Erasmus University Rotterdam celebrates 112th Dies Natalis: 'We don't build the engaged university of the future in silence, but in connection and dialogue'

On 10 November, Erasmus University Rotterdam celebrated its 112th anniversary during the Dies Natalis. The central theme was 'Curiosity connects, knowledge changes'. During the festive ceremony in the Aula, scientific achievements and social impact were put in the spotlight. The common thread of the celebration was how we, as an engaged university, can make a positive societal impact together with society.

Strategy 2030 in practice

Erasmus University Rotterdam wants to deepen its position in society in the coming years: through meaningful collaborations, accessible education and visible impact within the five social domains of Strategy 2030. And that is urgently needed, Rector Magnificus Jantine Schuit emphasised in her Dies speech: 'Where we used to be taken for granted as a self-evident authority, academic institutions are increasingly being questioned or criticised. Yet the need for academic involvement is louder than ever. But how do we make our added value visible?'

Jantine Schuit gives a speech during the dies natalis (2025)

'Together with the city and its residents'

According to her, the key lies at our core: excellent education and research, as a solid foundation for making connections and achieving social impact. She led the audience through tangible examples to how we can connect more with society. Such as the Bildung Climate School, where young people from MBO, HBO and WO work together on climate issues. Or the successful Erasmus Verbindt initiative in which our students help solve problems in the city. And don't forget all the projects related to Convergence or Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities. 'This is how we fulfil our social mission: together with the city, region and its residents. That is a truly engaged university,' said Jantine Schuit.

What is your contribution as an employee or student

She called on all employees and students to think about his or her contribution to our society: 'It's about realising that we are part of a larger movement. That together we are building a university that is at the heart of society. A university in which everyone, in his or her own way, but above all contributes to social impact together.' In conclusion, she said: 'Together we bring new knowledge to life. Because we don't build the engaged university of the future in silence, but in connection and dialogue.'

Read the full speech by the Rector Magnificus

Professor Vincent Jaddoe (Erasmus MC) during the ceremony of the Dies Natalis 2025.

New Erasmus Professor: Vincent Jaddoe

Jantine Schuit also announced the appointment of a new Erasmus Professor, prof. dr. Vincent Jaddoe (Erasmus MC). As a pediatrician and principal investigator of the large-scale Generation R-programma, Jaddoe follows more than 10,000 children and their parents from pregnancy to adulthood. The results from this study have an impact on preventive strategies for the health of future generations worldwide. His appointment once again underlines the close connection between research, education and societal impact that the university strives for.

Patrick Bolton receives honorary doctorate from Dirk Schoenmaker with Jantine Schuit on the right

Honorary doctorate for outstanding contribution to business administration

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the honorary doctorate to Patrick Bolton, Professor of Finance and Economics at Imperial College London. On the recommendation of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), he was awarded the honorary doctorate for his pioneering contributions in the field of contract theory, corporate finance, industrial organisation and climate finance.

Awards for exceptional performance

The Dies Natalis is also the time when the university presents annual awards to members of the academic community who have made a special commitment to research, education and social impact.

Sociologist Vivian Visser receives a prize during the Dies Natalis 2025.

The Research Prize 2025 went to Dr. Vivian Visser (Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences). Visser investigates how governments can shape inviting governance and why citizens with a lower social status are less likely to participate in citizens' initiatives. The jury praised her original and empirically rich work at the intersection of Public Administration and Sociology, and her commitment to knowledge sharing and public engagement.

Linda Al-Hassany with the Lambers Student Excellence Award.

The Lambers Student Excellence Award was awarded to Linda Al-Hassany, a medical student with an impressive track record in migraine research and the promotion of inclusive science. The jury called her 'an example of boundless ambition and empathy'.

Ellen van Schoten on stage during the Dies Natalis 2025.

The FAME Athena Award went to Prof. Wendy Harcourt, Professor of Gender, Diversity and Sustainable Development at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). Harcourt is praised for her long-standing commitment to firmly embedding gender equality and diversity in research, education and policy within the university.

Building a connected university together

The 112th Dies Natalis was not only a moment of reflection, but also a call to action. How can students, staff and partners build a future-proof university together? The meeting showed that curiosity remains the engine of change – and that knowledge only really gains power when it is shared. With the Strategy 2030 as a compass, Erasmus University Rotterdam continues to work towards a society that is resilient, sustainable, just and inclusive.