Looking back on the opening of the academic year 2026-2027

The new academic year has begun. The University of Groningen (UG) marked its start during the 2026–2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony on 31 August in the Martinikerk. The central theme was ‘The university at the heart of society’. We look back on an inspiring ceremony featuring excellent speeches, fruitful discussions and a festive atmosphere.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony was preceded by a procession of professors and the boards of study and student associations.

Opening address by Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Groningen, Jacquelien Scherpen, opened the ceremony and delivered a speech. In it, she drew attention to the rapidly changing world and the associated social challenges, ranging from war to climate change. Scherpen reflected on the role universities play in this regard: ‘Our contribution begins with research, teaching, impact and constructive thinking.’ According to her, collaboration and innovation are crucial in this regard, which is why the UG has been committed to interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity for many years. Scherpen: ‘Here in Groningen, in particular, we are demonstrating what is possible when academic curiosity, collaboration and entrepreneurship come together. The North is evolving from a region in decline into a region of innovation that is flourishing thanks to the right kind of collaboration.’

Speech by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science

Rianne Letschert, Minister for Education, Culture and Science, was also invited to address those present. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend in person, but she took part via a live stream. She drew attention to the ageing population in the Netherlands, and to the position of our country and Europe in relation to Asia and the United States. Letschert: ‘We must fight to remain strategically relevant.’ That is why the government has developed a Talent Strategy focusing on four areas with growth potential, including Digitalization and AI, and Security and Resilience. This requires greater collaboration between different sectors of education and amongst universities themselves. Education and research must also engage much more closely with the business community, and vice versa. Letschert: ‘We are moving towards a future in which we allow all talent to flourish.’

Fifth-generation university

Chair of the Board of the University, Jouke de Vries, gave a speech about the UG as a fifth-generation university: a broad-based and technical university that links its strengths and capabilities with partners, and forms a network with businesses, knowledge institutions and government bodies. De Vries: ‘The University of Groningen distinguishes itself through the collaboration between Science & Engineering, Medical Sciences and Social Sciences & Humanities.’ In his view, the university must also be agile in order to respond swiftly to societal developments. Attracting talent is also of great importance. De Vries: ‘We are committed to attracting international talent and endorse the minister’s talent strategy.’ At the same time, the UG aims to further strengthen the North, not only in the Northern Netherlands but also more broadly by collaborating with German universities, including within the new Northwest Alliance.

Dialogue, Alumnus of the Year and GUF-100 winner

In addition to these speeches, Peter Wennink (former CEO of ASML and author of the Wennink Report) and economist Robert Inklaar (UG) took part in a dialogue moderated by researcher Brenda Mathijssen (UG). During the discussion, they delved deeper into the Wennink Report, which advocates large-scale investment in knowledge and talent. They also discussed how people can thrive in a society where productivity is a key priority.

Ninah Tiemersma, a secondary school teacher of classical languages, received the Alumnus of the Year award. She emphasised how important it is for pupils to feel seen within the education system: ‘Every school subject offers opportunities to incorporate important themes that play a major role in the lives of our young people into the curriculum.’ GUF-100 winner Isabella Martinez gave a short speech.

The ceremony featured musical performances by the award-winning pop choir Bladgoud and organist Auke de Boer.

We would like to thank everyone for attending and look forward to the new academic year!

The speeches

Below is an overview of the full speeches delivered during the Opening of the 2026–2027 Academic Year. This overview will be updated with further speeches and translations:

• Speech by Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen (in Dutch).
• Speech by Jouke de Vries, Chair of the Board of the University (in Dutch).
• Speech by Ninah Tiemersma, Alumnus of the Year (in Dutch).

Photos

Photographer Pjotr Wiese took photos during the ceremony. These will be published on his website. A selection of photos will also be posted here as soon as possible.