We would like to invite you to the festive opening of the academic year 2026/2027 of Erasmus University Rotterdam. A special moment when we start the year together.
- Date
- Monday 31 Aug 2026, 15:00 - 16:30
- Type
- General
- Space
- Aula
- Building
- Erasmus Building
- Location
- Campus Woudestein
- Ticket information
The ceremony will be held in Dutch and English.
Utopia? Building Resilient Societies
How do we build societies that not only withstand change, but emerge stronger because of it? What does it take to turn knowledge, innovation and collaboration into lasting societal impact?
During the Opening Academic Year 2026/2027, we will explore how universities, governments, businesses and civil society organisations can work together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate adaptation, the energy transition, digitalisation and social resilience.
In line with Erasmus University Rotterdam's mission to create positive societal impact, the programme brings together perspectives from academia, public leadership and society. We will explore how ideas can grow into practical solutions, how local innovations can make a global difference, and how collaboration is key to building resilient societies.
From Rotterdam to Europe and beyond. Utopia? is not a blueprint for the future, but an invitation to ask questions, forge new connections and shape the world of tomorrow together.
Programme
The programme brings together inspiring speakers from academia, public leadership and the Erasmus University Rotterdam community.
Prizes
The Opening Academic Year is also the moment when the Education Prize, the Rotterdam Thesis Award, the Sustainability Award and the Student Societal Impact Award are presented to students and researchers from our community who have distinguished themselves remarkably. The Education Prize and the Student Social Impact Award are made possible by the Erasmus Trustfonds.
Reception
There will be a reception after the ceremony. The reception will take place from 16:30 to 17:30 hrs at the Theil Hall.
Photography & Video
Photographs and video recordings will be made during the Opening Academic Year. You may be recognisable in the images. As a visitor, you consent to the storage and use of these images for commercial purposes.
Sustainability
The Opening Academic Year will be a carbon-conscious celebration, with vegetarian catering and offsetting of CO2 emissions.
- More information
Do you have any questions? Please send an email to ceremonies@eur.nl.
