Recap Opening Academic Year 2026 - 2027

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the Academic Year 2026–2027 was officially opened with a festive ceremony at Campus Fryslân in Leeuwarden. Students, staff and partners came together to mark the start of the new year, reflect on the past year and look ahead to new developments and opportunities. With inspiring speeches and plenty of opportunity to mingle, the opening ceremony provided a festive start to the new academic year.

During the opening ceremony, dr Indira van der Zande, Vice Dean of Campus Fryslân, emphasised the faculty’s ambition to understand and shape societal transitions and to train students to become the leaders of the future. Research and teaching remain closely linked to current societal issues and are increasingly taking on an interdisciplinary approach. The faculty’s growth, the quality of teaching and the societal impact of students and alumni were cited as key highlights of the past year.

Appointment of two new adjunct professors

Another positive development within Campus Fryslân was the appointment of two new adjunct professors. Dr Oskar Gstrein was appointed adjunct professor of Data Governance and Digital Autonomy, and Dr Berfu Ünal as adjunct professor of Sustainable Behaviour in a Circular Economy. These appointments have further strengthened the faculty’s expertise in areas closely linked to current societal issues.

Poetry, connection and representation

University Poet Hannan van Rooij recited an Old Frisian poem during the celebration, and later surprised the audience with a creative performance in which she brought a little piece of Groningen to Friesland. Hannah Meyer, the new student assessor and second-year student of Global Politics & Sustainability, spoke about the strong sense of community within the faculty and emphasised the importance of representing every student’s voice.

When they go low, we go high! On climate resilience in dark times

The keynote address ‘When they go low, we go high! On climate resilience in dark times’ by prof. dr Sandra Phlippen, Professor of Sustainable Banking at the University of Groningen and Chief Sustainability Officer at ABN AMRO, focused on the question of what is needed at a time when society faces major challenges in the field of sustainability. Professor Sandra Phlippen is also affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, where she holds the Chair in Sustainable Banking (NVB).

Her message was clear: we cannot simply wait and see what happens, but must take action ourselves and shape the future. It is precisely by acting now that we can contribute to solutions for the major social and sustainability issues of our time. This message is closely aligned with the ambition of Campus Fryslân: not only to understand societal transitions, but also to actively contribute to shaping them.

Pictures: Fotobureau Hoge Noorden

All speeches

• Speech by dr. Indira van der Zande, vicedean of Campus Fryslân
• Oud-Fries poem by Hannan van Rooij
• Speech of the new Student Assessor Hannah Meyer
• Keynote van prof. dr. Sandra Phlippen