Klaas Knot speaks at Opening of Academic Year

On Monday 2 September, the University of Groningen will celebrate the opening of academic year 2013-2014. One of the speakers will be Prof. Klaas Knot, president of De Nederlandsche Bank. Knot is honorary professor of Economics of Central Banking at the University of Groningen.

The theme of the opening this year is academic freedom. ‘Freedom, self-confidence and an open academic attitude are essential conditions for the growth and blossoming of a university’, says Rector Magnificus Elmer Sterken in his speech. ‘The healthy development of the academic climate contributes significantly to the advance of social prosperity and well-being.’

Celebrating 400 years of existence

The new academic year is also the year in which the University of Groningen will be celebrating its 400th anniversary. That will be in May and June 2014. A striking part of the anniversary celebrations will be the 400 questions competition. Anyone with a question, problem or good idea can present it to an expert at the University. One of the questions will be selected by a public jury for academic research. The results will be announced during the anniversary celebrations.

In line with historical tradition, the anniversary will also be celebrated with an open-air show and a masquerade for students. The climax will be an academic ceremony in June when honorary doctorates will be presented to nine international top academics.

Opening of the Academic Year - Programme

2 September 2013, Aula of the Academy Building

4 p.m. Opening speech by Rector Magnificus Prof. Elmer Sterken

4.25 p.m. Musical intermezzo

4.30 p.m. Speech by Prof. Beatriz Noheda Pinuaga

4.40 p.m. Speech by Casper Hesp, winner of the Student Excellence Award

4.50 p.m. Musical intermezzo

4.55 p.m. Speech by Prof. Klaas Knot

5.10 p.m. Presentation by the new University Poet

5.15 p.m. Speech by Prof. Jan Lokin (on behalf of the ‘Representatiefonds’)

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