Dies natalis

The theme of this special anniversary, as well as of this year's celebrations, is Ahead of times. After all, for centuries now we have been directing our gaze at the future.

Programme

Entrance of the processions of students and professors

Dies natalis lecture

The renounced oath. About freedom of conscience and academy, by Egbert Koops, professor of Legal History.

Can you expect scientists to propagate certain views, or not to propagate them? In the beginning, Leiden University asked staff and students to take an oath. That didn't work out. The oath was renounced. Immediately the noble principles of freedom of conscience and academia were put to the test. In his Dies lecture, Egbert Koops examines the boundaries of academic freedom, then and now.

Conferral of honorary doctorates

On Eliot Higgins, truth finder and founder of Bellingcat, on Bonnie Honig, expert in feminist theory and legal theory, and on Kelly Chibale, professor of organic chemistry, who works on cures 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.

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