Sustainability goes beyond the environment; it is also an essential part of the future of our health care system. The fourth edition of the LIFE Science Conference will focus on the theme of Sustainability in Health(care), a topic that evokes both urgency and inspiration within the life sciences & health sector.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025 the Forum Groningen will transform into a meeting place for professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers from the life sciences and health sector. The LIFE Science Conference is organized by the LIFE Cooperative, in collaboration with Health~Holland, the Municipality of Groningen and NV NOM. The conference offers attendees an afternoon of networking opportunities, sharp pitches, the presentation of the Innovation Award, interactive panel discussions and keynote speakers exploring the impact of innovation and urgency of sustainability.
Inspiring speakers and current challenges
''In recent years, the LIFE Science Conference has hosted top speakers to highlight current issues, innovations and challenges. Nobel Prize winner Ben Feringa, Special Envoy Hans Schikan, Professor Marcel Levi and Captain of Science Wiro Niessen have climbed the conference stage in recent years. For the fourth edition, big names will soon be presented again.'' says Ronald Hesse, director of LIFE Cooperative. Participants can expect impact makers from inside and outside the region. They will also be inspired with surprising collaborations that reshape sustainability, and fresh ideas that are the starting point for tomorrow's innovations.
Registration and nominations
This year's program of the LIFE Science Conference will also conclude with the presentation of the now renowned LIFE Science Innovation Award. This award is the recognition for groundbreaking, northern innovations in the life sciences & health sector. Simultaneously with the opening of registrations for the conference, the registrations for the Innovation Award are also open. This Innovation Award is presented to the innovation with the greatest impact in the field of Life Sciences & Health, with an origin in the Northern Netherlands. Both companies, (knowledge) institutions and projects can nominate themselves or another.
“Do you know of an innovation that deserves recognition? Or are you personally involved in a groundbreaking project within the sector? Submit your nomination and be in the running for this Innovation Award, which comes with a check worth €7,500.” adds Ronald Hesse. Nominations for the Innovation Award can be submitted via http://www.lifescienceconference.nl
About the LIFE Cooperative
The LIFE Cooperative is the northern Netherlands’ collaborative network in the field of life sciences and medical technology, created by, for, and through the regional business community. The cooperative focuses on strengthening the region’s innovative capacity through effective and efficient collaboration. The LIFE Cooperative has a significant impact on the Life Sciences & Health sector in the Northern Netherlands: more than 55 companies—ranging from startups and SMEs to international players—are members, representing 4,750 FTEs and a combined revenue of 450 million euros.