Dies Natalis 2026
On 9 February 2026, Leiden University will celebrate its foundation day, its Dies Natalis. The university will be 451 years old and is the oldest university in the Netherlands.
The celebration will be held in the Pieterskerk. Everyone is welcome: the Dies Natalies is a celebration for students and staff, but also for the city and the university’s partners.
During Leiden University’s 451st Dies Natalis, you will have the opportunity to meet the members of the new Executive Board. Alongside Timo Kos, who assumed the role of Vice President last March, our new President, Luc Sels, and our new Rector Magnificus, Sarah de Rijcke, will introduce themselves.
After the official programme, there will be an opportunity until 18:00 hours to meet and raise a glass to the university’s 451st anniversary.
You can find more information about the full programme and the speakers here.
Register
It is possible to register through the Registration form