Leiden Bio Science Park

Inaugural Lecture dr. Astrid Heikema
2025-10-30 14:00 - 17:30 UTC | Leiden University of Applied Sciences
The language of this event is Dutch
Leiden University of Applied Sciences cordially invites you to the inaugural lecture of Astrid Heikema on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Leiden University of Applied Sciences, room F0.017.
Astrid Heikema is Professor of the Microbial Genomics research group, part of the Faculty of Science & Technology. The research group is part of the Leiden Centre for Applied Bioscience (LCAB), where practice-oriented research is conducted in the fields of Biodiversity & Health and Safety.
Programme:14:00–14:30 Reception14:30–14:40 Welcome by Joeri van den Steenhoven, member of the Executive Board14:40–14:50 Welcome by Eric Veldkamp, Dean of the Faculty of S&T14:50–15:35 Inaugural lecture by Astrid Heikema15:35–15:45 Closing remarks by Joeri van den Steenhoven, member of the Executive Board15:45–17:30 Reception
Microbial Genomics for accessible and sustainable innovationsIn her lecture, Astrid will discuss the role of DNA technology in tracing both harmful and beneficial microorganisms. Using DNA sequencing and advanced analyses, the kinship, diversity, and functional properties of microorganisms are mapped.
Within the research group, studies include pathogens in the food industry, where DNA technology is made accessible for food processing companies and knowledge gaps are bridged. In a recently awarded project, the focus is on discovering bacterial and fungal strains with relevant properties for sustainable applications in food production, food preservation, probiotics, and biological crop protection.
A key objective of the research group is to ensure impact on both industry and education. Innovative technologies and analytical methods are further developed and applied for companies with research questions, and integrated to renew the life sciences curricula at Leiden University of Applied Sciences.
Moderator: Danny Dukers, Director of the Leiden Centre for Applied Bioscience
Registration:We would be delighted if you could attend this event and kindly ask you to register for the lecture (via the button below).
Kind regards,Angelien Sanderman and Joeri van den SteenhovenExecutive Board, Leiden University of Applied Sciences

BIO-Europe 2025
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-05
BIO-Europe is the largest, longest-running biopharma partnering conference in Europe. It has evolved with the biotech industry to deliver an efficient way for biotech and pharma companies to identify and build partnerships. Organized by EBD Group and supported by partneringONE, the conference is a forum for connection: through one-to-one meetings, the program, exhibit hall marketplace, evening receptions, and interest group-focused wellness activities.
BIO-Europe is not just a conference; it is an experience. The agenda is curated to ensure every minute provides an opportunity for connection while giving delegates the support to engage effectively and efficiently with the partners they need to meet.
BIO-Europe is where businesses break through to the next phase in their development by building long-term relationships with all sectors of the biopharma ecosystem.
BIO-Europe is where partnering becomes the science of connection. With partneringONE and carefully crafted networking opportunities, delegates can get more business done in three days than throughout the entire year.
For more information and online registration, please visit the conference website.

LIMES Academy - 30%-regeling (NL)
2025-11-06 13:30 - 17:00 | Limes International, Voorschoterweg 23G, Valkenburg (ZH), 2235 SE, Netherlands
This seminar will be held in Dutch.
Tijdens deze sessie zoomen we graag met u in op een veel voorkomend onderwerp bij grensoverschrijdend werken: de 30%-regeling. Deze regeling is een Nederlandse fiscale faciliteit die het werken in Nederland voor buitenlandse medewerkers aantrekkelijker maakt. De 30%-regeling kan ook worden toegepast op vanuit Nederland uitgezonden werknemers.
De volgende vragen worden onder andere besproken: aan welke voorwaarden moet worden voldaan? Welke kosten zijn te dekken via de 30%-regeling? Hoe gaat het indienen van de aanvraag in zijn werk? Kan de 30%-regeling zomaar worden overgezet naar een nieuwe werkgever? Hoe lang kan de 30%-regeling worden toegepast?
Daarnaast bespreken we nog enkele actuele onderwerpen omtrent de 30%-regeling, waaronder de huidige versobering van de 30%-regeling en de recent aangekondigde 27%-regeling in het Belastingplan van 2025.
Na het volgen van deze sessie heeft u meer kennis over:
-de snelle procedure van de aanvraag van de 30%-regeling;
-de mogelijkheid en valkuilen in de voorwaarden van de 30%-regeling;
-de meest recente status van de 30%-regeling.
Spreker tijdens dit seminar:
Reinier Braakman – LIMES international
Interesse? Meld u dan aan via de website.
Om dit seminar bij te wonen, dient u zich vooraf aan te melden.

Statisticians in the Park - FULL
2025-11-06 14:30 - 16:30 | CHDR, Zernikedreef 8, Leiden, Zuid Holland, 2333 CL, Netherlands
Join fellow statisticians, researchers and data enthusiasts for the upcoming Statisticians in the Park meeting!
This event marks the second gathering of our local statisticians’ community, a space where professionals like you, working in and around Leiden Bio Science Park, can come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect. Whether you work daily with statistics or have a growing interest, this event is for you, Expect inspiring talks, informal discussions, and a chance to shape the future of this new community. We aim to meet twice a year to keep the conservation, and collaboration, going!

We’ve reached the maximum number of guests for this event.

Programme:

14:00 – 14:30 Walk in
14:30 – 14:45 Welcome & Introduction
14:45 -15:10 Dr. Dimitra Eleftheriou: ‘Bayesian methods in clinical trials’
15:10 – 15:35 Laura Rodwell: ‘Overall Survival and Challenges Related to Interpretation and Regulatory Decision’
15:35 – 16:00 Doranne Thomassen: ‘The role of estimands in clinical trials: a case study in oncology’
16:00 – 16:20 Josephine Wolfram: ‘Design and estimand for a non-interventional comparative safety study of two ophthalmology drugs’
16:20 – 16:30 Closing
16:30 – 17:30 Networking with drinks & bites

Information speakers

Dimitra Eleftheriou is a biostatistician working at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), where she contributes to studies on pharmacodynamics and drug safety. She completed her PhD in Statistics at the University of Glasgow, focusing on Bayesian modelling for biomarker analysis in prostate cancer and sports medicine. Her background also includes experience in teaching and applied statistical modelling across various medical research, including cardiovascular disease, virology and neurology.

Laura Rodwell, a Statistical Assessor with the Medical Evaluation Board at CGB (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen) in Utrecht, has kindly agreed to be a keynote speaker at our upcoming event! Her talk will focus on “Overall Survival: Challenges in Interpretation and Regulatory Decision-Making.

Doranne Thomassen is a postdoctoral researcher at the LUMC department of Biomedical Data Sciences. Her research focuses on causal inference methods, (causal) clinical prediction algorithms, and risk communication. She will discuss the role of causal estimands in clinical trials, with a case study in late-stage oncology.

Josie Wolfram leads the Real World Data Science team for Biopharma & Opthalmology at Astellas. When measuring (relative) risk of adverse events using registry data choices have to be made regarding how to handle handling treatment discontinuation. This short talk will walk through the options and what we chose, using the estimand framework as a lens.

Date: 6th of November
Time: 14:00 – 17:30 (including drinks & bites)
Location: CHDR, Zernikedreef 8, Leiden
Costs: Free
Let’s strengthen the network of statisticians in our vibrant science park and build a collaborative, supportive community.
Interested? Sign up through the link below!

China (Jiangsu) Pilot Free Trade Zone - Netherlands Biopharmaceutical Cooperation and Exchange Forum
2025-11-07 15:00 - 18:00 | Hilton Garden Inn Leiden, Willem Einthovenstraat 3, Oegstgeest, South-Holland, 2342 BH, Netherlands
Jiangsu is one of China’s most open and economically dynamic provinces, and also a major powerhouse in the biopharmaceutical industry. The province ranks first nationwide in total biopharmaceutical output, accounting for about one-eighth of China’s total. In 2024, Jiangsu’s large-scale biopharmaceutical enterprises ranked first in China in both operating revenue and total profits. A total of 352 drugs were newly approved for marketing, including 13 innovative drugs, along with 490 Class III medical devices. Jiangsu continues to lead the country in the number of approved drugs, innovative drugs, Class III medical devices, and Class II medical devices. Seventeen industrial parks from Jiangsu were listed among the Top 100 Biopharmaceutical Industrial Parks in China (2024), marking the fourth consecutive year that Jiangsu has ranked first nationwide. The province also hosts two National Clinical Medical Research Centers (for nephrology and hematologic diseases), five national innovation platforms, and seven key laboratories designated by the National Health Commission of China.

The China (Jiangsu) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Jiangsu FTZ) was approved by the State Council in August 2019. Covering 119.97 square kilometers across three cities, namely Nanjing, Suzhou, and Lianyungang, it has become Jiangsu’s highest-level platform for opening-up and innovation.

In the biopharmaceutical sector, the Jiangsu FTZ has pioneered open innovation across the entire industry chain—removing institutional barriers in R&D, production, circulation, and application. It is home to China’s only national-level biopharmaceutical technology innovation center (National Biopharmaceutical Technology Innovation Center) and the country’s only biopharmaceutical sub-center for university technology transfer. In 2024, 8 of Jiangsu’s 13 approved innovative drugs came from enterprises within the FTZ.

Agenda:
15:00: Introduction and opening remarks by the MC
15:20: Presentations on the biopharma industry development in Jiangsu FTZ Areas
– Nanjing Area (20 minutes)
– Suzhou Area (20 minutes)
– Lianyungang Area (20 minutes)
16:20: Tea break
16:40: Keynote speech by Dr. Liu, a leading expert in the Dutch pharmaceutical sector
17:10: Presentation by Dumela b.v.
17:20: Q & A
17:40: Networking and drinks

The language of this event is: Chinese–English Consecutive Interpretation

LoveLife Run 2025: Move Together, Fight Cancer
2025-11-09
The LoveLife Run returns to Leiden on Sunday, 9 November 2025, inviting cancer patients, survivors, healthcare professionals and supporters to run or walk together in solidarity. The 5 and 10 km routes are open to all levels, with a unique training programme that focuses not only on fitness but also on building confidence and community after cancer.
Participants can register solo or as a team, with all funds raised going to Fight Cancer, the foundation supporting groundbreaking cancer research. Patients and survivors can register for free. The initiative is part of a growing national movement, with similar events taking place in cities such as Veenendaal and Deventer.
The run combines physical activity with purpose, offering a way to reclaim strength and support future treatment breakthroughs. Alongside training sessions, participants receive coaching and guidance from professionals who understand both sport and oncology.
Whether you are running in memory of a loved one, in celebration of recovery, or to support a friend or colleague, the LoveLife Run offers a powerful shared experience. The Leiden Bio Science Park community is encouraged to join or sponsor local teams.
Register now and help fund the future of cancer research.

Tech Week Leiden: women shaping the future of tech and entrepreneurship
2025-11-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Stadhuis Leiden, Stadhuisplein 1, Leiden, South-Holland, 2311 EJ, Netherlands
On Wednesday, November 12, the Municipality of Leiden and Equals are organizing the launch of the Tech Week Campaign in the foyer of Leiden City Hall.
An afternoon dedicated to visibility, inspiration, and equal opportunities, featuring role models from Leiden in the spotlight.
Even today, only 18 percent of people working in the tech sector are women. Representation is also limited in entrepreneurship. This means that much talent remains untapped. With the Role Model Campaign, we showcase women who work or run businesses in Leiden and the surrounding area across various technical, scientific, and innovative sectors. Their stories show that there is not just one path to success, but many.
Leiden is this year’s Education City of the Year, a city that offers space to learn, explore, and innovate. This collaboration with Equals aligns with that ambition: to make visible the women who make a difference, so that other girls and women can see themselves reflected and feel inspired.
Program (more speakers will be announced soon)14:00 – Doors open14:30 – Welcome by the host and Alderman Wietske Veltman14:45 – Keynote The journey of women in science and technology: behavior & leadership by Prof. Dr. Marika Kret15:00 – Panel discussion with Leiden role models15:45 – Closing with conversation starter16:00 – Networking reception
The language of this event is English.
Participation is free of charge, registration helps us prevent food waste!
Are you interested? Register below!

Knowledge and Networking Event for Works Councils at Leiden Bio Science Park
2025-11-12 15:00 - 19:00 | biopartner building 3, Galileiweg 8, Leiden, 2333 BD
The world of work is constantly evolving, and companies must continuously adapt to new circumstances. This may involve growth, downsizing, selling business units, mergers, acquisitions, or relocations. Sometimes, a reorganization — through restructuring or other means — is unavoidable. In these situations, Works Councils (ORs) play a crucial role and need to be well-prepared.
Key questions include:
• What should be taken into account during a reorganization?
• Is there a prescribed dismissal order in case of redundancy?
• Are severance payments mandatory?
• And is a social plan required?
During this interactive and practice-oriented session, Jaouad Seghrouchni (Senior Associate) and Thomas Catersels (Associate) — both Employment Law and Employee Participation Attorneys at De Clercq Advocaten Notariaat — will discuss the key (legal) aspects of reorganizations involving redundancies.
They will also provide practical insights and recommendations specifically for Works Councils, and share examples from their own practice — including cases that went well, and others that didn’t.
The session will be structured around a fictional reorganization case, alternating between informative presentations and interactive workshop elements such as short exercises and group discussions. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences throughout.
Program
14:30 – Doors open
15:00 – Welcome to the Leiden Bio Science Park OR Community (Natalia Vtyurina, Community Lead)
15:15 – Introduction & Getting Acquainted
15:30 – What Is a Reorganization?
16:00 – Preparing a Reorganization
16:45 – Break
17:00 – Role of the Works Council (OR)
17:45 – Role of Trade Unions
18:00 – Dismissal Phase: UWV and Settlement Agreements
18:15 – Wrap-up and Discussion
18:30 – Networking Borrel
Are you a Works Council (OR) representative at Leiden Bio Science Park who would like to participate in this session?
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, gain practical insights, and connect with fellow OR members in the LBSP community.
👉 Register below!

PEPTALK | The Skinny on Fat: What does it do and how can you lose it?
2025-11-13 00:30 - 00:50 | LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
The language of this event is Dutch.
Professor Hildo Lamb is Professor of Radiology. His research focuses on the development of medical imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans.
Currently, his research emphasizes diseases related to obesity and type 2 diabetes. He explores the relationship between obesity, fatty liver disease, and their impact on the human body. The latest MRI techniques for diagnosis and treatment monitoring can contribute to lifestyle changes, leading to a healthier liver and a healthier life.

TOPX Summit 2025
2025-11-13 09:00 - 2025-11-14 17:00 | Corpus Congress Centre, Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest, 2342 BH
Date: 13 – 14 November, 2025
Location: CORPUS Congress Centre, Leiden | Accelerator, Utrecht
On 13–14 November 2025, the TOPX Summit will bring together together hundreds of
strong and talented professionals from industry, academia, governmental and non-profit
organisations, all driven by the shared ambition of rising to the top and becoming the
inclusive leaders our sector needs to advance innovation in Life Sciences & Health.
The 2025 theme, “Leading Together in Life Sciences & Health: Building High-Performing
Teams to Drive Innovation and benefit Society” will delve into how we can embed
diversity, equity, and inclusion into the very fabric of our teams and organizations to
create high-performing, innovative environments.
The 2-day programme will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive panel
conversations, hands on workshops, deep dives, award ceremonies and unparalleled
networking opportunities.
Event highlights
• Inspiring talks from visionary leaders
• Insightful sessions & deep dives
• Speed dates with coaches and high-impact networking
• Interactive panels & hands-on workshops
• Females to Follow Awards
Program
For more info see the website and the list of confirmed speakers so far. See the full
conference program here.
Register now
Mark your calendar for November 13-14, 2025!
Benefit from the early bird deadline before 1 June. Visit our website and secure your
spot: https://www.hyphenprojects.nl/topx/summitregistration

Next in Cell Line Development
2025-11-14 15:00 - 18:00 | biopartner building 3, Galileiweg 8, Leiden, 2333 BD
Innovation in development processes is key to unlock the true potential of biologics. In this free seminar, see what’s new in cell line development and critical quality attribute analysis methods and connect with the Dutch biopharma network over drinks.
Program
15:00 – 15:15: Walk-in
15:15 – 16:15: session 1 – putting CLD to work
16:15 – 16:30: break
16:30 – 17:30: session 2 – Innovation in CLD
17:30 – 18:00: closing drinks
Speakers
Bart Engels – ProteoNic: ProteoNic’s new 2G Unic vector technology enables developers to create cell lines with superior productivity and stability, at shorter development times.
Carlos de Lannoy -Constellate Proteomics Constellate’s all-in-one analysis devices allow evaluation of four critical quality attributes up to five weeks earlier in development.
More speakers announced soon!

Advanced Therapies USA 2025
2025-11-18 08:00 - 2025-11-19 17:00 | Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, PA 19107, Philadelphia, United States
The Advanced Therapies Congress showcases the future of advanced therapies. Bringing Europe’s largest cell and gene therapy conference and exhibition to Philadelphia, the event is for the leaders of the world’s ATMP developers and their most senior executives in charge of the latest tech and strategies that are driving the industry forward. Join us in Philadelphia for 2025!
🎫 Hollandbio members receive a 20% discount on tickets!
Book your ticket via the website.

Accelerate biotech process development!
2025-11-18 09:00 - 17:00 | Biotech Training Facility, Syliviusweg 70, Leiden, 2333 BE, Netherlands
Balancing innovation, speed, and robustness to support biotherapeutic production
Biopharmaceutical process development faces new challenges: shorter time-to-market and changing regulatory expectations for new molecular entities. Implementing tools and solutions are essential for optimizing manufacturing workflows that are scalable, flexible, and transferable.
Join our Specialists to discover how we support your biotech journey.
Program:
09:00 – 09:10: Welcome – Pascal Lefebvre & Cytiva Team
09:10 – 09:30: Advancing future therapeutics: from discovery to delivery – Rene Franke
09:30 – 10:00: Ready to use and scalable cell culture media and buffers – Andre Wijnakker
10:00 – 10:15: Build a skilled workforce with operator training programs: introduction to eLearning and virtual reality – Mike Holjevac
10:15 – 10:45: Coffee and ask the experts plus virtual reality & augmented reality demonstration
10:45 – 11:15: Scaling up from benchtop to cGMP manufacturing bioreactors for suspension and adherent cells – Lise Peeters & Sara Krekels
11:15 – 12:00: Overcome development, manufacturing and validation challenges linked to filtration of highly concentrated drugs – Joussef Chaaban/Ronald Muller
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch and virtual reality demo
13:00 – 13:30: Tour Biotech training facility – BTF team
13:30 – 14:15: Chromatography process development going smarter – Oran Oshpiz
14:15 – 14:45: Affinity chromatography for your antibody variants, fragments and recombinant proteins – Oran Oshpiz
14:45 – 15:30: Hands on session: ÄKTA™ ready 450, iCELLis 500+, iCELLis, Nano, Stax, PUPSIT skid, Flowstar V, Supor Prime… – Cytiva team
15:30 – 16:00: Coffee and ask the experts plus virtual reality & augmented reality demonstration
16:00 – 16:30: GoSilico™ chromatography software accelerates downstream process development workflows by using fast and reliable simulations
16:30 – 17:00: Flexible and modular manufacturing facilities: FlexFactory™ – Svyatoslav Yablonsky
17:00: Networking drinks and virtual reality & augmented reality demonstration
Please register to secure your seat, and to receive more information on the event!

Show Me The Money – Soft Money
2025-11-18 13:00 - 18:00
Looking for funding for your startup?
Are you curious about soft money opportunities? Wondering which grants and subsidies are available to support your growth? Join the Show Me The Money – Soft Money speed dates and discover how regional, national, and European grants and loans can help boost your startup.
Meet with grant consultants and professional writers, learn about tax incentives, and explore alternative financing options for your equipment and innovation needs.
Program:
13:00 – 13:30: Registration with coffee and tea13:30 – 14:00: Welcome, plenary opening & panel discussion14:00 – 14:15: Break14:15 – 15:30: Speed date rounds 1–415:30 – 15:45: Break15:45 – 17:00: Speed date rounds 5–817:00 – 18:00: Networking drinks
Confirmed grant consultants and writers will be announced soon.
Are you interested? Check the eventwebsite below!

Creating a Life Sciences Marketing Plan for 2026
2025-11-18 15:00 - 17:00 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
If you want next year to bring real commercial progress, this is where to start. In this workshop, you will review your current marketing and BD setup, spot what is slowing growth, and build a plan that helps you focus on what actually works. The goal is straightforward: to create a clear marketing plan for 2026 and adapt to the Life Sciences Marketing Trends for 2026. You will use the JPP Marketing + BD Canvas to map your activities, align them with your goals, and turn insights into concrete actions. The result is a sharper, more structured plan that connects marketing with business outcomes, along with a clear list of next steps.
Workshop Set-up
We start by creating clarity. You will define where your marketing and BD efforts stand today, turn that into a structured plan, and see how 2026 trends can strengthen it.

Map your current commercial setup and identify the main gaps.
Formalize your activities and goals into a clear structure using the JPP Marketing + BD Canvas.
Adapt Life Sciences marketing trends and new tech that fit your business.

By the end, you will have a six-month roadmap and an actionable plan to start improving right away.
Take-Aways

A complete overview of your commercial setup
A focused six-month roadmap
An actionable, prioritized action list

Audience & Registration
This workshop is for life sciences marketeers, business developers, founders, and CEOs of startups and scale-ups who want a clear, practical plan to grow in 2026.
There are only 14 seats available for this session. So, reserve your spot now and leave with a ready-to-apply marketing plan for 2026.
Visit the website for registration here!

TechTalk: AI in Life Sciences & Health - November 2025
2025-11-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Kadans Plus Ultra, Emmy Noetherweg 2, Leiden, 2333 BK, Netherlands
TechTalk: Choosing the Right Tech Stack & AI Tools to Automate Your Organization
TechTalk: AI in Life Sciences & Health
Join us for an inspiring afternoon on how organizations can harness technology and artificial intelligence to streamline (lab) processes, boost efficiency, and manage risks.
We will feature experts from the community and beyond, each delivering a short talk of 10 minutes. The sessions will explore:

In what ways can you use AI?
How to leverage AI for automation: practical ideas and applications
How to automate the lab with AI and data-driven solutions
Business risks of AI from a privacy standpoint

Together, we’ll uncover concrete use cases, best practices, and critical considerations for adopting AI and automation in the Life Sciences & Health environment.
Speakers:

Bas Cloin – DataChaperone

AI is invaluable for the lab of the future, with applications ranging from data analysis to report writing and a complete agentic lab. But it also comes at a price, e.g., in the form of data- and validation-requirements. In this talk, we’ll discuss the opportunities and challenges of using AI for some real-life cases.

Arnold Juffer – Nebul

Thinking about building your own AI application? Arnold Juffer, CEO of Nebul, will walk you through the key decisions behind developing one from the ground up. Nebul is a pioneering European AI Cloud company enabling organizations to innovate with AI securely, efficiently, and with full data sovereignty.
Its Private AI Factory delivers top-tier performance while keeping data, models, and IP under your control.

Fabio Gori – Pistoia Analytics

What does AI transformation really look like for a life science organization? Join Dr. Fabio Gori, a 20-year veteran in biotech R&D and applied AI/ML, as he maps the practical stages, key pillars for success, and common pitfalls of AI transformation in life science. Attendees leave with a long-term roadmap, a checklist to de-risk adoption, and a final tip on R&D subsidies for AI. Dr Gori helps life science organizations with their AI initiatives: strategy, solution building, and leadership training. His clients range from startups to listed firms.

Wynand Alkema – Tenwise

How to automate the interpretation of ~omics results
TenWise supports biotech start-ups in making sense of data they derive from their in vitro, animal or human study with a focus on data from omics experiments. This is a time consuming process and researchers often get lost and loose the oversight. In our TechTalk Wynand Alkema explains how he supports start-ups with automated AI driven methods for deeper biological interpretation of ~omics generated gene lists.

Federico Muffatto – Digi.Bio

About Digi.Bio: Digi.Bio operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and wetware, creating “immune system on a chip” technology to measure real-time immune responses to drugs.What we do: We fuse microfluidics, optics, and AI to build a digital twin of immune interactions. This enables the understanding of why a therapy works and rapidly evaluate and develop more effective and safer immunotherapies, providing a window into previously unseen biology.What we’ll share: We will discuss how we built our AI system on our unique hardware/wetware stack, sharing hard-learned lessons on the dos and don’ts of implementing AI from our tool-builder and biologist perspective.
After the talks, there will be time for networking with drinks and bites.
Please register by following the button below!
Would you like to contribute to the program?
Let us know at events@leidenbiosiencepark.nl.

Dutch Life Sciences Conference
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Corpus Congress Centre, Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest, 2342 BH
With 3000+ Life Sciences & Health R&D companies, 13 Universities, 2100+ ongoing clinical trials, 104.000+ employees and 50 billion euro export value the Netherlands is a major player in the European life sciences industry, with a strong technological position in areas such as human vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and health infrastructure. The Dutch sector owes this position to collaboration, cooperation and coalition building between businesses, research institutes and universities.
The Dutch Life Sciences conference is hosted by organisations and companies of the main life sciences clusters in the Netherlands whose mission is to help realising the further development and growth of the Dutch life sciences industry. The conference provides attendees with an excellent opportunity to network and share ideas with the aim of creating new partnerships and business opportunities. Trends and developments are being addressed by industry experts, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
The conference will discuss 8 main topics (to be announced). Our esteemed speakers and thought leaders will explore the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies and disruptive business strategies that are reshaping the life sciences landscape.
Together, let´s unlock the full potential of scaling up, shaping a healthier future for all.
The 21st edition of the Dutch Life Sciences conference will take place on 20 November, 2025.
Do you want to know more about the program? Please visit the link below!

Life Sciences Café - November 2025
2025-11-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Grand Cafe de Stal, Darwinweg 1, Leiden, South Holland, 2333 CR, Netherlands
Every third Thursday of the month, our Life Science 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:

Bert van Duijn – Fytagoras
Henry Cheung – Lifecode Solutions
Stef Verlinden – Yoxlo

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

Day of the Entrepreneur
2025-11-21
There’s a special day for almost everything and everyone: Construction Day, Secretary’s Day, Mother’s Day. But until recently, there was no ‘Day of the Entrepreneur’. And this while the Netherlands has over 1.5 million entrepreneurs whose businesses provide enormous added value to our country. After all, entrepreneurs create growth, jobs, and prosperity.
MKB-Nederland believes that entrepreneurs deserve respect for their efforts and that there should be a moment to highlight the importance of entrepreneurs to the Netherlands. A day on which entrepreneurs are thanked for their courage and perseverance. The start of a tradition to celebrate entrepreneurship, thank entrepreneurs, and put them in the spotlight.
That is why MKB-Nederland has declared every third Friday of November the ‘Day of the Entrepreneur’.In 2025, we will celebrate the Day of the Entrepreneur on Friday, 21 November!
The Day of the Entrepreneur has been held since 2016 as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, a global initiative to promote entrepreneurship. In more than 150 countries, entrepreneurship takes center stage during the third week of November. On this Friday, MKB-Nederland joins forces with its Belgian sister organisation Unizo, the initiator of the Flemish ‘Day of the Entrepreneur’.
Together we make this day bigThe Day of the Entrepreneur is for all entrepreneurs. Together we make this day big. MKB-Nederland calls on its network of industry organisations, local associations, municipalities, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Members of the European Parliament, government ministers, knowledge partners, and many others to put entrepreneurs in the spotlight on Friday, 21 November.
Want to participate?Are you supporting the Day of the Entrepreneur with an action or activity? Get in touch with us.
Become a partnerWould your organisation like to contribute to our goal of giving all entrepreneurs in the Netherlands some extra appreciation and the recognition they deserve? Help us make the Day even bigger and become a partner.
Contact us to discuss all partnership options:Jesse Schreurs – schreurs@vnoncw-mkb.nl – 06 868 91 244.

Game Changer 2025
2025-11-21 15:30 - 22:00 | Biopartner building 5, De Limes 7, Oegstgeest, 2342DH
Welcome to Game Changer 2025, where science gets playful and nothing is quite what it seems.
Brace yourself for a night of mind-bending games, immersive worlds, and unexpected twists. Game Changer 2025 is about exploring how play and gamification can transform the way we share, understand, and enjoy science. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned strategist, Game Changer 2025 is set to turn your world upside down, in the most unexpected and spectacular ways.
The program

NEW! NEW! NEW! An exclusive chance to go behind the scenes with the ImmunoWars crew! Join their special workshop, packed with unexpected twists and hands-on challenges. Unlock the power of gamification to level up your work and captivate any audience. Spots are very limited, so claim yours before they disappear!
Gaming Extravaganza: Games, games, and more games! From classic board games like Scrabble to the kind of mind-bending puzzles that’ll have you questioning reality, we’ve got it all.
Test Lab Surprises: The Test Lab returns, packed with brand new scientific games that will twist your brain and tickle your funny bone! Meet game makers who turn science into play by creating games with a message and making knowledge accessible. Curious who’s taking the spotlight in the Test Lab this year? Keep an eye on our socials, big names incoming! We can already reveal that HollandBio, QuantumPlayed and Science Normalized will be there!
Gaming Lounge: science games, surprises, and of course… Mario Kart. Because who says learning can’t be fun?
Fuel Up for the Night: No epic game night without good food! Enjoy cozy winter vibes, tasty bites, and surprise treats to keep you going ‘til the final round.

Up for the challenge? Sign up now and tell us which games you’re ready to conquer. See you there if you dare.
This event is powered by BioPartner and ImmunoWars
Time and place: 21 Nov, 5-10pm – BioPartner 5, De Limes 7
Please sign up here or by clicking the link below

FEM Talk Lunch Session at PLNT!
2025-11-24 11:00 - 13:00 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
For female entrepreneurs, connection, inspiration, and learning from one another are truly invaluable. During the very first FEM TALK Lunch Session at PLNT, you’ll get exactly that: a moment to pause, recharge, and surround yourself with women who, just like you, have the courage to follow their own path.
Whether you’ve just started your business or have been an entrepreneur for years, this lunch brings together the best of both worlds, a touch of knowledge, meaningful conversations, a healthy dose of recognition, and of course, a delicious lunch.

About the speaker – Fleur Schiffelers“We are meant to be real, not perfect.”
With over ten years of experience as a coach and board member at TEDxAmsterdamWomen, Fleur has guided entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, and other professionals in inspiring speaking and leadership.
Her expertise lies in authentic communication, which means not striving to be better or working harder, but daring to be truly present. Fleur helps you find your voice, own your story, and step onto the stage with confidence.
During this lunch:

You’ll listen to an inspiring guest speaker
You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch
You’ll make valuable connections with other female entrepreneurs
You’ll share experiences, ask questions, and get inspired by one another

Why you don’t want to miss thisBecause entrepreneurship can sometimes be a lonely adventure and this is the perfect moment to connect, share, and recharge.Because you feel ready to be seen and heard, in your own way.And because there’s nothing more powerful than women uplifting one another.
Join the very first FEM TALK Lunch Session at Café MIDI (PLNT Leiden) and let yourself be inspired by Fleur and by each other.
When & where
Date: November 24th
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: Café MIDI, PLNT Leiden
Participation is free, registration is required
The language of this event will be English

Together against women’s violence, Orange the world!
2025-11-25 - 2025-12-10
Only together can we make a difference. Violence against women and girls is a major global issue and that includes here in the Netherlands. As many as 61% of working women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, 30% have faced some form of physical misconduct, and 1 in 5 women experience partner violence. These are just a few examples of the many problems related to violence against women.
But everyone can make a difference. Orange the World is a global campaign by UN Women to end violence against women and girls. Workplaces are one of the environments where this violence can occur. By acting within companies between 25 November and 10 December, we can help fight this violence and make a real difference.
By joining the campaign, a company can show that such behavior is unacceptable and start an open conversation about inappropriate conduct. Raising awareness among employees, clients, and partners helps provide support where it is needed. Open conversations about violence against women and girls can empower victims to seek help. Join us and make a difference, Orange the World!
How can you participate?
You can take part in Orange the World in various ways. Choose one or more of the following actions:

Illuminate your building, fountain, bridge, statue, or another landmark in orange to show your company’s support for the campaign.
Display the Orange the World flag to strengthen the message.
Put up #Medestander (“Ally”) posters.
Hand out Orange Pins to employees and wear them during the 16 days of the campaign.
Post on social media using #OrangeTheWorldNL.
Encourage all employees to become #Medestanders (allies) by signing the #Medestander Pledge.
Organize your own fundraising or charity event.
Support employees who are experiencing violence.
Donate a portion of your company’s proceeds during the campaign to UN Women.
Sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles and join a network of companies committed to gender equality.
Set up a donation board in your workplace.

For more information about the campaign materials and activities, visit: Bedrijven – Orange the World
How can you receive relevant materials?
You can receive the relevant materials by sending us an email. Review the available materials and decide how your company would like to participate in the campaign. Then email your plans to orange@unwomen.nl to receive the campaign materials. Once this is done, your company will be added to the map of participating organizations. When the materials arrive, display them prominently and help raise awareness within your company. By standing together, we can create workplaces and communities where every woman and girl feels safe, respected, and empowered.
Together against violence toward women, Orange the World!

Digital Excellence in Life Sciences
2025-11-25 12:00 - 17:00 | Biotech Training Facility, Syliviusweg 70, Leiden, 2333 BE, Netherlands
Join us to see how peers utilize real-time scheduling to reduce downtime, how process knowledge management enhances recipe control and compliance, and how practical digital methods translate into measurable impact. Whether you’re digitizing your first process or optimizing an integrated system, you’ll leave with steps you can apply immediately.
Agenda
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch & networking
13:00 – 13:15 | Welcome: Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision
13:15 – 13:45 | DeltaV RTS – Real-time scheduling & production optimization
13:45 – 14:15 | Process Knowledge Management – Overview
14:15 – 14:30 | Coffee break
14:30 – 15:00 | Presentation 3 – topic coming soon
15:00 – 15:30 | Presentation 4 – topic coming soon
15:30 – 15:45 | Closing remarks & Q&A
15:45 – 17:00 | Networking, drinks, optional tour of the Biotech Training Facility
If you’re driving operational excellence in Manufacturing & Operations, Process Development, Quality & Compliance, and Pharma IT, this afternoon is for you!
Registration is free, but spots are limited. Make sure to secure yours now!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to robert.doctolero@emerson.com.
We look forward to welcoming you!

Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Conference
2025-11-27 08:00 - 2025-11-28 17:00 | Hotel SB Plaza Europa, Carrer de les Ciències, 11, 13, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spanje, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Engineering the Future of Medicine — One Cell at a Time
Welcome to the ATMP Conference 2025 — a premier European forum bringing together pioneers in cell, gene, and tissue-engineered therapies. Across two impactful days, we explore the regulatory, scientific, and commercial frontiers of ATMPs, focusing on innovation, clinical translation, and access. Join us in Barcelona this November to connect with leaders shaping the future of personalized, regenerative, and curative medicine.

Who Should Attend

Scientists & Clinicians: Researchers in gene/cell therapy, regenerative medicine, immunology, oncology
Biotech & Pharma Executives: Leaders in R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, CMC
Investors & Venture Capitalists: Focused on emerging biotech, platform technologies, and cell/gene therapy startups
Regulators & Policymakers: From EMA, FDA, and national health agencies working on ATMP frameworks and policy
Academic & Hospital GMP Units: Public and university-based developers of non-commercial/hospital exemption ATMPs
Patient Advocates & HTA: Professionals Driving equitable access, patient-centered design, and health technology assessment

Key Benefits:

Network with global ATMP leaders in a high-impact, collaborative environment
Discover cutting-edge breakthroughs in cell and gene therapies, tissue engineering, CRISPR, and mRNA platforms
Engage with regulators and policy experts to stay ahead of evolving EU and international frameworks
Explore clinical and commercial strategies that are shaping the future of advanced therapies
Identify partnering and funding opportunities with investors and pharma strategics focused on ATMP development

Interested? Check the eventwebsite and register!

How to Attract and Retain the Talent of the Future
2025-11-27 09:30 - 12:30 | Biopartner building 5, De Limes 7, Oegstgeest, 2342DH
The future of talent is changing fast. In a competitive Life Sciences market defined by rapid innovation, global mobility and shifting expectations, finding and keeping the right people has never been more crucial.
On 27 November, Mimetas, Dimpr and NES Fircroft will host HR leaders working in the LifeSciences at BioPartner 5 for an interactive morning session exploring how to attract and retain the talent of the future.
Through real-life cases, behavioural insights and peer discussions, we’ll uncover what truly drives today’s professionals and how organisations can create work environments where innovation thrives because people want to join, grow and stay.
This event is in Dutch and invitation-only. If you’d like to attend, please reach out to info@dimpr.nl

Knowledge Orchard
2025-11-28 09:00 - 17:30 | PLNT, Langegracht 70, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
Leiden University is organizing a “Knowledge Orchard” on November 28th, a networking event aimed at connecting external parties (such as municipalities, provinces, and ministries) with researchers – particularly in the fields of resilience, AI, and health. Is this of interest to you and/or your network? Sign up and invite your network!
Leiden University warmly invites you to the event “The Knowledge Orchard” on the afternoon of Friday, November 28th. This event brings together researchers, municipalities, provinces, and societal stakeholders. The goal is to foster valuable interaction between academic research and education, governments, and the citizens at the heart of it all.
Three key sessions will focus on exploring opportunities for collaboration on the following themes:

How is AI changing the role of government (local, regional, and national) in relation to citizens? What are the opportunities and risks?

Health and the physical environment – how can we design the physical environment to promote better health for citizens?

Resilient society – how can governments (better) prepare for acute disasters, such as cyberattacks or environmental crises?

Are you interested in connecting with our researchers and education professionals? For example, to present complex challenges from your policy field and explore (further) collaboration? Or would you simply like to be inspired by the potential of university, government partnerships in research and education? The Knowledge Orchard offers the perfect opportunity. Check out the full program here.
This event will be held in English in the morning and in Dutch in the afternoon.
Register now for The Knowledge Orchard and meet us on Friday, November 28th at PLNT Leiden. Doors open at 12:30 PM!

Expert Advise Session: Intellectual Property
2025-12-04 | Biopartner gebouw 1, 21 J.H. Oortweg, Leiden, 2333 CH, Netherlands
Every first Thursday of the month, The Netherlands Patent Office takes office in BioPartner 1 to offer free-of-charge entrepreneurial support on IP.
In the one-on-one sessions, the IP advisor, Dynion Bakker, will focus on the intellectual property that align with your company’s strategy and development. He also provides assistance when it comes to searching patent databases and financial support from the RVO/ Netherlands Patent Office.
The consultation is provided by the Netherlands Patent Office as an independent, free-of-charge and confidential service.
Interested? Send a request to dynion.bakker@rvo.nl and he will reach out to schedule an appointment in BioPartner 1, room 1020.

From Science to Story: Building Visibility in 2026
2025-12-11 16:00 - 17:00
Many early stage life sciences companies struggle to clearly explain their value, maintain consistent communications, and transform milestones into compelling messages that attract investors and partners. The result is strong innovation that goes unnoticed and credibility that stays inside the lab.
This 45-minute webinar helps you identify where your company’s communication falls short and what to do about it. You will review your current visibility, learn how to make your updates more effective, and apply the Life Sciences Marketing Trends for 2026 that make it easier to build recognition and trust.
You will use JPP’s practical framework to audit your own channels and materials so you know exactly where to improve before your next fundraising or partnering round.
Where? Online
When? December 11, 16.00 – 16.45 CET
Webinar Set-up
We focus on clarity and action.

How to audit your current communication and identify what holds you back
Learn how to translate milestones into updates that build visibility
Apply the 2026 trends that simplify life sciences communications
Use one communication structure that works across LinkedIn, investor decks, and presentations

By the end, you will have a clear overview of your current communication performance and a list of actions to make your company look as credible as your science.
Take-Aways

A self-audit checklist to assess your visibility
A communication structure tailored for life sciences developers
Clear next steps to strengthen your credibility

Audience & Registration
This webinar is for founders, business development leads, and communication managers in life sciences companies developing therapies, technologies, or diagnostics who want stronger visibility with investors and partners.
Register now and discover how to turn your science into a story that gets noticed in 2026.

Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge
2026-01-01 - 2026-04-01
Do you have a groundbreaking, animal-free innovation in the life sciences?
Are you ready to take your idea from the lab to the market and make a real impact on animal-free research? Then the Proefdiervrij Venture Challenge is your opportunity to make it happen.
What is it?
From January to April 2026, Proefdiervrij organizes the sixth edition of the Venture Challenge, an intensive program that helps research teams turn scientific breakthroughs into solid business cases.
Why join?

Gain access to bootcamps, coaching sessions, and expert mentoring from life-science professionals, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs.
Learn how to build your pitch, refine your business model, and expand your professional network.
Only 100% animal-free innovations are eligible. Your project will directly contribute to a future without animal testing.
A select group of up to six teams will be chosen, ensuring focused, high-quality support and maximum impact.

Who can apply?
Teams of 3–5 people with a new product, process, or service originating from scientific research, aiming for market introduction within the EU, and with a clear link to the Netherlands.
How does it work?
The program consists of two three-day bootcamps, interspersed with individual coaching sessions, and concludes with a final presentation and award event.
Ready to make a difference?
This is your chance to accelerate your innovation, create real-world value, and contribute to the future of animal-free science. Turn your scientific idea into a commercial and societal success story.
Apply now!

Life Sciences Café - January 2026
2026-01-15 04:00 - 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!
Please register by following the button below!
Are you a start-up and interested in pitching? Reach out to us at events@leidenbiosciencepark.nl
