450 years of Leiden University
Ahead of the times? We’ve been that for 450 years. As the oldest university in the Netherlands, we’ve sailed through the centuries with our sights fixed firmly on the society of the future. Our anniversary in 2025 is a chance to look back too. A chance to celebrate the impact of our research and teaching. And a chance to set our course for the next decades.
Looking ahead is in our DNA. That is what science stands for. Finding answers to questions that lead to new knowledge, solutions and innovations – and to more questions again. Because our curiosity is endless: from medical breakthroughs to better governance and from linguistic knowledge to a greener world. And this curiosity is infectious: we train generations of young people and work with community partners.
We are looking not just ahead but back too. There are wise lessons to be learned from the past 450 years: about how we work − alone and together − and about how we can do so differently. We are taking the time to reflect on academic freedom and our breadth of perspectives – things we have built on together. We are pleased to share this tradition, so join us in celebrating our 450th birthday!
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Watch the video on the original website orIdeas for the anniversary
We asked guests at the Opening of the Academic Year 2024-2025 for their ideaas for our anniversary:
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Nour, student and Cath Prize winner: ‘I think we should give something back to society and show that we want to collaborate more.’ -
Corien Prins, WRR Chair (together with Hans Franken and Gera van Duijvenvoorde): 'Talk to residents of Leiden and The Hague who are going to have a baby in 2025. how do they view the future of education for their children?’ -
Maarten Lamers and Media Technology students: 'Celebrate the individuality of 30,000 students and alumni. A festival of diversity.' -
Inge, wife of Pieter Slaman (Teaching Prize winner): 'Show the impact close to home, for the city. And give some attention to the professionals who make the research and teaching possible. Cherish the history of 450 years!' -
Students from the Elsa, Grotius and BNSL study associations: 'Celebrate with young and old, so that students and professors meet. Also fun: a few big names for an interesting meet & greet. Involve study associations!' -
Martina Vijver, Miranda van Eck and Marcello Bonsangue, scientific directors: 'Show the university's value for the city and its people. We do a lot for society but not many people are aware of this. Our impact now and for the future.' -
Ahmed Mahfouz, Julia Cramer and Rachel Plak, YAL: 'Involve everyone at the university, so also the forces behind the famous faces, and leave a lasting impression, something to remind us of the anniversary.' -
Willem Otterspeer, recipient of the University Medal: 'A spotlight on the humanities and bachelor's programmes, people's first introduction to the university,' and Onno Blom, author: 'The university is the bedrock of the city of Leiden. That is something to celebrate together.' -
Peter van der Velden, Leiden Mayor: 'Celebrate with the whole city, together. Because the city of Leiden = Leiden University, and vice versa. I've realised how unique that is.' -
Student Alexander: 'Let everyone see what the university means for the city – in Leiden and in The Hague.' -
Ab van der Touw, former chair of the Board of Governors: 'William the Silent made the right decision in gifting Leiden a university: 450 wonderful years as a bastion of freedom,' and Alexander Geersema: 'Make it a celebration for the city. After all, the university also belongs to the city.'
