• Utrecht, Heart of Health is located in the heart of the Netherlands
• Within 30 minutes from Schiphol Airport
• Excellent congress venues and hotels
• City center venues all within walking distance
• Favorably priced compared to other European cities
• Lively university town with an authentic and friendly atmosphere
• City with the highest educated population in the Netherlands
• Ideal mix of history and modern culture
• English is widely spoken in Utrecht and many people have a command of several other languages.

Utrecht is known for its medieval city center with unique monuments, an inspiring cultural scene and the beautiful green surroundings rich with historic treasures and stories. Especially popular are the centuries-old wharf cellars which are unique in the world and the tallest church tower in the Netherlands: the Domtoren (Dom Tower). Although you can spend days walking around and still discover new things, the fourth-largest and fastest growing city in the Netherlands is remarkably easy to navigate. In Utrechts compact city center everything you need is nearby. The small streets, where century old houses lie next to modern shops, create the warm, inviting and lively atmosphere that makes this city so endearing.

History

• Around 47 AD, the Romans built the Trajectum Castellum (fortress).
• Willibrord redesigned the old castellum as a mission and converted the Netherlands (from 695 AD)
• In the medieval hey-days, Utrecht is a religious and mercantile bastion and remains the largest and main city until the 16th century.
• Union of Utrecht, 1579; foundation for the Dutch Republic. Peace Treaty of Utrecht, 1713.

Utrecht’s extensive network of knowledge-intensive businesses and institutions, with Utrecht Science Park, the largest knowledge center in the Netherlands, serving as the vital link, make the city exceptionally suited to organizing academic conferences. Utrecht Science Park is where academics and entrepreneurs join forces to provide a collective, significant boost to the regional economy. Key features include Utrecht University, the best research university in the Netherlands, the University Medical Centre Utrecht, which is one of the largest public healthcare facilities in the Netherlands, the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology, unique in that it brings together all the strands of highly complex care and research for children with cancer, and more than 100 companies and research institutions involved in sectors such as life sciences and health, sustainable economics, gaming, financial and business services, and ICT.

Utrecht University was founded in 1636 and has become a modern, leading institution. Research is a key facet of the university, with seven faculties that make connections within the entire scientific spectrum of research and education. This versatility forms an inspiring basis for multidisciplinary research both within and outside the university. Given this, it’s clear why the Shanghai rankings of best universities have placed it in the number one position in the Netherlands for years.

All these parties work together with the municipality, residents and region of Utrecht to create a green, healthy and smart city. This includes applying innovative solutions in the use of the limited space, experimenting with open data applications and other technological solutions, and encouraging clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Utrecht’s thriving economy, well-educated residents, rich cultural scene and wide array of historic and modern venues make the city an ideal location for business events such as conferences and meetings.

ROM Utrecht Region (regional development company)

The Utrecht region is an innovative frontrunner in smart energy systems, grid digitalization, and AI applications for infrastructure. Within the Earth Valley ecosystem, companies, grid operators, knowledge institutions, and public authorities collaborate on forward-looking solutions for energy infrastructure, system optimization, and network digitalization.

The topics at the heart of CIRED closely align with the challenges and expertise actively addressed in this region. With a strong innovation profile, international orientation, and an extensive network of collaboration partners, Utrecht offers a solid and content-rich foundation for a successful CIRED Workshop 2028.