June 17: Official Opening Ceremony

Programme Overview

13:00 – Doors Open
Enjoy a festive welcome with live music and refreshments as you arrive.

14:00 – Official Opening Ceremony
Be inspired by our speakers:

• René Paas LLM MA – King’s Commissioner in Groningen

• Prof. Ben Feringa – Nobel Laureate

• Prof. Jouke de Vries – President, University of Groningen

Special features include:

• Performance: Femke de Heer, UG Poet-in-residence & FSE student

• Presentation: Joost Ector, CEO Ector Hoogstad Architecten

• Panel Interview: From Knowledge to Impact
  Discover how researchers transform scientific discoveries into real-world innovations through dynamic spin-off companies. Featuring:

  • Guest of honor Constantijn van Oranje, Special Envoy TechLeap
  • Prof. Jacquelien Scherpen, Rector of the University of Groningen

  • Prof. Tamalika Banerjee, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, founder IMChip

  • Prof. Giovanni Maglia, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, founder Portal Biotech

• Art & Technology Performance:
  Theatrical exploration of humans and technology by the Ulrike Quade Company

16:00 – 18:00 – Explore the Feringa Building

• Interactive sessions hosted by our research institutes

• Guided tours of cutting-edge laboratories and facilities

• Student showcases: Discover how our students tackle real-world challenges and shine in national and international competitions

• Kapteyn Mobile Planetarium: Journey through the stars, planets, and galaxies

• Chemistry Escape Room: Test your skills—can you escape the lab?

17:00 – 18:00 – Closing Reception
Celebrate with drinks, bites, live music, and great company to close this memorable day.