PHOTO: PJOTR WIESE
not so well
PHOTO: REYER BOXEM
PROPOSITION
Tim Oortwijn – Faculteit Science and Engineering
Climate change is a hot topic, but studying undisturbed ecological processes would have been cooler.
At the end of summer, I always look forward to the moment the city comes back to life as students return. This year was no different, although we do have to face several challenges in these times of polarization, violence, budget cuts, dropping student numbers and political uncertainty. Now that the Dutch Cabinet has fallen a second time, I fear a year of further stagnation and discord.
RECORDED BY MARJAN BROUWERS
Last year, during the opening of the academic year, I spoke about the need to protect our academic freedom. This year,
I conclude that our freedom is in danger more than ever. Since Trump’s inauguration, we can no longer count on the collaboration with American universities and academics, and our data on US servers no longer seems to be safe.
This year, during the opening of the academic year, Robbert Dijkgraaf stated that universities are doing well and not so well. Although we notice, almost every day, that academic freedom is under attack, we are working hard to counter this. For example, we are looking for ways to become digitally independent and we want to further strengthen regional, national and international cooperation: both within and outside academia. And of course, in the face of today’s protectionist policies, we stand firm in our defence of academic freedom.
Meanwhile, our first-year students find their feet in Groningen. Like Roland, a first-year law student from Boston, who attended the opening of the academic year on his very first day in Groningen. Enthusiastic, curious students like him give me hope for the future. Just like our Alumnus of the Year does: Khalaf Alkhalaf, a Syrian refugee who fled to the Netherlands after being kidnapped by IS, went on to study successfully in Groningen, and now supports other refugees and inspires them with his experiences and story.
Finally, I would like to share the appeal made by science journalist and Ubbo Emmius Medal winner, Govert Schilling, to introduce children to the wondrous world of science
from an early age. As a little boy, he was fascinated by the first moon landing, and he wants that same wonder for
the children of today and the academics of the future.
A beautiful, hopeful assignment for us and our alumni.
Jacquelien Scherpen
Rector magnificus
Please note: you can find a recap of the opening of the academic year, including photos and texts of all the speeches on the UG website.
well and not
so well
PHOTO: PJOTR WIESE
PROPOSITION
Tim Oortwijn – Faculteit Science and Engineering
Climate change is a hot topic, but studying undisturbed ecological processes would have been cooler.
RECORDED BY MARJAN BROUWERS
PHOTO: REYER BOXEM
Last year, during the opening of the academic year, I spoke about the need to protect our academic freedom. This year,
I conclude that our freedom is in danger more than ever. Since Trump’s inauguration, we can no longer count on the collaboration with American universities and academics, and our data on US servers no longer seems to be safe.
This year, during the opening of the academic year, Robbert Dijkgraaf stated that universities are doing well and not so well. Although we notice, almost every day, that academic freedom is under attack, we are working hard to counter this. For example, we are looking for ways to become digitally independent and we want to further strengthen regional, national and international cooperation: both within and outside academia. And of course, in the face of today’s protectionist policies, we stand firm in our defence of academic freedom.
Meanwhile, our first-year students find their feet in Groningen. Like Roland, a first-year law student from Boston, who attended the opening of the academic year on his very first day in Groningen. Enthusiastic, curious students like him give me hope for the future. Just like our Alumnus of the Year does: Khalaf Alkhalaf, a Syrian refugee who fled to the Netherlands after being kidnapped by IS, went on to study successfully in Groningen, and now supports other refugees and inspires them with his experiences and story.
Finally, I would like to share the appeal made by science journalist and Ubbo Emmius Medal winner, Govert Schilling, to introduce children to the wondrous world of science from an early age. As a little boy, he was fascinated by the first moon landing, and he wants that same wonder for the children of today and the academics of the future. A beautiful, hopeful assignment for us and our alumni.
Jacquelien Scherpen
Rector magnificus
Please note: you can find a recap of the opening of the academic year, including photos and texts of all the speeches on the UG website.
At the end of summer, I always look forward to the moment the city comes back to life as students return. This year was no different, although we do have to face several challenges in these times of polarization, violence, budget cuts, dropping student numbers and political uncertainty. Now that the Dutch Cabinet has fallen a second time, I fear a year of further stagnation and discord.