Inspiring connections at the 2nd Bioinformatics Industry Day

The Bioinformatics Industry Day 2025 brought together students, researchers, and professionals from across the life sciences sector. The event served as a platform for bioinformatics students and researchers to explore career opportunities outside academia. Students were able to connect directly with Utrecht-based innovative organizations working at the forefront of biotechnology and data science.

The Utrecht Bioinformatics Center (UBC) hosted the second edition of the Bioinformatics Industry Day on Tuesday 27 May. The event gave more than 140 participants the opportunity for to connect with industry professionals, and gain insights into careers beyond academia.

The event continued the success of last year’s inaugural edition. This year’s programme again featured a mix of talks, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions.

Career after academia

Participants were jointly welcomed by the UBC Daily Board and ConneCie, the career and education committee of the study association InSilico. The event then kicked off with a set of inspirational talks exploring life after academia. Topics ranged from the value of a PhD in industry to various aspects that lead choosing between a career in sciences research or entrepreneurship.

One-on-one

Attendees also had the chance to visit company stands during a walk-in session, where they could speak one-on-one with representatives from biotech startups and research institutes. Participating companies included GenDx, Genmab, Single Cell Discoveries, ForgeBio, and CryoCloud. Also present were start-up facilitator UtrechtInc and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). These Utrecht-based organisations represented a broad spectrum of bioinformatics, from transplant diagnostics and drug discovery to AI-driven protein engineering.

Company pitches

The company pitch session that followed offered students an overview of the organisations’ missions and the role bioinformatics plays in their work. These presentations gave students a better sense of the skills and mindsets valued in different sectors, and where they might best fit in.

Round table discussions

The round table discussions proved particularly popular, as company representatives answered a series of candid questions submitted by students. Common themes included how to find an internship, the pros and cons of doing a PhD, and how to stand out in applications. Discussions also touched on the shifting international landscape, such as whether policy changes in the USA might increase opportunities in the Dutch job market.

The afternoon concluded with an informal networking session over drinks, where students and professionals continued their conversations in a relaxed setting.

Clearer picture

UBC Board member Ronnie de Jonge praised the event’s atmosphere and value. “It was a really enjoyable afternoon,” says De Jonge. “The presentations gave great insights into career perspectives and important questions, like whether to pursue a PhD. But just as important were the real-world examples of how bioinformatics is applied in companies on the Utrecht Science Park. It wasn’t just about advice. It gave students a clearer picture of where they could go next.”

UBC aims to organize a third edition of the Bioinformatics Industry Day in 2026.