Leiden Science kicks off the new year
Beautiful prizes, special speeches, and a reception with live music. The well-attended Leiden Science New Year's reception was a delightful way to start the year 2023. Dean Jasper Knoester opened the event after which it was announced who were chosen teacher and bachelor student of the year.
‘I am grateful that I can finally address all of you in person,’ Knoester began his speech. ‘After my first year in Leiden, I feel happy and privileged to be a member of this Faculty and University. I look forward to the coming years, working together with you on the challenges we face, making the Faculty an even better place to work and study.’
Read Jasper's full speech
In his speech he looked back on the past year, but also looked forward at the developments within the faculty.
Read the full speechThe faculty prizes were also awarded during the New Year's reception. Michiel Brentjens received the Teacher of the Year Award this year for building radio telescopes with his students. ‘With the prize money I want to set up a supercomputer the size of a shopper so that the students can work even more easily,’ Brentjens explained from the video wall. Math student Alex Colling won the Leiden Science Young Talent Award and is yet undecided about what to do with the prize money.
After the award ceremony, it was time for the New Year's reception. Both students and staff took the opportunity to see each other again after the holidays. Accompanied by Bronsch, the house band of De Leidsche Flesch, and with a snack and drink in hand, it was a pleasant way to start the new year.
