A campus in bloom: new book shows spectacular metamorphosis of Leiden Bio Science Park
The university campus at the Leiden Bio Science Park is flourishing. Amid lush greenery, a modern and vibrant campus has taken shape. Students, researchers, local residents and partners came together on 30 June to celebrate this milestone. A new book tells the stories behind this remarkable metamorphosis.
Over the past few years, the Faculty of Science campus has undergone an impressive transformation. The result: a lively central square, a green and circular bike parking facility with a rooftop garden, a renovated lecture hall building and the completion of the second phase of the striking Gorlaeus Building – now featuring a welcoming new entrance. With these developments, Leiden University has established a visible presence at the Bio Science Park.
Vibrant hub
‘And this is only the beginning’, said Chris Suijker from the sunny terrace of the Gorlaeus Building’s brasserie, where the milestone was celebrated. As Director of the Real Estate Department, she knows the site better than anyone. ‘Ten years ago, this was largely a construction site – no square, no student housing, not a welcoming place to be. We’re not finished yet, but it’s already become a vibrant space for meeting, studying and relaxing.’
New book
During the event, she presented the first copy of the book Campus in Bloei – Verhalen over groei, verbinding en innovatie to Timo Kos, Vice-President of the Executive Board. The richly illustrated book brings the campus’s development to life, with a strong focus on the many collaborations within the Leiden Bio Science Park. According to Kos, this aligns perfectly with Ahead of the Times, the theme of Leiden University’s 450th anniversary this year.
-
Chris Suijker, Director of Real Estate, Vice-President Timo Kos and Jasper Knoester, Dean of the Faculty of Science toast this milestone. -
Students see themselves in the book Campus in Bloom -
Dancers from the University Sports Centre interpret the flourishing campus in dance. -
Active partner in society
This science campus is a powerful symbol of our future’, said Kos. It is home to leading research in fields such as bioscience, AI and quantum technology – all within an environment where teaching, research and entrepreneurship reinforce one another. Today’s major societal challenges demand forward thinking and collaboration that transcends disciplinary and institutional boundaries. This campus is what we aspire to be as a university: not just an academic institution, but an active partner in society.’
Connecting on two wheels
A special moment ahead of the celebration was the opening of the Hartlijn – a new cycle and pedestrian route that runs through the Leiden Bio Science Park, linking the campus with the rest of the park and the city. Vice-President Timo Kos cycled the route to the festivities alongside Leiden alderman Wietske Veltman and the director of LBSP Foundation Esther Peters – a symbolic gesture highlighting the university’s strong commitment to sustainable mobility and accessibility.
Evolving
This celebration is by no means the final destination, but rather an important milestone in an area that continues to evolve. The new University Sport Centre will open at the end of the year, while the adjacent entrance area – featuring new housing, cafés, shops and other amenities and developed for Leiden University – is steadily taking shape. This area is becoming a vibrant and indispensable part of Leiden.