See you in our 3rd edition!!

Come share your success stories and promote scientific collaboration between Spain and the Netherlands at intra- and inter-sectoral level in academia and business. 

🗓️01 December 2026
🏠 Leiden Bio Science Park

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About | Bridging Sciences

Welcome to the third Spanish-Dutch Scientific Congress SCIENCE ÑL. This event aims to foster scientific cooperation between Spain and the Netherlands, bringing together leading experts and institutions to address global challenges through international collaboration.

Throughout the day, high-level experts and institutions from both countries will share their knowledge and experiences in areas of biotechnology, life sciences and health, addressing topics such as knowledge transfer, scientific entrepreneurship, collaboration between academia and industry, talent development, and synergies between the Spanish and Dutch innovation ecosystems

Through talks, round tables, and networking opportunities, we aim to create a space for dialogue that inspires new collaborations and enhances the creation of networks among scientists, professionals, and institutional representatives.

The congress will offer a platform for exchange and building connections, reinforcing the idea that science is a powerful tool to connect cultures and solve global challenges.

Join this inspiring event and be part of the future of scientific collaboration!

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Event program

1 December 2026 [10:00 – 17:30]

Under the motto Wetenschap als brug – La Ciencia como puente, we have gathered keynote talks and panel discussions by prominent scientists and policymakers from both countries.

There will also be time for networking during the closing borrel to foster connections between academia, industry, and government representatives to deepen these ties and leverage their expertise for mutual benefit.

Open doors

10h30
Open doors and registration, reception with food and drinks.

Institutional Welcome

  • Cecilia Robles, Ambassador of Spain in the Netherlands at the Embassy of Spain in the Netherlands
  • Esther Peters, Director of Leiden Bio Science Park
  • Rodrigo García Valiente, Institutional Relations officer of the Network of the Associations of Spanish Researchers and Scientists Abroad (RAICEX)
  • Prof. dr. Luc Sels, President of the Executive Board of Leiden University
  • Dr. Anaïs Notario Reinoso, President of the Association of Spanish Scientists in the Netherlands (CENL-SWNL)

Opening lecture

  • Prof dr. Javier García Martínez, Professor and Director at the Molecular Nanotechnology Lab. Universitat d’Alacant (Spain), former IUPAC president, Chair Fundación Rafael del Pino, founder of Rive Technology Inc. and Celera
  • Prof. dr. Thomas Hankemeier, Professor of the Metabolomics and Analytics Centre at the LACDR in Leiden University, co-founder of MIMETAS

Session I

  • Prof. dr. Caspar van den Berg, President of Universiteiten van Nederland
  • Dr. Mar Cóndor, Principal Member of Technical Staff at IMEC
  • Juan Antonio Tébar, Director of Innovation Programs at CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology in Spain)

Session II

  • Prof. dr. Victor Guallar, Group Manager in electronic and atomic protein modeling at Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Founder of Nostrum BioDiscovery
  • Martina Milà, Investment Analyst at Inveready
  • Frans Nauta, Program Director and Founder at the Faculty of Impact from NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Dutch Research Council)
  • Prof. dr. Robert Passier, Professor and Chair of the Department of applied stem cell technologies of the University of Twente and Professor at the Department of anatomy and embryology of the Leiden University Medical Center, co-founder of Pluriomics, Ncardia, River BioMedics
  • Meritxell Teixidó, CEO/CSO of Gate2Brain

Session III

  • Dr. Carles Galdeano, Associate Professor at University of Barcelona, co-Founder of Oniria Therapeutics
  • Prof. dr. Inés Lopez Arteaga, Professor at the dynamics and control group and Chair of acoustic and noise control at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Dean of TU/e Bachelor College
  • Dr. Gemma Moiset, Associate Science Director at IQVIA

Session IV

  • Dr. Carlos Anerillas, Group Leader at the Health Science Institute in Aragón, Member of the Spanish Young Scientists Academy (Academia Joven de España)
  • Dr. Chiat Cheong, Career Advisor, Founder of Qia Consultancy, Policy Advisor at the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam
  • Thijs Remijn, Project leader Human Capital Agenda at the Leiden Bio Science Park
  • Dr. Andrea-Nekane Roig Alba, Grant advisor at Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen
  • Robin van Woerden, Managing Director at Talentmark

Session V

  • Daniel Álvarez, International Development Manager at Bioga
  • Dr. Daniel Amado Ruiz, Head of Sales at ELEM Biotech
  • Lucía Orozco, Founder of FemTech Spain
  • Rob van Overbeek, Commercial Development Manager for Kadans Science Partner
  • Prof. dr. Robert Polding, Vice Dean and Professor at the computer science department of the IE University, Segovia

borrel (drinks) & networking session


Foster connections between academia, industry, and government representatives.



Our Venue

SCIENCE ÑL III will take place at the Plus Ultra Leiden, lab and office space for biotech and life sciences innovation in the Leiden Bio Science Park. Established in 1984, the park has brought together research institutes, healthcare organizations, companies, and educational institutions in a unique environment dedicated to innovation and collaboration.

Closely connected to Leiden University and the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the park is home to a diverse community working in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical technology.

Today, Leiden Bio Science Park provides an inspiring setting where research, education, and entrepreneurship come together.

Join SCIENCE ÑL

Bridging Sciences

Connecting countries, institutions and people

1st December 2026

Be part of the success of this third edition!

Excellency

Building synergies between high-prestige institutions

Write to:
info@cenetherlands.nl
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Frequent Asked Questions

SCIENCE ÑL exists to showcase and promote scientific cooperation at all levels between the Netherlands and Spain.

We are committed to international collaborations that drive research and innovation, tackle global challenges, stimulate economic growth, strengthen diplomatic relations, and enhance educational opportunities.

1st of December 2026 at the Leiden Bio Science Park.

SCIENCE ÑL brings together representatives from key institutions and companies in both countries, high-level researchers, and all those dedicated to fostering international collaborations between Spain and the Netherlands.

Organized by the Association of Spanish Scientists in the Netherlands (CENL) and the Embassy of Spain in the Netherlands, and hosted by the Leiden Bio Science Park.

Yes. While part of the event will be recorded, we highly encourage attendees to join in person for the invaluable networking opportunities and to be at the heart of the discussions.

You can find more information about the first edition here and the second edition here.