The theme of Prince Constantijn’s address will be internationalization and Europe, both of which are increasingly important for universities. Prince Constantijn (1969) has wide international experience. Since 2010 he has been working for the Cabinet of European Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is Vice-President of the European Commission and responsible for the Digital Agenda portfolio.

President of the Executive Board Pauline van der Meer Mohr and rector magnificus Professor Dr. Henk Schmidt will also deliver speeches.  

University awards
During the Opening ceremony, the Rector will also present the university awards 2012. This year’s winners are Dr Martijn Burger, Erasmus School of Economics (Research Prize), Prof Dr Ir Axel Themmen, Erasmus MC (Education Prize), Johanna Thoma MA, research master in Philosophy & Economics (Professor Bruins Prize) and Abdelilah el Barzouhi MSc, master in Clinical Research and Health Care Management (Professor Lambers Prize).

There are honorable mentions for Dr Abbas Dehghan, Erasmus MC (Research Prize), Dr Peter Verkoeijen, Faculty of Social Sciences (Education Prize), Ilona Dekkers MSc, Erasmus MC (Professor Bruins Prize) and Han Tonino MSc (Professor Lambers Prize).  

The Opening ceremony is to be held in in the Auditorium. The ceremony starts at 3.15 pm and will end around 5 pm, followed by drinks. For more information and registration here.