Opening of the academic year 2011-2012
On Monday 5 September 2011 Maastricht University celebrated the opening of the 2011-2012 academic year.
The official opening ceremony took place at the 'Theater aan het Vrijthof'. The president of Maastricht University, Prof. dr. Martin Paul, shared his vision of the university’s future.
Download the speech of prof. Martin Paul, president Maastricht University 'Four weddings and a funeral' (pdf 120 KB). Or watch the video above.
Medal of distinction for governor Léon Frissen
Governor L.J.P.M Frissen has been awarded the Tanspenning, the highest medal of distinction of Maastricht University, by Prof. Martin Paul, chair of the Executive Board. Based on the conviction that higher education and a strong university is critical for healthy social, economical and cultural development of Limburg and the EU-region he has proven to be an excellent ambassador for Maastricht University.
Student Award and Edmond Hunstix prize for science
Marieke Vonk and Astrid van Boxtel are the winners of the 2011 Student Award. Their initiative was the launch of the Stichting Mpower Foundation. This organisation aims to improve the living conditions and health of children and young people in Mundri, southern Sudan.
The Edmond Hustinx prize for science was awarded to Dr Henry Otgaar, researcher of the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience for his proposal ‘Explaining developmental reversals in false memory research’.
Morning programme
The theme of the morning symposium was ‘Challenging demographics: Maastricht University’s contribution to the future of Limburg’. Which opportunities are presenting themselves and what initiatives should we support to give a vigorous boost to the future of the Limburg region? Our vision is of a lively Limburg, backed up by local and regional governments and businesses, as well as by the university; a fountain head for innovation and talent. Regional mayors, entrepreneurs, citizens, academics and students entered the debate with Dutch and international speakers on new ways of thinking and doing business in Limburg and the role of Maastricht University.
