Inaugural lecture by Prof. Gjalt de Jong: Save humanity while there is still time!

Humans are destroying ecosystems at such a rate that our own survival is directly threatened. Capitalism is the driving force behind this destructive behaviour. On 12 September, Professor Gjalt de Jong will present sustainable solutions that could still save humanity – while there is still time.

In his inaugural lecture, Professor Gjalt de Jong presents the circular economy as an alternative to capitalism. The circular economy is created and maintained by sustainable entrepreneurs. It is therefore his mission to make sustainable entrepreneurship a great success.

This requires major changes in scientific research and education, which are often still strongly based on capitalism. In his inaugural lecture, Professor De Jong presents a multitude of plans to break through this. He discusses how we can strengthen sustainable entrepreneurship, what role knowledge insttutions and companies play in this, and how we can work together to build a circular economy that creates regenerative value – for the planet, for people and for future generations.

Professor De Jong also emphasises the importance of regional cooperation for radical innovations in science. His most recent programme for the transition to regenerative agriculture is a prime example of this. In this programme, more than fifty partners are working on new revenue models, transition paths and training programmes to make regenerative agriculture the new standard in the Netherlands. Farmers deserve better – and Professor De Jong demonstrates this with this programme.

About Prof. Gjalt de Jong

Gjalt de Jong is Professor of Sustainable Entrepreneurship in a Circular Economy at the University of Groningen. Together with his colleagues, he founded the Campus Fryslân faculty in Leeuwarden, where sustainable research, education and regional cooperation come together in a unique way. Through his chair, he continuously creates opportunities for new generations of researchers, students and regional partners to contribute to the transition to a circular economy, focused on broad prosperity and maximum well-being for all. His personal mission is to pass on all the beauty that the earth has to offer to future generations.

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Friesch Dagblad, 12 september 2025, 'Hoogleraar Gjalt de Jong wil bijdragen aan een radicale omslag naar een duurzame economie.'

Nederlands Dagblad, 12 september 2025, 'Deze hoogleraar vertelde studenten hoe ze snel geld konden verdienen. Nu helpt hij boeren verduurzamen.'