On Monday, 9 November 2026, Erasmus University Rotterdam will celebrate its 113th Dies Natalis. This academic ceremony marks the founding of our predecessor, the Nederlandsche Handels-Hoogeschool, on 8 November 1913. Since then, the university has been dedicated to academic excellence, social engagement and international cooperation.
- Date
- Monday 9 Nov 2026, 15:00 - 16:30
- Type
- General
- Space
- Aula
- Building
- Erasmus Building
- Location
- Campus Woudestein
The world is changing. Climate change, inequality of opportunity, technological developments, a shifting world order and increasing polarisation present us with complex challenges. These challenges are interconnected and cannot be understood or addressed from a single discipline or perspective.
Science helps us understand the world better. Excellent fundamental research brings new knowledge and insights, while engaged research connects this knowledge to societal challenges and to the people and organisations involved. Bringing the two together creates opportunities for new insights and solutions.
At Erasmus University Rotterdam, we want science to contribute to what matters to people and society: to health and equal opportunities, to well-being and sustainability, to the responsible use of technology, and to our ability to deal with change. In this way, science contributes to resilient societies: societies that can adapt, innovate and emerge stronger from challenges.
Academic ceremony in the Aula
The celebration will begin, as is tradition, with the arrival of the cortège: professors in gowns, the university board, and representatives of study and student associations. The Rector Magnificus will then deliver the Dies speech, in which she will reflect on the current challenges and ambitions of our academic community.
Programme
The programme brings together inspiring speakers from academia, public administration, and the EUR community.
University prizes
The Dies Natalis is also the moment when the Research prize and the Lambers Student Excellence Award are presented to students and researchers from our community who have distinguished themselves remarkably. The Research Prize and the Lambers Student Excellence Award are made possible by the Erasmus Trustfonds.
Livestream
Dies Natalis can also be followed via a livestream that is publicly accessible. The ceremony will be bilingual (Dutch/English).
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 Dies Natalis. 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 Dies Natalis will be a carbon-conscious celebration, with vegetarian catering and offsetting of CO2 emissions.
Register here
- More information
Do you have any questions? Please send an email to ceremonies@eur.nl.
