UvA celebrates 390th birthday

On Monday, 10 January 2022, the University of Amsterdam celebrated its 390th birthday or Dies Natalis. Rector magnificus Karen Maex opened the celebration with a speech on the disruptive effects of digitisation and conspiracy theories, and the way in which universities could and should respond to them. University professor of Environmental Economics Rick van der Ploeg then gave a speech in which he discussed the political and social obstacles and lobbies that stand in the way of a serious climate policy, and what could be done about it. Honorary doctorates were awarded to economist Okonjo-Iweala and to immunologists Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci. UvA alumnus and science journalist Anna Gimbrère presented this online Dies Natalis. Harpist Milena de Swart of the UvA Orchestra J.Pzn Sweelinck accompanied the entrance of the cortege with the piece Aljonushka by Mikhail Mchedelov. Beyond the facts: On digitisation, mistrust and overcoming deep disagreements. In her speech, rector Karen Maex discussed what it would take for universities to remain at the heart of the 21st century discourse.