Amsterdam Science Park, located in the eastern part of the Dutch capital, has grown into an international hub for scientific research, startups and established companies shaping the future of technology and life sciences. It brings together education, entrepreneurship and advanced research facilities in one dynamic district.
From Watergraafsmeer to a National Innovation District
The area now known as Amsterdam Science Park was originally part of the Watergraafsmeer polder, and carried that name for decades. Over the years the site was developed and expanded specifically to house scientific institutions and innovative companies, and the shift to the "Science Park" name reflects that deliberate focus on research, science and technology. Amsterdam Science Park railway station now makes the park one of the best-connected innovation districts in the country, with direct train access for the students, researchers and professionals who work there daily.
Education and Research Side by Side
The study programs based at the park cover a wide range of disciplines, from physics and chemistry to mathematics, computer science and life sciences. The Faculty of Science (FNWI) of the University of Amsterdam is based here, combining high-quality teaching with cutting-edge research, alongside several other knowledge institutions that add to the breadth of disciplines on offer. Students benefit not only from academic instruction but also from close proximity to research institutes, laboratories and innovative companies, giving them practical experience alongside theory.
A Growing Business and Innovation Ecosystem
Amsterdam Science Park is home to a wide variety of organizations, spanning ICT, biotech and sustainability, from university spin-offs that grow into scale-ups to multinationals opening new R&D departments. This proximity between science and business creates constant knowledge exchange and a steady stream of new ideas. Facilities on site are geared toward this mix of academic and commercial activity, with good parking, cycling and public transport connections for everyone working or studying there.
Career Opportunities for Life Sciences Talent
For life sciences professionals, Amsterdam Science Park offers a growing number of opportunities across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and IT, often directly linked to the many organizations based in and around the district. SIRE® Life Sciences works with candidates and employers connected to this ecosystem and to similar clusters across the Netherlands.
If you want to compare Amsterdam's ecosystem with the country's largest life sciences cluster, see our earlier article on Leiden Bio Science Park: The Life Sciences Hub of the Netherlands, or read about our own move to BioPartner 1 on the Leiden Bio Science Park.
FAQ
What is Amsterdam Science Park?
A district in eastern Amsterdam where education, research and entrepreneurship come together, home to university faculties, research institutes and companies in IT, biotech and sustainability.
What was Amsterdam Science Park called before?
The area was originally known by the name of the polder it sits in, Watergraafsmeer, before being redeveloped and renamed to reflect its focus on science and technology.
Is Amsterdam Science Park easy to reach by public transport?
Yes, Amsterdam Science Park has its own railway station with direct connections, making it easily accessible for students and professionals.
Read the original Dutch article on the SIRE® Life Sciences website: Amsterdam Science Park: Innovatie, Onderzoek en Samenwerking
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