting companies can try out their innovations in the field of sports, health and exercise. Our stadium and the area around us is one big ‘living lab’.”Within FC Utrecht Next, the club collaborates with knowledge institutions, the government and companies. “We offer start-ups, students and young professionals a stage to debut and grow. With us you can experiment,” says Sonny van Kranenburg, Manager Brand Activation. During The Pitch event, start-ups present their plans. For example, Swappsport introduces people to different sports, Sport-Planner gets people moving, Mr. Fill makes smart litter bins to combat litter worldwide and the Lees Simpel App turns difficult texts into understandable language. “Together we form a coalition that wants to take the next step, the next level. With this initiative, we want to create a leading example in the field of innovation and cooperation.”SportcampusThe cooperation FC Utrecht seeks sets the club apart from other clubs in the region. “Companies that normally work individually work together because we throw up a ball. For example, we work with five top clubs around us in Sportcampus Traiectum on healthy urban living. It is a breeding ground for sports and vitality. There we bring talents, athletes and coaches together, among other things. But we also do research on sports, exercise and vitality.”Positive influence“As a soccer club in Utrecht, Heart of Health, we want to contribute to a more vital and healthy environment,” Van Kranenburg continued. “Through our strong brand, we can have a positive influence. We can reach and connect people. In our stadium, everyone from society comes together.”Meaningful changeUMC Utrecht is also a loyal partner. “Under the banner of ‘Wear that Band,’ we are creating awareness about measuring blood pressure,” says Dr. K. K., who is a member of the group. High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. On several occasions, captains wore a special “Wear that Band!” captain’s band to encourage people to measure their blood pressure annually. Van Kranenburg knows the collaboration makes meaningful change. “It touches me when a tough truck driver tells me he likes to have his blood pressure tested for his club, especially after losing a friend himself. That shows how valuable it is to spread the knowledge of UMC Utrecht.”Social connectionBut the club also has social connection high on its agenda. “As a club at the heart of society, we know how sport can fraternize. At matches, 20,000 people sit here with the same feeling. We don’t know each other, and together we form a unit.” To connect even more people, the club organizes, for example, a big Christmas dinner in Stadion Galgenwaard for lonely Utrechters at Christmas. By celebrating Christmas together they don’t feel alone. That contributes to good social fitness. “A lady of 100 years sends us an e-mail months in advance that she is looking forward to it. Nowadays she brings her friends from the nursing home. Wonderful!”Footballers as role modelsThe association also succeeds in inspiring young people by using soccer players as role models. For example, players explain to children at elementary school the importance of drinking water every day. “In the class where the soccer players drew attention to this, more water was drunk months later than in the class where the teacher talked about this. That’s the power of an athlete as a role model.”Heart of the neighborhoodFurthermore, the club moves into the neighborhood for positive social change. With FC Utrecht in de Wijk, the club embraces an amateur club in the region. “Together we are looking at how the club can become the heart of the neighborhood. A clubhouse where local residents feel comfortable. A place where young people can develop their talents.” Sports events, workshops and educational programs are also part of this project.Building togetherThe mix of sport, knowledge, expertise and network, according to Van Kranenburg, is a powerful tool to make an impact on society, both inside and outside the soccer field. Through all the initiatives, the club hopes to show other places in the world that you can achieve more together than alone. “We really do it as a team, just like with soccer. Alone you go fast, but together you get further. Of course everyone does it in their own way, but together we contribute to the big picture. Together we build a place where we live long in good health, have fun together and leave the region beautiful for future generations.”

Jaarbeurs – world leader in sustainabilityJaarbeurs is the largest Exhibition and Conference venue in the Netherlands, located right in the heart of Utrecht. With four separate conference centres, a theatre and an Exhibition Centre spread over 11 halls covering about 100,000 m², the venue is home to some of world’s most exciting and varied trade fairs, corporate events, meetings, concerts, and festivals.With the 2.3 million guests Jaarbeurs hosts on a yearly basis and a clear focus on sustainability, the positive environmental and societal impact such a large venue can make – and by extension that of the events they host – is significant.A clear strategic visionAs proud and involved residents of the Utrecht region, Jaarbeurs aims to be the most sustainable conference and events venue in Europe. To achieve this vision, the team has set some pretty bold objectives.Even more, the hardworking team is well on its way to achieving these goals thanks to the strategic vision implemented by Chief Sustainability Officer Marloes van den Berg. The strategic plan encompasses various themes including sustainable employment, sustainable business and operations, and social responsibility.Aim to be Climate neutral by 2030Jaarbeurs is set to achieve 50% carbon neutrality by in the next two years. And by 2030, they aim to not just be carbon neutral, but to become climate positive. From zero waste initiatives to cradle-to-cradle design, there is not a single facet of the event industry that the team has not taken into account when it comes to achieving carbon neutrality. Other examples of projects that contribute to their sustainability ambitions are the development of the Jaarbeurs Live App to stimulate digital communications, looking into more efficient visitor flows and logistics and the installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the large venue.In regards to the hospitality side of the business, Jaarbeurs has made a conscious choice to focus on quality. Their menu consists of mainly vegetarian options, and uses locally sourced food that is cooked to order, in order to use fresh produce as efficiently as possible and avoid waste. By introducing a 90% vegetarian-based menu in their restaurants and hospitality packages consisting of at least 80% vegetarian options for conferences, Jaarbeurs has already been able to cut CO2 emissions by 500 tonnes. In addition, a smart waste management system means the team can investigate even better separation of waste flows. A composting machine for kitchen scraps allows them to make their own compost, which, in the future, will be used to grow their own vegetables to complete the circular approach. Jaarbeurs also hopes to open up the use of the composting machine to the citizens of Utrecht in the future, so the whole neighbourhood can enjoy it.Support Local InitiativesJaarbeurs acknowledges its role as an influential partner of Utrecht, to create a place with a focus on healthy urban living. The many local initiatives they support are varied, ranging from donating laptops to fellow Utrecht residents to giving disadvantaged youths the opportunity to intern at Jaarbeurs.Sustainable Trade shows and eventsFinally, Jaarbeurs has made it their mission to accelerate sustainable growth within all key industries and sectors it is active in via trade shows and events (healthcare, education, construction and IT). By actively helping to drive sustainable ambitions, they make sure to give start-ups and scale-ups, with a focus on sustainability, a podium to showcase themselves at trade shows. Furthermore, Jaarbeurs awards companies with the most sustainable products or stands. And the subject of sustainability is always considered when scheduling the keynotes and speakers in the content programmes of its own events.Thanks to their central location right next to the national train station hub, in the heart of Utrecht, it makes sense to promote travel by public transport. Collaborating with local suppliers who are able to combine deliveries to Jaarbeurs and other local organisations is another great way of reducing food miles and keeping emissions down.UFI Sustainable Development AwardSince 2019, Jaarbeurs has been able to save an enormous amount of CO2 through its various sustainability efforts. Solar panels power much of their facilities and they have eliminated the need for paper maps by developing their own smartphone app. Close to 178,000 meals were saved through careful meal planning and local partnerships.Aside from the aforementioned ‘greener menu’, Jaarbeurs has implemented a new way to reduce even more garbage. Thanks to their smart waste bin system, which tracks the amount of green wastage (swirl), they can make smarter purchasing choices are set to save up to 221,763kg of CO2 in 2023 alone. Unsurprisingly, these Food and Food Waste projects have led to Jaarbeurs winning the 2022 UFI Sustainable Development Award for Best Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative.For each event hosted within the Jaarbeurs venue – large and small – they have committed to plant a tree via their partner Trees for All. An average year can see them planting up to 8,800 trees, which equals a further 588,000kg of CO2.This all goes to show that small changes really can have a huge impact. Especially when you welcome 2.3 million visitors a year.

Utrecht in full pursuit of major international conferencesIn the coming years, the Utrecht Congress Alliance public-private partnership will be fully committed to raising Utrecht’s profile as a leading host city and region for major international conferences. The partnership aims to attract conferences aligned with the city and region’s positioning as ‘Utrecht, Heart of Health’. The themes of Life Sciences & Health, New Digital Society and Smart Sustainability will spearhead a multiyear, targeted acquisition strategy.Utrecht Region eager to host more major international conferencesThe targeted acquisition strategy is a breakthrough achievement by the Utrecht Congress Alliance, a partnership that includes the Municipality of Utrecht, the Province of Utrecht, ROM Utrecht Region, HOST (Utrecht hotelier foundation), Utrecht University, Royal Jaarbeurs and Utrecht Marketing with its subdivision Utrecht Convention Bureau. The partners have pledged to work together to strengthen Utrecht Region’s competitive edge in attracting business visitors and major conferences.“Business events and conferences are crucial for Utrecht Region”, says Daniël Kusse, head of Marketing & Communications at Utrecht Marketing. “They boost economic activity, create jobs and are a key component of the knowledge economy.”Kusse adds, “Events and conferences also provide the opportunity to highlight our region’s wider strengths and position Utrecht as the beating heart of a healthy society, in line with ‘Utrecht, Heart of Health’. It’s great to work with an increasing number of partners from various sectors and invest in our shared ambition. For instance, a range of partners from the Utrecht Congress Alliance are attending the IMEX in Frankfurt this week, the leading trade show for the global meetings and events industry.”Utrecht, Heart of HealthRecently named Europe’s most competitive region for the third time, Utrecht Region aims to play a pivotal role in creating a healthy and sustainable society, as reflected in the region’s positioning as ‘Utrecht, Heart of Health’. The targeted, joint acquisition strategy for conferences will further consolidate the region’s profile on a global stage. The key focus is on trade association conferences and industry events like the international WHO European Healthy Cities Network conference, hosted by Utrecht and attended by 350 visitors last November, and the Future Green City World Congress, which is expected to attract more than 4,000 people to the region this September.Global ambitionUtrecht Region has many venues that are eager to accommodate business events and win bids to host international conferences. “The new acquisition strategy ties in seamlessly with our own, which includes a focus on conferences, trade fairs and health and life sciences events”, says Jeroen van Hooff, CEO of Royal Jaarbeurs.Van Hooff continues, “Jaarbeurs received the public award for the best conference venue in the Netherlands for the second year in a row in 2023, thanks to our personalised approach to meeting and event planning and our central location. We’re on a mission to raise Jaarbeurs’ international profile as the premier conference venue in the Netherlands, specialising in health and life sciences. It’s extremely rewarding to work with our Utrecht-based partners to gain greater global recognition for our innovative region.”Since the partnership’s inception, an increasing number of municipalities and partners in Utrecht Region have expressed their desire to help bring business visitors and corporate events to the region.

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.

Over a week full of science and innovation From 26 September to 5 October, a unique glimpse behind the scenes at Utrecht Science Park From Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October, 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 every day to create a healthy, sustainable society, will offer a rich programme of engaging lectures, interactive workshops, guided tours and high-profile interviews during that week. Visitors can now register (free of charge) for the various programme components. Opening by Prof. Dr. Jan van de WinkelUtrecht Science Week kicks off with a special lecture by Prof. Dr. Jan van de Winkel, founder and CEO of Genmab, an international biotechnology company specialising in antibody therapies for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. During this Utrecht Science Lecture on Friday 26 September, he will explore how immunotherapy is revolutionising medicine.Varied programme for various target groupsAfter the weekend, we look forward to a highly varied programme for diverse target groups. There will be lectures, workshops and guided tours for those interested in science and innovation, policymakers, healthcare and sustainability professionals, and families with children.The week offers a unique opportunity to see where and how the science of the future is being shaped. Visitors will have access to normally closed facilities such as the high-tech plant lab NPEC, can take part in guided tours at Utrechtinc and join an expedition to Amelisweerd. In addition, you can be inspired during the Sustainability Day organised by Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and Utrecht University and contribute your ideas about AI in healthcare at UMC Utrecht. Of course, there are also various events for students, such as the Utrecht Science Week Pub Quiz and the final of the Sustainable City Challenge, where students pitch their ideas for making various neighbourhoods in Utrecht more sustainable. We will conclude Utrecht Science Week on Sunday 5 October with an event for younger visitors, as it is Science Weekend. During this national science weekend, visitors can learn about the world of research, technology and innovation in an accessible and interactive way. From conducting experiments in a real laboratory to building robots themselves or discovering how paediatricians and researchers work together on groundbreaking treatments. This year, visitors will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University, the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital (WKZ) and the Princess Máxima Centre, among others. Full programmeBut 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 some have limited capacity, so it is recommended to register soon.

FC Utrecht and UMC Utrecht focus on raising awareness of heart failureFC Utrecht and UMC Utrecht are once again joining forces to raise awareness of heart failure. Over the coming week, the “Take care of your heart” campaign will be drawing attention to heart failure. Together, we are working to make the region healthier.In the Netherlands, 241,900 people suffer from heart failure. In addition, 255,000 Dutch people are unaware that they have heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic condition and is relatively unknown. Only one in five Dutch people are familiar with the symptoms of heart failure. It is often seen as an age-related disease caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. This makes early diagnosis difficult and leads to a lack of understanding for people with heart failure. Linda van Laake, cardiologist and professor of complex heart failure at UMC Utrecht, says:

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.