The city of Leiden has long been a hub for knowledge, research, and innovation. This was evident in the grand celebrations of Leiden University’s 450th Dies Natalis, marking not only the university’s milestone anniversary but also its unwavering commitment to academic freedom and excellence.
From an extra-long cortège led by students and scholars to the awarding of three honorary doctorates and a powerful call to defend academic freedom, the celebrations underscored the university’s enduring legacy and its forward-looking vision.
Drums and trumpets set the tone for a jubilant procession from the Academy Building to the Pieterskerk church, led by the JongK&G marching band. Joining the procession were two school classes from Leiden and The Hague, who had received special lectures from university professors earlier that day. Among the distinguished guests was Princess Beatrix, a proud Leiden alumna and recipient of an honorary doctorate in 2005.
Despite the festive atmosphere, concerns over the future of higher education were at the forefront. Red protest flags draped university buildings, and many faculty members wore red symbols in protest of impending budget cuts. Demonstrators also gathered at the entrance of Pieterskerk to raise concerns about the university’s ties with Israeli institutions.
One of the day’s highlights was the participation of children from De Arcade and De Spiegel primary schools, who took to the stage at Pieterskerk after attending special lessons given by Leiden professors earlier that day. The university’s ongoing commitment to outreach and education was evident as young students shared their newfound knowledge on radiology and children’s rights. The celebration continued with a visit to the Hortus botanicus, where the Plants & Planets exhibition opened to the public.
Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl used her address to reflect on the university’s founding in 1575, emphasizing that its core values—freedom and service—remain as vital today as they were then. With higher education under financial and political pressure, she urged the academic community to stay resilient. Symbolizing hope, she referenced the light shining through the church’s stained-glass windows and reinforced the importance of defending academic freedom: ‘Because this university is more than an institution. Now, as in 1575, it is a promise.’
Professor of Legal History Egbert Koops continued this theme in his Dies Natalis Lecture, reflecting on the university’s historical challenges. He recounted how, in 1575, strict religious oaths barred Catholic students from enrolling, prompting many to study elsewhere. Recognizing the impact, the university successfully lobbied to abolish the requirement, making Leiden one of the first institutions in Europe to uphold academic inclusion. Koops highlighted how history can guide present-day discussions on academic independence and inclusivity.
A hallmark of this Dies Natalis was the awarding of three honorary doctorates, each recognizing exceptional contributions to science and society:
In a moment of reflection, university historian Pieter Slaman led the audience through the 450 Quiz, revisiting significant moments in Leiden’s history. The audience tested their knowledge with questions like, ‘Who received Leiden’s only honorary doctorate in 1925?’—with the answer being Queen Wilhelmina, the grandmother of Princess Beatrix.
The day’s festivities also featured an energetic Dies Natalis rap by science rapper Jon Chase and singer Celesta da Vinci, narrating Leiden University’s history through hip-hop beats. The performance received an enthusiastic response, blending tradition with modern expression.
Recognizing emerging academic talent, the Gratama Anniversary Award honored interdisciplinary researchers Claire Weeda, Johannes Müller, and Krijn Trimbos for their work on ecological change in 19th-century Netherlands. This special edition of the award, celebrating the Gratama Foundation’s 100-year anniversary, distributed EUR 100,000 to further their groundbreaking research.
Additionally, the Leiden University Fund (LUF) launched the LUF Children’s Fund, supporting research projects dedicated to improving the future of vulnerable children. The campaign calls for donations to ensure the continued impact of this initiative.
In her closing remarks, President of the Executive Board Annetje Ottow acknowledged the dedicated staff behind the university’s year-long jubilee celebrations. She highlighted upcoming events, including The Eternal Student exhibition, which showcases 450 years of student life at Leiden.
However, the celebrations were also tempered by concern for the future. With financial pressures threatening the university’s ability to sustain its academic mission, Ottow affirmed Leiden’s commitment to advocating for the preservation of higher education. ‘These are turbulent times, but we will weather the storm. We are ahead of the times, and we have been for 450 years.’
As the beating heart of knowledge and innovation in the Netherlands, Leiden continues to shape the future. The Leiden Bio Science Park, home to innovative research and industry leaders, proudly supports the university’s mission. Together, we celebrate 450 years of academic excellence and look ahead to new discoveries that will define the next era of scientific progress.
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