University ceremony
Dies Natalis
- Date
- Friday 7 February 2025
- Time
- Address
- Pieterskerk
Pieterskerkhof 1A
Leiden
The theme of this special anniversary, as well as of this year's celebrations, is Ahead of times. After all, for centuries now we have been directing our gaze at the future.
Simultaneous translation and livestream
A simultaneous translation of the ceremony will be available in English. A livestream of the entire ceremony can be viewed on 7 February 2025 from 14:45 hrs on this webpaga. You don't need to register for this live stream.
Entrance of the processions of students and professors
Dies natalis lecture
Egbert Koops, professor of Legal History, titled The renounced oath. About freedom of conscience and academy.
Conferral of honorary doctorates
On Eliot Higgins, truth finder and founder of Bellingcat, on Bonnie Honig, expert in feminist theory and legal theory, and on Kelly Chibale, professor of organic chemistry, who works on cures for endemic diseases such as malaria.
450 quiz
Led by university historic Pieter Slaman.
Presentation of the Gratama Science Award
Music
By science rapper Jon Chase, featuring Celesta da Vinci.
-
Hester Bijl studied Applied Mathematics at Delft University of Technology, where she also obtained a PhD in numerical mathematics in 1999. She also obtained a master's degree in English Language and Literature from Leiden University. For her research on applications of numerical fluid dynamics in aerospace and wind energy technology, she received, among other things, person-oriented grants from NWO. She was a member of the first cohort of the Young Academy of the KNAW and also served on its board. From 1999 to 2003, she was a visiting researcher at NASA Langley Research Center for several periods.
Before coming to Leiden in 2016, where she was appointed vice-rector magnificus, Bijl spent 17 years at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, where she eventually held the position of dean.
In 2021 she succeeded Carel Stolker as President of the Executive Board of Leiden University.
-
Annetje Ottow studied Law at Leiden University, receiving a Master of Laws (cum laude) in business law, and went on to receive a Master of Laws from Queen Mary College in London in 1990. She then worked in the legal profession for 16 years, first at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek and later as a partner at Houthoff Buruma. From 2006 to 2013, she was a member of the Board of the Independent Post and Telecommunications Authority (OPTA).
In 2007, Ottow was appointed professor of Public Economic Law at Utrecht University. From 2014 to 2018, she was dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics, Governance and Organisation there, and Vice President of the Executive Board from 2018 to 2021.
In 2021 she succeeded Carel Stolker as President of the Executive Board of Leiden University.
More information on speakers will follow.
Attendance
Please let us know whether or not you will be able to attend by 5 February 2025. Admission tickets will be sent by email.
Registration form