Looking back on a successful opening of the Feringa Building

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen has celebrated an important milestone: the grand opening of the Feringa Building, the university’s newest and most advanced science facility.

The opening of the Feringa Building was celebrated with a week of festivities, which marked a new era for research, education, and innovation in Groningen, bringing together students, researchers, partners, and the wider community to experience the future of science and engineering firsthand.

Open house: a warm welcome to all

The celebrations began on 14 June with an Open House, where the doors of the Feringa Building were opened to the public. Visitors explored state-of-the-art laboratories, met scientists, and participated in interactive demonstrations. The event was designed to showcase the building’s cutting-edge facilities and foster connections between the university and the broader community.

Official opening ceremony: a day to connect, reflect, and look ahead

On 17 June, the official opening ceremony took place—an invitation-only event attended by distinguished guests, renowned scientists, and university stakeholders. The day started with a festive welcome, live music, and refreshments, setting the tone for an inspiring afternoon.

The ceremony featured speeches from:

• René Paas, Commissioner of the King in Groningen
• Prof. Ben Feringa, Nobel Laureate in chemistry and the building’s namesake
• Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy TechLeap
• Prof. Jouke de Vries, Chairman of the Board of the University of Groningen

Special highlights included a performance by Femke de Heer, UG’s Poet Laureate and FSE student, and a presentation by Joost Ector, CEO of Ector Hoogstad Architecten, the firm behind the building’s innovative design. A panel discussion, “From Knowledge to Impact,” explored how scientific discoveries are transformed into real-world innovations, with insights from leading experts in technology and entrepreneurship.

Exploring the future of science

In the afternoon, guests toured the Feringa Building’s advanced laboratories and facilities, attended interactive sessions hosted by research institutes, and enjoyed student presentations on tackling real-world challenges. The Kapteyn Mobile Planetarium offered a journey through the cosmos, while the Chemistry Escape Room challenged visitors to solve scientific puzzles.

The celebrations concluded with a festive reception, bringing together the university community to toast this new chapter.

Jouke de Vries: 'In addition to education and fundamental science, engineering is becoming increasingly important. The Feringa Building facilitates all this. Ultimately, Groningen's power is that we can make connections between all disciplines.'

A building for the future

Named after Nobel Laureate Prof. Ben Feringa, the building stands as a testament to advanced research, sustainability, and collaboration. With flexible, interdisciplinary spaces and state-of-the-art technology, the Feringa Building is designed to inspire creativity and discovery for generations to come.

Feringa: 'I am proud we can offer our students and staff these marvellous facilities. Just imagine all the unimaginable things that will happen here in the future!'

The opening week has not only celebrated the completion of a remarkable facility, but also set the stage for groundbreaking research and innovation at the University of Groningen. As we look ahead, the Feringa Building will be at the heart of scientific progress, fostering connections and driving impact locally and globally.