Opening Academic Year 2025-2026
On Monday 1 September 2025 the academic year 2025-2026 of Leiden University starts with an opening ceremony in the Pieterskerk Leiden. The ceremony is traditionally opened with the entry of students and the cortege, followed by several speeches and musical performances.
This year’s opening of the academic year will be an extra special celebration marking the 450th anniversary of Leiden University. The afternoon will be devoted to the theme of the anniversary: Ahead of the Times.
Programme
• Entrance of student and board processions
• Opening speech by Timo Kos, acting chair of the Executive Board
• Keynote speech by Charlotte Poot, postdoctoral researcher in elderly care at the LUMC and co-founder of Hospital Hero
• Keynote speech by Sebastiaan Grosscurt, behavioural ecologist, nature educator and journalist
• Speech by Hester Bijl, rector magnificus
• Closing remarks by Timo Kos
Furthermore there will be attention paid to the anniversary of Leiden University and the winner of the Education Award will be announced by the president of the Leiden University Studentplatform. Music will be provided by organist Jan Verschuren and music ensemble Otis.
Register
Registration is possible through the Registration form (limited number of seats available)
The ceremony will be translated simultaneously in English and can also be watched live on the homepage of Leiden University (start: 14:45 hrs.)
Monday 1 September 2025 | Start: 15.00 hrs. | End: 16.30 hrs. (opportunity for drinks and informal networking until 18.00 hrs.) | Entry: free (registration required)