Dies Natalis

The theme of our 450th anniversary, and of this Dies Natalis, is Ahead of the Times. We have, after all, been directing our gaze to the future for centuries now.

Programme

Entrance of the processions of students and professors

Dies Natalis lecture

The renounced oath. About freedom of conscience and academia, by Egbert Koops, Professor of Legal History.

Can you expect scholars to convey – or not to convey – certain views? In its early days, Leiden University asked staff and students to take an oath. That did not prove popular and the oath was renounced. The noble principles of freedom of conscience and academia were immediately put to the test. In his Dies lecture, Egbert Koops explores the limits of academic freedom, then and now.

Honorary doctorates

Honorary doctorates will be conferred on Eliot Higgins, truth finder and Bellingcat founder; Bonnie Honig, an expert in feminist and legal theory; and Kelly Chibale; an organic chemistry professor working on a cure for endemic diseases such as malaria.
See also: Honorary doctorates for Eliot Higgins, Kelly Chibale and Bonnie Honig

450 quiz

Led by university historic Pieter Slaman.

Presentation of the Gratama Science Award

 
Music

By science rapper Jon Chase featuring Celesta da Vinci.

Jon Chase is a science communication practitioner, author and science rapper based in the United Kingdom. He is affiliated with Leiden University where he developed science communication training materials for the GlobalSCAPE project.

Celesta da Vinci is a Dutch classical crossover singer and composer with a vocal range of three octaves. She sings a wide variety of genres, from classical to symphonic rock.

Want to attend the celebration? Sign up via the registration form in the event listing.