On this page, you can read the latest news from and about the campus: stories about partnerships, new projects, companies and initiatives on and around the campus.
De ACLO organiseert in de aanloop naar de Marathon Groningen clinics voor studenten, genaamd Join the Ride.
Researchers at the UMCG and their spin-off CC Diagnostics, located on Campus Groningen, have developed a new test that could make cervical cancer screening more efficient and user-friendly.
Op zondag 31 mei 2026 staat Groningen in het teken van sport, doorzettingsvermogen en betrokkenheid. Tussen alle lopers is ook het herkenbare roze van Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis zichtbaar.
Hoogleraar sportpsychologie Nico van Yperen van de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen deelt zijn inzichten over hoe hardlopers het mentale aspect van een marathon kunnen trainen.
The LIFE Cooperative, part of the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem at Campus Groningen, is organizing the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon together with FIGON on Thursday, 26 February. This fully booked event brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the latest developments in innovative medicines and advanced drug delivery. Read the full article as published by the LIFE Cooperative.National Attention for Sold-Out Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon: Innovative Medicines and Advanced Drug Delivery Take Center Stage in Groningen Innovation in medicines takes center stage on Thursday, 26 February during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon, an inspiring event organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with the LIFE Cooperative. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands,” says Ronald Hesse, Director of the LIFE Cooperative. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon brings together scientists, innovators, and professionals from across the Netherlands for an afternoon of insights, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. The speaker line-up features experts from both academia and industry. This event is already fully booked. Interested in joining the waiting list? Please email: amber@lifecooperative.nlConnecting force The afternoon will be opened by Prof. Klaas Poelstra of the University of Groningen (RUG), Chair of FIGON, who will outline the importance of innovative drug development in the Netherlands. This will be followed by an introduction by Robert Hof on behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, highlighting the cooperative’s role as a connecting force within the regional ecosystem. The first session block before the break focuses on innovation in drug delivery systems. Rob Steendam (CTO, InnoCore) will discuss the development of long-acting SynBiosys® microspheres for controlled and sustained drug release. Jaap Wieling (CEO, PureIMS) will present the potential of dry-powder inhalation via the Cyclops® technology for both pulmonary and systemic indications. From an academic perspective, Prof. Marleen Kamperman (University of Groningen) will explore the potential of polyelectrolyte coacervates as innovative drug delivery platforms.Deep dive After the break, the focus shifts to advanced nanomedicines and clinical development strategies. Dr. Flávia Sousa (RUG) will present her work on polymer-based nanomedicines for the delivery of biotherapeutics to the brain. Dr. Ad Roffel (ICON plc, Groningen) will address mass balance and absolute bioavailability studies with ¹⁴C-labeled drugs in humans, an essential component of clinical drug development. Prof. Erik Frijlink (RUG) will reflect on the value of innovation within both established and advanced drug delivery systems, placing technological progress in a broader pharmaceutical context. Finally, Prof. Helder Santos (RUG) will demonstrate how nanomedicines are being used for RNA delivery in myocardial infarction repair, a promising development in cardiovascular therapy. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands." - Ronald Hesse, director LIFE CooperativeClosing and networking The afternoon will conclude with a contribution by Peter Ketelaar (LIFE Cooperative), followed by closing remarks from Prof. Klaas Poelstra. Participants will then have the opportunity to connect and continue discussions during the networking reception. Hesse looks forward to the event: “With this event, FIGON and the LIFE Cooperative underline the strength of collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical practice. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon promises not only to be an inspiring afternoon, but also to provide momentum for further innovation and collaboration within the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem.” Text: lifecooperative.nlPhotographer: Casper Maas
De gebiedsvisie voor de Healthy Ageing Campus is officieel vastgesteld! Dit is een belangrijke stap voor de doorontwikkeling van de campus als plek voor kennis, innovatie en samenwerking. Met aandacht voor groen, gezondheid en verbinding met de stad ontstaat een levendige omgeving waar onderzoek, onderwijs, zorg en bedrijvigheid samenkomen. De visie biedt ruimte voor nieuwe laboratoria, renovaties, ontmoetingsplekken en intensievere samenwerking tussen UMCG, RUG en het bedrijfsleven. Lees hier het hele bericht dat werd gepubliceerd door het UMCG.
Good news! Hanze researcher Allard Roest has been nominated for the Klokhuis Science Prize thanks to his research into how people can make a difference in extreme weather conditions with their own gardens; Hanze highlights this in the article below.Hanze researcher Allard Roest nominated for Klokhuis Science Prize Researcher Allard Roest from the Climate Adaptation research group has been nominated for the Klokhuis Science Prize 2026. As a child, he always watched Het Klokhuis, and now he is one of the ten finalists in the running for the prize. Allard has been nominated for his project Dry feet, cool heads: extreme weather in your garden & street. Part of the project was the Measure the Rain experiment. A total of 850 families discovered during the experiment which gardens are better able to withstand heat or rain. The insights help to make gardens and houses weatherproof, liveable and playable - with the garden as a laboratory. Tiled gardens cause flooding, bubbling drains and scorching hot stones; green gardens do exactly the opposite. 'Now that we know this, we can work together to ensure that you can sleep well or play outside in extreme weather, both now and tomorrow!'Citizen science Climate change does not stop at the fence. Heat, flooding and extreme rainfall directly affect residents. And you can make a difference and actively participate! That is why Allard enjoys working with residents and young people. Through citizen science, he investigates heat in bedrooms, rainfall patterns and the influence of gardens on nuisance, among other things. Allard gives guest lectures at schools and to resident groups, showing people that climate adaptation is not just a task for local authorities, but for everyone. Because ultimately, it is not the local authority that ends up with wet feet or sleepless hot nights... but the residents themselves.Working together towards a weather-proof city Allard is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences (University of Groningen). For years, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen have been researching how cities deal with extreme weather. We test measures, flood streets in a controlled manner and develop tools for municipalities. But one thing keeps becoming clear: real climate adaptation only works if residents participate.Polling station open Voting for the Klokhuis Science Prize 2026 is now open. The winner will be announced on 8 March during the Science Festival in Nijmegen. Source text: Hanze
The marathon distance of the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen is sold out. All 2,500 starting places for the 42.195 kilometers were sold at a rapid pace. This once again confirms the need for a full marathon in the city of Groningen and the growing popularity of running events in the region. The marathon route, which consists of one lap around the city center and through the northern and southern outskirts of Groningen, has been well received since its announcement in December. The course showcases both the diversity and charm of the city, making it an attractive setting for experienced marathon runners and debutants alike. Zernike Campus Groningen is the innovative location where both the start and finish will take place.Think big, act big A marathon requires vision, endurance, and the ability to maintain pace. These are precisely the qualities that are also necessary for economic development. At Campus Groningen, we work every day on innovations that cannot be achieved in a single sprint, but require a long-term approach. We think big here and take concrete steps forward. The fact that the start and finish of the marathon take place here underlines what the campus and this region stand for: dynamism with perseverance," says Lisanne Brakenhoff, manager of Campus Groningen.Interest list opened Due to the high level of interest, an interest list has been opened. Interested parties can sign up here to stay informed in case a limited number of starting places become available at a later date. Signing up for this list does not guarantee that starting places will actually become available. This will depend entirely on the number of places that become available.Sign up now for the half marathon, 10 km, and Kids Run (2.5 km) Although the marathon distance is already sold out, there are still plenty of starting places available for the other events. Participants can still register for the Half Marathon, 10 km, and Kids Run (2.5 km). Together with the marathon, these events form a complete program for runners of all levels and ages. On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Groningen will be transformed into one big running party. With a revamped course for the Half Marathon distance, a wide range of distances, and strong collaboration with local partners such as Campus Groningen, the event promises to be a sporting milestone.Collaboration between Marathon Groningen and Campus Groningen Campus Groningen is once again partnering with the Marathon this year. As with the previous half marathon, the start and finish will take place at the Zernike Campus. Campus Groningen and its partners are once again making a valuable contribution as supporting partners. The charity benefiting from this edition is Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis. A marathon requires vision, stamina, and the ability to maintain pace. These are precisely the qualities that are also needed for economic development. At Campus Groningen, we work every day on innovations that cannot be achieved in a single sprint, but require a long-term approach. We think big here and take concrete steps forward. The fact that the start and finish of the marathon take place here underlines what the campus and this region stand for: dynamism with perseverance. - Lisanne Brakenhoff, Campus Manager Groningen
After eight years, Brigitte Hofstee is saying goodbye to Brasserie Zernike (now Contini Zernike) at Campus Groningen. On 1 February, she handed over the keys to her successor, René Contini. What started as a leap into the unknown grew into a place where hospitality, entrepreneurship and the campus community came together. “We’ve truly built something here together,” says Hofstee. In this interview, she looks back on her years at the campus.Eight years of Brasserie Zernike Hofstee took over Brasserie Zernike on 1 March 2018. Shortly after, the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Yet she does not look back on that period negatively. “It was incredibly educational. It brought me a lot and taught me a great deal.” The brasserie became a regular meeting place on campus for staff, students and entrepreneurs. “That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.” The decision to pass on the baton came gradually. “I worked an average of seventy hours a week. At some point, that takes its toll,” Hofstee explains. What weighed heavily on her was her team. “It was very important to me that my employees would also have a secure future. That’s why I spoke with them first. They fully understood my decision, and that gave me peace of mind.” She was not too concerned about finding a successor. “Daytime hospitality businesses are popular among entrepreneurs. But I felt it had to be someone who truly connects with the campus. We all work hard here to be visible and welcoming — you need to feel that as well.”From Hanze to hospitality Before moving into hospitality, Hofstee worked for nearly fifteen years at the Hanze in Groningen in various support roles. “From preparing accreditations to guiding students going abroad. Planning, organising and being hospitable — I was already doing that there.” With a background in business administration, she had always had a quiet ambition. “If I were ever to run a daytime hospitality business, it would ideally be in a setting that combines companies and institutions. When Brasserie Zernike crossed my path by chance, I didn’t have to think twice.” “That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.” - Brigitte Hofstee, former owner Brasserie Zernike (now Contini Zernike)Entrepreneurship is building together In addition to her role as a hospitality entrepreneur, Hofstee was a visible and active member of the campus community. “What made my work enjoyable was building something together with others. That’s what we literally do on campus — everyone at their own level, macro or micro.” Over the years, she saw engagement grow. “The support for entrepreneurs from Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST has increased tremendously. That makes you want to give something back.” That sense of reciprocity is what she will miss most. “The shared commitment to giving the campus a welcoming character.” She has also seen a positive development among companies. “More and more businesses are joining campus activities. You can tell they find it important to belong and to be visible.” Events such as the Campus Café, the Campus Trail and the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen reinforce that sense of community. Hofstee actively encouraged collaboration among entrepreneurs. “Why source products or services outside the campus when we have so much to offer here? When I was too busy, I outsourced work to other entrepreneurs on campus. That way, you keep it within the community.”Advice for new companies Hofstee has a clear message for new companies on campus: get involved. “Join activities, even if they are not directly related to your field. You’ll meet people who play a role here and hear what’s going on.” Her advice is to connect with Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST. “Even if you first take a look around — it’s truly worthwhile. You get a lot in return.”‘First, I promised my husband some rest’ Since 1 February, Hofstee has officially stepped down. “I feel like I’m playing truant,” she says with a laugh. “After being ‘on’ every day for years, it’s very strange to suddenly be at home.” At the same time, it gives her energy. “New ideas are already bubbling up.” She is closely following developments around Groningen as a conference destination and welcoming city. “I see opportunities for myself there, perhaps as a self-employed professional, helping companies or institutions further professionalise their hospitality. I don’t yet know exactly how.” First, it is time for rest. “I promised my husband that. And I can tell — it’s doing me good.” Finally, Hofstee expresses her appreciation. “Campus Groningen, Bedrijvenvereniging WEST, the Hanze and the RUG are truly putting this place on the map. Entrepreneurs feel supported here. I have always found that incredibly valuable.” And for her successor René, she has one heartfelt wish: “That he will have just as wonderful a time on campus as I have had.” Text Campus Groningen (interviewer Marlies Schipperheijn)Photo: Brigitte Hofstee, copyright STOK MEDIA
