Marketing and communications adviser Hinke Mulder, who is organising the event, explains how the programme was put together. ‘The theme of this anniversary year is ‘Courage’, which naturally ties in with the Dies Natalis. We want to inspire, spark a sense of wonder, and give people food for thought. The decision to invite two of our own researchers as speakers was inspired by former rector Thom Palstra, who once said how important it is to showcase our talent. Hoogsteen is a passionate speaker on technology, while Van der Horst is well placed to reflect on the ethics of all these innovations. Together, they offer a balanced perspective on this year’s theme: high tech, human touch.’
Honorary doctorates
A large part of the Dies Natalis will be devoted to the presentation of four honorary doctorates to Martin van den Brink, Marjolein Demmers, Molly Stevens, and Klaus Deininger. ‘In their speeches, those who nominated the honorary doctors will explain why they chose them. There will be short videos about the honorary doctors’ work, and of course, they will each have a chance to say a few words themselves,’ Mulder explains.
Awards and alumni
Traditionally, the Dies Natalis is also the occasion for presenting the Professor de Winter Award, the Overijssel PhD Award, and the Marina van Damme Scholarship. The Alumni Office will also organise a symposium, a reunion, a Dies Natalis lunch, and drinks afterwards.
Week of Inspiration
As the Dies Natalis on 27 November marks the highlight of UT’s 65th anniversary celebrations, several activities will take place in the preceding week. Studium Generale has put together an extensive programme under the banner of the ‘Week of Inspiration’. On Tuesday afternoon, 24 November, Food for Thought will explore the Netherlands’ key role in the international food industry. That same evening, psychologist Thijs Launspach will discuss the pressures of modern life surrounding happiness and success in a talk entitled Mentally Healthy in a Troubled World. On Thursday, 26 November, honorary doctorate recipients Stevens and Deininger will talk about their research and answer questions.
The Dies Natalis begins on Friday afternoon at 3 pm, with doors opening at 2 pm. All staff and students received an email invitation to the celebration this week.
