Year theme Utrecht University: Healthy Planet
Healthy Planet is Utrecht University’s 2025 theme. Our planet is under pressure, facing complex challenges in areas such as sustainability, health and climate change. Urgent and transformative action is needed. That is why Utrecht University collaborates with numerous partners to develop sustainable solutions that promote the health of both the planet and all living beings.
The Year theme
Researchers and students from Utrecht University share their knowledge so that there is a better understanding of how we are doing. In addition, to know what we can do ourselves for a healthier planet. With a current and relevant annual theme, Utrecht University shows everyone what knowledge is being developed and how it collaborates with external partners. Staff and students from various disciplines make contributions to the annual theme during the year.
Healthy planet
The Healthy Planet theme has three main topics: sustainability, health and climate change.
- Sustainability: the sustainability crisis is a major challenge. The earth is warming, ocean temperatures are rising, and we are using too much of our natural resources. Plants and animals are also disappearing, and air, water and soil are becoming polluted. Tackling these problems requires cooperation. Utrecht University is at the forefront of sustainability. This is reflected in our research, teaching and working methods. Students and staff work together on sustainable projects, for example in living labs. More information.
- Health: To keep the planet liveable, the UU wants to look at health more broadly. It is important not only to treat problems, but above all to tackle the causes. That way, health problems can be better prevented. Innovative research into health and new treatments are being developed. In doing so, Utrecht University works closely with the UMC Utrecht and other (inter)national partners. More information.
- Climate change: climate change has major implications for people and nature worldwide. Scientists at Utrecht University study the climate, the greenhouse effect and human influence on climate change. With this knowledge, UU works on solutions for a sustainable future and a healthy planet. More information.
More on the annual theme
Check out the Healthy Planet annual theme page and find out more about the topics and activities around the theme.
Karin Gerritsen receives grant for kidney-on-a-chip
Nephrologist Karin Gerritsen of UMC Utrecht receives a grant of 1.8 million euros for the research NanoKid from NWO. In this research she is working on an innovative kidney-on-a-chip: a miniature model in which the most important kidney functions are imitated. The ultimate goal is to use this kidney-on-a-chip as a fundamental building block for a bioartificial kidney and improving kidney replacement therapies.
24 organisations join forces for sustainable mobility in Utrecht East
Utrecht East took a step into a new phase of sustainable mobility. On 19 January 2026, 24 major organisations from the Utrecht Science Park and Kantorenpark Rijnsweerd signed a joint commitment to make travel more sustainable, encourage walking and cycling, increase the use of public transport, and structurally reduce peak-hour congestion.
De Pit opens in two weeks at the Educatorium – trial day today (20 January)
In two weeks, on Tuesday 3 February, De Pit will officially open in the Educatorium at Utrecht University. De Pit is an independent, student-run food initiative that originated from the Young Future Food Movement (YFFM). The initiative grew from a simple but powerful idea: everyone on campus deserves delicious, nutritious, and affordable food.
Wennink plan: Life Sciences and biotechnology are important growth drivers for the earning capacity of the Netherlands
The Dutch Life Sciences and biotechnology sector can make a much larger contribution to the Netherlands’ economic strength. This is shown in a new growth strategy presented today as part of Peter Wennink’s advisory report. The report also highlights Utrecht Science Park as one of the key innovation locations and sources of progress and growth.