The Fascinating World of Science
Explore the fascinating world of science at the Open Day in the Gorlaeus Building of Leiden University. Join the tour The Search for a Medicine, go behind the scenes at NeCEN and the Fine Mechanical and Electronic Services, and discover how researchers are working on the medicines and technology of the future.
For visitors of all ages, there are also spectacular liquid nitrogen demonstrations where you can see how ice cream is made and watch a magnet actually levitate.
About Leiden University
Leiden University was founded in 1575. With seven faculties and locations in both Leiden and The Hague, the university has been contributing to science for more than four centuries. Two of those faculties are located directly on Leiden Bio Science Park: the Faculty of Science and the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC).
Right in the heart of Leiden Bio Science Park stands the Gorlaeus: a modern building where people work every day on the science of tomorrow. The building opened in 2024 and has been welcoming everyone curious about how science works ever since. Feel free to come and take a look!
Tour: From Molecule to Medicine
How does a small molecule eventually become a medicine? How do researchers discover whether a new substance could work against a disease? And how do we know whether such a substance is safe for people?
During this tour, we take you into the world of medicine research. You will see how researchers develop new molecules in the lab and how they use advanced microscopes to study what these substances do in living cells. This helps them better understand whether a potential medicine works, and whether side effects may occur.
We will also show how researchers use computer models to predict what a medicine may do in the human body. Because every person is different, it is important to determine which dose is best suited to which patient. Finally, you will discover how researchers use measurements in the body to recognize differences between patients and predict who is likely to respond well to a treatment.
A unique opportunity to look behind the scenes at a research institute where people are working on the medicines of the future.
All ages welcome!
Times: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 (45–60 minutes)
Places are limited. Registration required in advance.
Tour: Fine Mechanical and Electronic Services
Go behind the scenes at the Fine Mechanical and Electronic Services of Leiden University, where custom-made components and smart equipment are built specifically for scientific research.
During the tour, you’ll discover how engineering and science go hand in hand, and get an up-close look at impressive machines and remarkable instruments. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to see staff at work in a space that is normally off-limits to visitors.
All ages are welcome!
This is an ongoing activity, no registration required
Tour: NeCEN
NeCEN is a unique research facility where scientists use extremely powerful microscopes to study things invisible to the naked eye. For example: viruses, proteins, and tiny components of cells. By examining these up close, they can uncover how our bodies work and how diseases develop. During the tour, you’ll see how this kind of science helps in the development of new medicines and treatments.
All ages welcome!
Times: 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 (30 minuten)
No registration required
Nitrogen Stunts
Want to watch a magnet float in mid-air and see ice cream made from nitrogen?
The students of Stichting RINO show just how fun and surprising science can be with a series of spectacular experiments. Using liquid nitrogen at a staggering -196°C, they freeze all kinds of objects and demonstrate extraordinary physical phenomena including superconductivity, which makes a magnet levitate. Through these demonstrations, you’ll discover in a playful way how the laws of nature work and why science is so much more than just formulas.
All ages are welcome!
This is an ongoing activity, no registration required
