Leiden Bio Science Park

LAIDEN Fest
2025-09-10 12:30 - 19:00 UTC | Hogeschool Leiden, Zernikedreef 11, Leiden, Zuid Holland, 2333 CK, Netherlands
This event will be in dutch.

Hoe geef je als school, organisatie of gemeente richting aan AI binnen onderwijs en samenleving? Tijdens de workshops verkennen we samen met experts hoe beleid kan inspelen op zowel de kansen als de risico’s van kunstmatige intelligentie.
Het festival biedt een unieke gelegenheid om met collega-professionals én deskundigen het gesprek aan te gaan over de beleidsmatige kant van AI. Denk aan vragen als:

Hoe veranker je AI in een onderwijsvisie zonder bestaande waarden los te laten?
Welke ethische en juridische richtlijnen zijn nodig bij het gebruik van AI-systemen?
Hoe sluit je aan bij landelijke ontwikkelingen en zorg je tegelijk voor lokale wendbaarheid?

Onder begeleiding van o.a. Reny Stark (TeekensKarstens advocaten notarissen), expert in juridische en ethische aspecten van AI, en Marieke van Osch, initiatiefnemer en ontwikkelaar van de Eduapp, werk je aan de bouwstenen van een doordacht en contextgericht AI-beleid. Hun kennis biedt concrete handvatten voor scholen, instellingen en gemeenten die nu willen anticiperen op wat komen gaat.
Het thema beleid is daarmee dé plek voor bestuurders, beleidsadviseurs en innovatieprofessionals om richting te geven aan verantwoord en toekomstbestendig AI-gebruik, in nauwe verbinding met wetenschap, technologie en de samenleving.
Wil je meer weten? Bezoek de website!

LIMES Academy – International social security
2025-09-11 13:30 - 17:00 | Limes International, Voorschoterweg 23G, Valkenburg (ZH), 2235 SE, Netherlands
In international employment, social security plays an important, often underestimated role. Where is the employee socially insured? Is it possible to continue social security in the country of origin? What formalities need to be completed? What happens if the employee needs medical care during the employment abroad? Does AOW accrual continue when working abroad? In short, are your employees still correctly socially insured when working abroad? During this seminar, Jaap uses practical examples to explain what you can or should do in which situation.
Speaker during this seminar
Jaap Spierenburg | LIMES international
Interested in this seminar? Please register here or go to the website with the button below.
To attend this session, please register in advance.

Leiden Essay Film Festival
2025-09-14 14:00 - 2025-09-16 23:30 | Museum De Lakenhal, Oude Singel 32, Leiden, South-Holland, 2312RA
14-15-16 september 2025
One month to go!
On 14 September, the Leiden Essay Film Festival will kick off. This three-day festival marks a first for the Netherlands. Never before has there been a public event entirely dedicated to the exceptional genre of the essay film. The festival will take place until 16 September in the Kijkhuis and Museum De Lakenhal.More than 40 essay films – features and shorts – from more than 20 countries across the world will be shown at leff. The selection includes recent works by young and emerging filmmakers, as well as prominent classics by filmmakers such as Chris Marker, Chantal Akerman, Harun Farocki, and Johan van der Keuken.
What is an essay film?
It is an adventurous and inquisitive film genre practiced by both artists and scholars. The filmmakers are guided by their personal curiosity to explore phenomena and events, reporting on them in a reflective, often idiosyncratic manner.The term essay film was coined by artist Hans Richter, who described the genre in 1940 as a new form of documentary filmmaking. The first essay films primarily tackled anthropological and political themes. They quickly transcended disciplinary boundaries, blending fact with fiction and taking on a poetic as well as experimental character.That experimental spirit remains at the heart of the genre today: essayistic filmmakers try to understand the world better through a reflective research process, often questioning their own perspectives along the way.
Festive Opening
The festival opens with a lecture by film scholar Laura Rascaroli and a screening of the film Undead Voices by Maria Iorio and Raphaël Cuomo. Rascaroli is known for books such as The Personal Camera and How the Essay Film Thinks. In her lecture, she will explain the essay film genre through excerpts from various films.
The opening takes place on Sunday 14 September at 2pm in Museum De Lakenhal.
Kijkhuis
The films shown at Cinema Kijkhuis on the following days – Monday 15 September, and Tuesday 16 September – are rarely or never seen in the Netherlands. Most are recent productions and address pressing contemporary themes such as globalization, migration, war, destruction, and political power.There will be curated theme blocks, for instance on listening, the city of Hong Kong, and the representation of factory workers – featuring films that take the “first film ever” by the Lumière brothers, showing workers leaving a factory, as a starting point.
At most screenings, filmmakers or guest speakers will be present to engage with the audience. Thanks to their reflective and independent nature, essay films offer rich ground for critical reflection and exchange. Many screenings will be framed by introductions and followed by a conversation or discussion.
Programme and tickets
The full leff programme will be announced on 22 August. From that date, tickets will also be available for purchase.

Regular ticket: €10
Reduced rate: €8
Festival pass: €60
Reduced festival pass: €45
Cineville pass accepted

For more information, visit the website: leidenessayfilmfestival.com

Days of Art&Science
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-21 | Leiden
From 15 to 21 September, Leiden will host Days of Art & Science: a one-week festival where creativity and research meet. The programme features exhibitions, workshops, debates, performances and more: from sensory sound installations (Wavelength) to the inspiring Brave Young Minds festival for kids and the magical Night of Discoveries.
Whether you are a student, researcher, artist or simply curious, Days of Art & Science offers countless ways to experience how imagination and innovation go hand in hand.

Leiden Hosts Days of Art & Science 2025
2025-09-15 08:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00
From 15 to 21 September 2025, Leiden will once again become the stage for the Days of Art & Science, a citywide festival connecting the worlds of research, technology, and creativity. Across multiple venues, the program invites scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and families to explore how collaboration between art and science can inspire new ideas for the future.
The week features a range of flagship events. The Brave New World Conference gathers international thought leaders, including Haroon Sheikh and Payal Arora, to examine how optimism can be sustained in a time of climate crises, technological disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty. On Saturday night, the Night of Discoveries transforms Leiden into an open campus of imagination, with more than 100 performances and installations across ten locations, from AI bingo and interactive fashion to music, theater, and scientific experiments.
For younger generations, Brave Young Minds at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave offers children a hands-on introduction to science, sparking curiosity with questions such as how to make a cloud or why biodiversity matters. The Beyond the Canvas Symposium in Museum De Lakenhal brings together international experts to discuss how art and science can reinforce each other, while Wavelength at pop venue De Nobel explores the power of sound and music on the brain, body, and emotions.
A series of specials and exhibitions completes the program. Highlights include Wanda Tuerlinckx’s Android Portraits, the debate The Age of Deception with the European Parliament on disinformation, and the premiere of the Leiden Essay Festival. Further sessions address pressing topics such as the ethics of food in the Studium Generale Special: The Future of Meat, and the role of science in art conservation at the Science Café with Rijksmuseum’s Katrien Keune.
With its blend of academic insight, cultural expression, and public engagement, Days of Art & Science strengthens Leiden’s position as a leading city for life sciences and innovation.
For the full program, visit www.daysofartandscience.nl.

Symposium Beyond tradition - LUMC
2025-09-16 09:00 - 17:00 | LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
Beyond tradition – Research and the shift towards responsible, animal-free innovations 2025
To highlight the transition towards animal free research and showcase ongoing efforts in alternative testing methods, a symposium will be organized at the LUMC. The event aims to raise awareness, facilitate discussion, and provide insights into existing non-animal research approaches within the Leiden community.
We cordially invite you to join this event. Please use the link below for your registration and register before 15th August 2025.
What? Symposium Beyond Animal Tradition 2025
Where? LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden > Lecture Hall 5, Building 1
When? Tuesday September 16th 2025
Time? From 9.30 to 17.00 o’clock

The Single-Use Event
2025-09-16 09:00 - 18:00 | Corpus Congress Centre, Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest, 2342 BH
At the Single-Use Event 2025 suppliers and users meet at the ultimate networking event in the world of bioprocessing, biotechnology and (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Single-Use Event focusses on the technological and product developments in these three areas: Continuous Bioprocessing, Cell Culture Systems & Microbial Systems.
The visitors come to the event to orientate themselves on new products, to network and to attend the speakers program. Among the visitors are (bio)process technologists, (bio)pharmaceutical scientists, (bio)chemists, life scientists, biotechnologists, process engineers and process managers.

The power of the Single-Use Event is the combination of table-top presentations with high-quality products and the many interesting speakers. Speakers from the industry and the academic world are there to talk to visitors about the latest developments in this market.
You are welcome to view, discuss and test new products, to network and to attend the speakers program. The meeting will be concluded with a networking event, including drinks and snacks.
Do you want to know more about the program? Please visit the link below!

TechTalk: Quantum - September 2025
2025-09-16 15:00 - 18:30 | Biopartner building 5, De Limes 7, Oegstgeest, 2342DH
TechTalk on Quantum in Life Sciences & Health
Join us for an inspiring afternoon at the intersection of quantum technology and real-world applications in Life Sciences & Health. This special edition of TechTalk takes place at Biopartner Leiden, home of the new quantum-tech incubator House of Quantum Leiden.
We will feature six leading experts from Leiden Bio Science Park and beyond, each delivering a short, powerful talk of 10 minutes. The sessions will explore:

Innovations in quantum hardware, including stacks, cooling systems, and chips

Practical applications of quantum in Life Sciences & Health

Real-life use cases where quantum may help solve complex scientific challenges

After the talks, we’ll walk or cycle together to Biopartner 4 for an exclusive guided tour of the new House of Quantum facilities, followed by networking with drinks and bites.
Who should join?Do you work with quantum technology? Are you curious about its capabilities? Do you have ideas for applying quantum to challenges in life sciences and health? This event is open to scientists, entrepreneurs, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the impact of quantum innovations in this sector.
Speakers (partial line-up)
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Reza Taheri – QT SenseQT Sense is showing that quantum sensing is no longer a future promise; it’s already transforming biotech and life sciences. Their platform uses nanodiamond relaxometry, powered by NV-center magnetometry, to detect oxidative stress at the subcellular level in real time, providing unprecedented insight into disease mechanisms and mechanisms of action directly inside living cells. Seyed, CTO of QT Sense, is an experimental physicist with over a decade of experience in optical microscopy and nanostructured materials. He will discuss how quantum sensing can bridge the gap between research and clinical applications, and the collaborations needed to scale its impact.
Quantamap – Daan Boltje
QuantaMap develops cutting-edge tools for metrology and defect inspection for quantum chips and other quantum hardware.One of the major road-blocks of quantum computing, QuantaMap concluded, is that when chips do not work as well as they should (they often don’t), there is no way to find out which component failed, and how to improve the production processes. So, they build a microscope, based on IP-protected SQUID-on-tip technology, that will solve this and help enable the quantum revolution. The QuantaMap team is motivated to solve hard problems that do not have solutions yet. They create technology with major impact on the quantum industry, that will also have applications in different fields in science and emerging technology.
Limor BH Epstein – She-RAM Tech Ventures
With over 15 years of experience in life sciences and digital health, Limor BH Epstein is a health-tech entrepreneur, researcher, and investor. As founding mother of SHE-RAM Tech Ventures, she has launched ventures pioneering data-driven evidence, patient-centric precision medicine, and models for patient-owned data. At Tilburg University, her research delves into AI and medical language processing to better capture patient-reported experiences. Today, she investigates decentralized health-data models and how quantum computing can shift healthcare from reactive to personal, predictive, and proactive, empowering patients while accelerating scientific discovery.
Patrick O’Brien – Leiden CryogenicsFor 30 years, Leiden Cryogenics has been at the forefront of extreme low temperature techniques. Their CF-CS110 dilution refrigerator, which cools to less than 10 mK above absolute zero using a mixture of helium isotopes, is a crucial tool for protecting fragile quantum states from environmental noise. Each system is fully customisable with a wide range of measurement options and delivered wired and ready for experiments. Patrick will share insights into how ultra-low temperature technology underpins advances in quantum hardware.
Rick Overkleeft – Primo Medda
Primo Medda specializes in decentralized precision therapy through mobile pharmacogenetic testing and 3D-printing of medication in rural and disaster areas. Although pharmacogenetics is a first solid step in personalized medicine and precision therapy there are many more, sometimes yet unknown, variables. Rick will present Primo Medda and how they are interested in researching how quantum can play a role in researching the key variables that can help further increase the precision in precision therapy.
Programme
15:00 – Doors open at Biopartner 515:30 – Start programme15:40 – 16:10 – First round of experts16:10 – 16:30 – Break16:30 – 17:00 – Second round of experts17:00 – 17:15 – Walk or cycle to Biopartner 4 – House of Quantum17:15 – 18:15 – House of Quantum tour, with drinks and bites

From Data to Discovery: Automated imaging in 3D Disease Models
2025-09-18 13:00 - 18:00 | The Accelerator, Uppsalalaan 17, Utrecht, 3584 CT
oin us in Utrecht on September 18th to learn more, From Data to Discovery: Automated Imaging in 3D Disease Models, hosted at Kadans. Explore the latest advancements and real-world applications in automated high-content imaging and analysis, with insightful talks by industry leaders Genmab and Crown Bioscience.
Gain valuable perspectives from academic experts at Utrecht University and Leiden University as they share their experience in cutting-edge 3D disease model research and automation workflows.
Whether you’re looking to optimize your imaging pipeline, stay ahead in drug discovery, or connect with peers, this event provides an unique opportunity to learn, network, and spark new ideas.
The ECLIPSE Ji with AX NSPARC will be available for hands-on demonstrations between the 8th to the 19th of September, so you will have to opportunity to test the device yourself.
Register now to secure your spot!

Life Sciences Café - September 2025
2025-09-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Grand Cafe de Stal, Darwinweg 1, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 CR, Netherlands
Every third Thursday of the month, our Life Sciences Café occurs at Grand Café De Stal. In this event, entrepreneurs, education, research, government, and the community come together, focusing on Life Science & Health, networking, and forming new connections.
It’s a wonderful mix of people who have been active for years at the Leiden Bio Science Park, individuals from the Life Science & Health ecosystem, and a place where students and young startups feel welcome and at home.
With brief updates from the Leiden Bio Science Park and short pitches from startups in our ecosystem, there’s plenty of opportunity to make new contacts and strengthen old ties. We sincerely hope to see you here regularly and to inspire you!
(Partial) line up:

Vindi Biosystems – Jolke Beijnvoort
Opal Lighting – Florian Schimmel
ImmunoWars – Rafael Jezior

Please register by following the button below!
Are you a start-up and interested in pitching? Reach out to us at events@leidenbiosciencepark.nl

Lecture: Cultivated meat, artificial meat & meat art
2025-09-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Café Caat (Café Leidse Schouwburg-Stadsgehoorzaal)
On 18 September, Studium Generale Leiden University organizes a Dutch-language lecture at Café Caat during Days of Art & Science.
Daan Luining, co-founder and CIO of Meatable, will discuss how cultivated meat is developed, from a small animal cell sample to a product with the taste and texture of conventional meat, but without animal suffering or the environmental burden of traditional livestock farming.
Artist and bio-art researcher Lotte Pet will share how her work explores the boundaries between body, technology, and imagination, raising questions about how we view new biological forms created from cells, tissues, and organs.
Photo source: Meatable
More information & registration follow the link below:

Netherlands Biotechnology Congress
2025-09-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Omnia, Hoge Steeg 2, Wageningen, Gelderland, 6708 PH
We look forward to a next edition of the Netherlands Biotechnology Congress on Tuesday 23 September 2025, where we will present again a great programme and assemble all biotech experts in the Netherlands at Omnia Congress Centre in Wageningen.
We are proud to announce NBC-25’s keynote speakers:

Marcel Wubbolts, Chief Technology Officer at Vivici
Caroline Paul, Associate professor at TU Delft, winner of the 2024 KNCV Golden Medal.
Eva-Karin Gidlund, Chief Alliance & Innovation Officer and Deputy CEO at NorthX Biologics

More info about the programme and registration will be shared soon. Stay up to date by visiting the website below!

Research Data Day: Building Connections and Finding Support
2025-09-23 10:00 - 18:00 | LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
The LUMC Research Data Competence Center (LUMC-DCC) invites all employees from the LUMC and from the region who work with or support research data to the annual Research Data Day: Building Connections and Finding Support. Whether you are a junior or experienced researcher or data steward, either working hands-on with data or providing support for any aspect of research and data, this day is for you.
The day kicks off with a market where you can find research tools, services and groups that are available in the LUMC. After the market you can take part in three rounds of interesting and interactive sessions where data-experts share their knowledge, showcase projects, and exchange ideas. We close the day with a networking event in De Stal, where you can discuss your insights and connect with peers and experts.
Interested? Visit the website below!

BioPartner Lunch & Learn: Level up your Workday
2025-09-23 11:45 - 13:00 | Biopartner building 1, JH Oortweg 21, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 CH, Netherlands
Every month, BioPartner hosts a Lunch & Learn session: We provide lunch and an expert speaker, and you’ll learn about a topic of interest!
On September 23rd: Level Up Your Workday; Gamification for increased effectivity – and fun
Are you looking for smarter, more engaging ways to work? Curious to find out how you can boost your effectiveness on the job, while stimulating your creative brain?
Whether you’re a lab technicican from time to time getting tired of routine protocols, a business developer navigating networking fatigue at conferences, or an (AI-)developer needing a fresh spark, this interactive Lunch & Learn is designed for you.
Join us for an inspiring session where we’ll explore how gamification – the use of game-thinking in non-game contexts – can help you:

Break the monotony of repetitive tasks;
Get the most value out of conferences and events;
Boost creativity in problem-solving;
Make your workday more interactive, collaborative, and yes, fun!

Packed with real-world use cases from life sciences and health, this session will offer concrete strategies and bite-sized methods you can immediately apply – no game design skills required. Session by Rafaël Jezior, (amongst others) Founder & CEO of the boardgame Immunowars!
Do you have your own specific use case or struggle you would like us to gamify in this session? Please send an e-mail to rafael@immunowars.com with details.
Registration is free. Bring your appetite and curiosity.
Lunch is on us. Innovation is up to you.

Lunch & Learn
2025-09-23 12:00 - 12:45 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
Save the date!
Op 23 september organiseert PLNT-partner TeekensKarstens Advocaten (TK) de Lunch & Learn. In een half uur bespreken zij actuele juridische onderwerpen voor startups en geven ze je praktische tips waar je op moet letten in de beginfase van je startup-avontuur.
De onderwerpen die zij zullen bespreken zijn intellectueel eigendom, privacy, bedrijfsstructuren en arbeidsrecht. Hierna is er voldoende ruimte om vragen te stellen en te genieten van een heerlijke gratis lunch.

The CGT Circle: Leiden
2025-09-24 15:30 - 19:30 | Mirai House, Sylviusweg 62, Leiden, Zuid Holland, 2333 BE, Netherlands
The CGT Circle returns to Leiden on September 24, 2025
NecstGen is excited to invite you to another CGT Circle event at Mirai House in Leiden. This event is a unique opportunity to learn from women in Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.
Join us from 15:30 onwards for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to empowering women in the field of Cell & Gene Therapy. With insightful presentations, a training session, and networking drinks, this event offers a fantastic chance to network with like-minded women of all career stages.
Registration is now open. We invite you to sign up via the link below and join us on Wednesday, September 24 at NecstGen in Leiden.
Program:
15:30 – Arrival & Registrations
16:00 – Speaker Programme

Prof. Mirjam Heemskerk — LUMC
The Long Road of Perseverance: Achieving Effective Cellular Therapies
Dr. Rocio Sancho — King’s College London
Owning the Journey: Courage, Curiosity, and Career
Alicia Venter — WMDA
Bake-Offs, Burnout, and Bone Marrow: Lessons from an Unexpected Career
Christine Mitchell — ChrisalisQAdvice
The Genetic Code of Quality: Sequencing for Success

17:15 – Interactive Training by Marleen Stuart
“She Thrives: Navigating Health and Stress with Strength”
18:00 – Networking
17:15 – Interactive Training by Marleen Stuart
“She Thrives: Navigating Health and Stress with Strength”
18:00 – Networking
Register here

PEPtalk | "Fasten your seatbelts!" Flying proteins to better understand disease processes
2025-09-25 00:30 - 00:50 | LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
The language of this event is Dutch
Proteins determine the processes and structure of a cell. Our DNA largely contains the information about what proteins look like. However, there are also important modifications to proteins that cannot be read directly from DNA.
In many disease processes, disturbances in proteins play a crucial role. At LUMC, we have a research facility, the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM), that studies this using a technique in which proteins are made to “fly.”
Paul Hensbergen from the CPM will take us along on this flight and, through examples, show how flight information is used to better understand disease processes.

Live Webinar: Empowering Drug Screening and Mechanism Studies with TR-FRET
2025-09-25 09:00 - 10:00 | online
This webinar will introduce TR-FRET (Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer)—an advanced detection technology designed to address these challenges. With its high-throughput, high sensitivity, and homogeneous, no-wash format, TR-FRET can be used for high-throughput screening, functional evaluation and mechanism studies of many drugs.

LinkedIn Lab: Optimizing Your Sales Process Using ChatGPT
2025-09-25 15:00 - 17:00 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
Date: September 25, 2025
Time: 15:00–17:00 CEST
Location: PLNT Leiden
Audience: Marketing and BD professionals in Life Sciences
Cost: Free (15 seats available)
As budgets tighten and expectations rise, business development and marketing professionals in life sciences are expected to deliver more with fewer resources and less time. LinkedIn remains one of the most effective channels for building visibility and trust; however, creating consistent, relevant messaging remains a challenge for most teams.
This workshop is for professionals who want to integrate ChatGPT practically into their workflow. We will demonstrate how to utilize it to support key sales and marketing tasks on LinkedIn, from crafting more effective prospect lists and messaging to evaluating performance and refining positioning.
Less fluff, more leads. Less rewriting, more results.
What You’ll Work On
In 2 hours, we’ll guide you through focused exercises to apply directly to your sales and marketing flow:

Content Personalization & Framing – Adapt the same message for different audiences, tones, or formats

Profile Positioning – Matching your personal and company profile with your value proposition

Analytics & Performance Review – Analyze past LinkedIn posts to identify what works and why

Commenting & Engagement – Generate thoughtful comments to increase visibility and interaction

Lead Nurturing & Messaging – Draft and refine outreach messages and follow-ups that get replies

Company List Qualification – Upload lists of companies and let ChatGPT identify and prioritize top-fit leads

Profile–Value Proposition Fit Check – Upload your LinkedIn profile PDF and ask ChatGPT whether it clearly reflects what you offer and to whom

You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately and the confidence to use ChatGPT to sharpen your work. We look forward to welcoming you to the session and growing a community of life sciences professionals who approach LinkedIn with clarity, intent, and a bit of creativity.

LED3: Bacterial RNA targeting
2025-09-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Gorleaus Building, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden
LED3 lecture, September 25th
Willem Velema – Targeting bacterial RNA
Willem Velema is an Assistant Professor of Physical Organic Chemistry at Radboud University. Trained with Nobel laureate Ben Feringa and later with Eric Kool, he develops chemical tools to study nucleic acids, with a focus on RNA structure and function. His group designs molecular probes to reveal how RNA works inside cells, and lately he has been delving into probing RNA inhibition as a route toward developing novel antibacterials.

Leiden AI Community Meetup: AI in Life Sciences
2025-09-25 16:30 - 18:30 | Rapenburg 8, Rapenburg 8, Leiden, South-Holland
Whether you’re a researcher, data scientist, startup founder, or simply curious about how AI is shaping the furture of healthcare and biotech, you’re welcome to join us for an evening of learning, discussion, and networking.
17:00 – Talk 1: PERISCOPE – The Journey from Clinical Problem to Technical Implementation
Laurens Schinkelshoek – Data Scientist at **Healthplus.ai**
With a background in physics, Laurens works on developing AI models to predict postoperative complications using real-world patient data.
Siri van der Meijden – Head of Clinical Affairs at **Healthplus.ai**
Siri holds a PhD in AI for perioperative and critical care from Leiden University Medical Center and has a background in Technical Medicine.
Together, they will share the story of PERISCOPE – from identifying a pressing clinical need to building a technical AI solution with real-world impact.
17:30 – Talk 2: HealthcareNLP – Where we are and what’s next?
Dr. Lifeng Han is currently a researcher at the 4D Picture Project. Prior to these, he finished his PhD thesis “An investigation into multi-word expressions in machine translation” from ADAPT centre, DCU, Ireland. His publications mainly focused on HealthcareNLP in the past three years. He has 50+ peer-reviewed publications, including journal articles and NLP conference papers.
This talk focuses on the Healthcare Domain Applications of Natural Language Processing (NLP), what we have achieved around HealthcareNLP and what are the current challenges and the next steps.
18:00 – Talk 3: TNO on AI in health
Sadegh Shahmohammadi – Dr. Sadegh Shahmohammadi is a Senior Data Scientist at TNO, renowned for leading projects with a profound focus on artificial intelligence.
This talk will highlight how AI is being used at TNO to improve healthcare, from better diagnostics to smarter treatment support, how applied research is turning innovative ideas into solutions that make a difference for patients and professionals alike.
18:30 – 20:00 – Drinks, snacks, and good conversation

Free & open to the community

Join us to connect, share ideas, and explore the real-world applications of AI in the life sciences!

BaseClear Hosts 8th Expert Meeting on Microbial Strain Safety
2025-09-26 10:00 - 17:00 | BaseClear HQ, Sylviusweg 74, Leiden, 2333BE, Netherlands
On 26 September 2025, BaseClear will host the 8th edition of its Expert Meeting series, bringing together microbiologists, regulatory specialists, and quality professionals for a focused discussion on microbial strain safety. The event takes place at BaseClear HQ in Leiden and is open to participants from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies.
This year’s programme dives into key topics such as risk assessment for microbial strains, regulatory expectations for safety dossiers, and practical considerations for strain selection in biotech applications. The sessions are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging open exchange between participants and speakers. Past editions have drawn specialists from food, pharma, cosmetics, and synthetic biology sectors.
The microbial strain safety meeting is part of BaseClear’s broader mission to support safe, science-based innovation in microbial technologies. With the growing use of engineered strains in therapeutics and consumer products, clear guidelines and expert dialogue are more critical than ever.
Seats are limited to ensure meaningful discussion. If your team works with microbial products, this is a unique opportunity to align science, safety, and regulation.
Register now to secure your place and contribute to the discussion.

Festival of Biologics Basel 2025
2025-09-30 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00 | Messe und Congress Center Basel, Messepl. 21, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
The Festival of Biologics Basel is Europe’s largest biologics conference and exhibition. The event is for the leaders of the world’s biologic drug developers and their most senior executives in charge of the latest tech and strategies that are driving the industry forward. Join us in Basel for 2025!
🎫 Hollandbio members receive a 20% discount on tickets!
For more information about the event, please visit the website.

Weekend van de Wetenschap (Weekend of Science)
2025-10-04 - 2025-10-05
The Weekend of Science is the national festival that opens the doors to science and technology for everyone. Each year on the first weekend of October, organizations across the Netherlands invite visitors to take a unique look behind the scenes. In 2025, the Weekend of Science takes place on 4 and 5 October.
During these two days, visitors can discover what normally remains hidden from the public. They can meet scientists, see restorers at work in museums, and take part in experiments in laboratories. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of science and technology in an accessible and hands-on way.
The full programme of the Weekend of Science 2025 will be published on 19 September on the official website. Until then, a first preview of activities is already available online.
The Weekend of Science is suitable for all ages, with a special focus on families with children aged 8 to 14. From interactive experiments to inspiring demonstrations, everyone can explore and enjoy the wonders of science and technology.
For more information, visit: www.weekendvandewetenschap.nl

Food Tech Congress in Barcelona
2025-10-05 08:00 - 2025-10-06 17:00 | World Trade Center Barcelona, 1ª planta Edif. Este, Moll de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Food Tech Congress is heading to Barcelona on November 5-6, 2025. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget as Food Tech Congress takes on one of Europe’s most dynamic food capitals. Food Tech Congress 2025 unites 1000+ global innovators, investors, and industry leaders to address key food system challenges and explore groundbreaking solutions. Join this two-day event for curated networking, startup showcases, and expert panels on most relevant industry insights.
📆 November 5-6, 2025
📍 World Trade Center Barcelona, Spain
🎫 hollandbio members receive an exclusive 20% discount on tickets. Use the button on the top right to request the discount code.
For more information, please visit the website.

PhD or CEO? Global Virtual Activator Info Session
2025-10-06 17:00 - 19:00 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
PhD or CEO? Could your research take the next step? – Leiden Edition
After a successful info session in Utrecht last week, we’re back in Leiden with an event you won’t want to miss.
Nucleate Netherlands is hosting an event to inspire academic trainees interested in biotech entrepreneurship. We’re recruiting for the 2026 cohort of the Global Virtual Activator, Nucleate‘s flagship program that empowers trainees to transform their research into successful life science ventures. Whether you already have an idea or simply want to contribute your skills, the Activator offers hands-on workshops and mentorship to help you take the first steps from science to startup.
We’ll close with networking with peers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners. RSVP now – spots are limited!
As a student-led association, we are always welcoming new members – feel free to reach out to netherlands@nucleate.org
For more info! Check out our website: https://nucleate.org/
You can register at the button below!

The Dutch Medicines Days
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-09 | Corpus Congress Centre, Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest, 2342 BH
The Dutch Medicines Days bring together professionals who are involved in pharmaceutical sciences in order to exchange the latest scientific results, experiences, and information and to build and strengthen collaboration at regional and international level.
The Dutch Medicines Days is the conference where partners from industry, scientific and professional associations, universities, business and government can present their findings, share new scientific content and strengthen their network.
The programme of the DMD offers inspiring presentations and lectures that give you insights into the future of drug development and health care applications. Do you want to know more about the program? Please visit the link below!
The next edition will take place on 8-9 October 2025 at CORPUS Congress Centre in Leiden, organised by FIGON & British Pharmacological Society.

4th Learn & Connect Seminar
2025-10-08 09:00 - 19:00 | Biopartner center Leiden, J.H. Oortweg 21, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 CH, Netherlands
We are excited to invite you to the 4th Learn & Connect Seminar, taking place on October 8, 2025, at the Biopartner Center in Leiden, from 9:00 to 19:00.
This full-day seminar offers a valuable platform for professionals, researchers, and innovators to engage in open, science-driven discussions focused on the future of bioprocessing. With minimal commercial influence, the event encourages meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas that drive progress in the field.
In this edition of the Learn & Connect seminar, we are excited to collaborate with the Biotech Training Facility (BTF) in Leiden. As part of the program, attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art BTF facility, where they will receive a live demonstration of our cutting-edge automation and digitalization solutions. This hands-on experience offers valuable insights into how our technologies can enhance efficiency and innovation in biotech operations, making it an unmissable event for professionals eager to stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
In addition, we will spotlight the transformative role of digital technologies, advanced modeling, data analytics, automation, as well as analytical devices and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) solutions in modern upstream bioprocessing. Together, these tools are redefining how we approach process development, monitoring, and control.
Through a series of expert presentations, hands-on workshop interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights into how these cutting-edge approaches are advancing biomanufacturing and paving the way for more agile, data-driven production systems. Whether you’re deeply involved in bioprocessing or looking to stay ahead of the curve, this seminar offers the perfect setting to learn, connect, and innovate.
If you’re interested, please complete the registration form and save the date in your calendar. The program is currently being finalized, and we will update you soon via email with the full agenda and details of our guest speaker’s topics.

Do you want to know more about the program? Please visit the link below!

Praat Nederlands Day
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00
Praat Nederlands Day is for everyone who is ready to pick up the challenge. We invite all residents of the Leiden region to join us: whether you were born here or somewhere else in the world, whether you have been living in the region for years or just a month. Can you speak Dutch for the whole day? Or how many Dutch language learners can you support in a single day? Invite your international and Dutch friends, colleagues, and family to join the challenge and check out the programme!
Praat Nederlands Day 9th October 2025
Praat Nederlands Day is a new initiative by Leiden International Centre, in collaboration with Gemeente Leiden, to promote the learning of Dutch language among international residents of the Leiden region. We appreciate your cooperation in promoting this event.
Who is Praat Nederlands Day for?
Praat Nederlands Day targets internationals of all backgrounds (highly-skilled professionals, labour migrants, families, or students), as well as their employers, local Dutch residents, and across the whole Leiden region.
Why do people join Praat Nederlands Day?

Challenge themselves to speak in Dutch
Practice Dutch in safe every-day environments
Help internationals in their community to practice Dutch
Learn about language learning
Encounter other language learners

Leiden International Film Festival
2025-10-09 08:00 - 2025-10-19 17:00
11 days of premieres, special screenings, parties, and more: that’s the Leiden International Film Festival. Founded in 2006, it has now grown into one of the most important festivals in the Netherlands. The 20th edition of LIFF will take place from October 9 to October 19, 2025. Once again, you can look forward to films from all over the world, ranging from arthouse gems to blockbusters, and everything in between.
For twenty years, the Leiden International Film Festival has been showcasing a wonderful selection of films that, if we may say so ourselves, are all worth discovering. Premieres of hidden gems that no one knows yet, indies we’ll be talking about for years to come, and award-winning crowd-pleasers from major international festivals.
The 20th edition of LIFF once again focuses on the three pillars that have made the festival what it is today, each with its own competition:

Independent (independent films, American Indie Competition)

Emerging (the filmmakers of the future, First Feature Competition)

Extraordinary (beyond extraordinary, Bonkers! Competition)

That’s LIFF: presenting the best films (first) in the Netherlands—and doing so without making things overly complicated.
Science Saturaday: Dark Waters
In Dark Waters, a lawyer uncovers the disturbing truth behind a series of unexplained deaths and the involvement of a powerful corporation. With an introduction by Tamara Meijer from Toxys. Toxys is a biotechnology company focused on developing and conducting animal-free toxicity tests to assess the safety of new medicines and chemical substances. Tamara works as a scientist on the development of innovative lab tests that identify harmful properties of substances—without the use of animal testing.
Time: 11:00 – 13:21
Date: 18 October
Location: Biopartner 1
Science Saturday: Gattaca
In Gattaca, Ethan Hawke stars as a man who defies all expectations in a society obsessed with genetic perfection.
Time: 14:00 – 16:01
Date: 18 October
Location: Biopartner 1
Science Saturday: Philidelphia
Top actors Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington deliver powerful performances in Philadelphia as two lawyers, one living with AIDS, who take on a prestigious law firm in a groundbreaking AIDS discrimination case. With an introduction by Violette Defourt, CEO of Rapidemic.
Time: 16:30 – 18:50
Date: 18 October
Location: Biopartner 1
For more information, check the website!
