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.
Utrecht Science Week: Art and science unite at the Betweter Festival on 25 September
From 25 September to 4 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be alive with curiosity and exploration during the annual Utrecht Science Week. For over a week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to everyone interested in both applied and fundamental science. In close collaboration with various partners, a diverse programme is put together, with special focus on themes such as sustainability and health.
Record number of children from across the province of Utrecht meet researchers
A morning spent interviewing, pipetting or philosophising with researchers from Utrecht. That’s what 3,400 children from Utrecht did on the morning of Wednesday 1 April during the eleventh edition of Meet the Professor. 280 researchers from Utrecht cycled to primary schools in the city and surrounding area to show the children who they are, what they do and what sparks their curiosity. In pairs, because research is something you do together.
ALS gene discovery forms basis for treatment development
Researchers at UMC Utrecht’s ALS Center have found new genetic abnormalities that play a role in the development of ALS. As a result, the group of patients in whom the cause of the nerve and muscle disease can be pinpointed has grown from 20 to 25 percent. The finding also helps to better understand ALS and may eventually contribute to the development of targeted treatments for some of the patients.
