49th Dies Natalis: an overview
On Friday 31 January 2025, we celebrated Maastricht University’s 49th Dies Natalis at the Sint Janskerk. This year, we reflected more than ever on our future as a university and the power of our community. What can we achieve together in a world that is constantly changing?
Professor Ioan Fazey’s keynote lecture on the innovative role that universities play in the 21st century was an excellent start to our celebration. Next, we awarded the honorary doctorate to professor Katrin Amunts and presented the prestigious Wynand Wijnen Education Prize, Dissertation Prize and Student Prizes. Our alumna Emmy Ackermans, together with pianist Rob Mennen and the ABC Gospel Choir, provided the musical accompaniment for the ceremony.
Look back on this special day with us on this page:
Read more about the event
Browse through the slideshow with photos from the day
Watch all videos of the ceremony
View the overview of awarded prizes
Discover the winners of the Student Prizes

‘The 21st Century (Maastricht) University – Ideals, Responsibilities and Challenges’
Rector magnificus Pamela Habibović opened the 49th Dies Natalis ceremony by introducing the theme: ‘The 21st Century (Maastricht) University – Ideals, Responsibilities and Challenges’ with the following powerful statement: "Universities serve society not only through knowledge that can be turned into money and comfort, but also through knowledge that challenges."
"Universities serve society not only through knowledge that can be turned into money and comfort, but also through knowledge that challenges."
Rector magnificus Pamela Habibović
Professor Ioan Fazey, world-renowned expert in the field of sustainability and transformative change, built on this in his inspiring keynote ‘The Renewal of Universities in a Transforming World’. He emphasised: “The future of research and education lies in a shift from knowledge driven systems to wisdom driven systems, that are rooted in ethics and creativity.” According to Fazey, transformation is inevitable, but like he said: “The question is: can we shape this with intention, vision and hope?”
‘’Transformation is inevitable. The question is whether we can shape it with intentionality, vision, and hope.’’
Professor Ioan Fazey
The importance and impact of education and research was underlined once more by awarding the honorary doctorate to professor Katrin Amunts. Her groundbreaking work with the human brain, including the BigBrain project and the Human Brain Project, has pushed the boundaries of neuroscientific research. In her thank-you speech, she said: "This achievement is not mine alone, but that of a dedicated team of researchers with a shared vision: to fully understand the human brain."
"This achievement is not mine alone, but that of a dedicated team of researchers with a shared vision: to fully understand the human brain."
Professor Katrin Amunts
Impressions from the 49th Dies Natalis
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Photos: Philip Driessen.
Videos of the 49th Dies Natalis
Exceptional achievements honoured
This year, the Wynand Wijnen Education Prize was awarded to Oscar van den Wijngaard. As an Education Development Officer, he made an exceptional contribution to the personal and academic development of students. He is honoured for his innovative teaching methods. With his devotion and vision, he is an inspiration to our entire community.
The Dissertation Prize was awarded to Giulia Giardi from the Faculty of Law for her impressive thesis: ‘Illegal Waste Management Activity in the Process of Bunker Fuel Production’.
Student Prizes
Bachelor’s Student Prizes
In 2024, 23 students completed their bachelor's degree with a thesis evaluated as 'excellent' by their faculty.
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Master’s Student Prizes
In 2024, 8 students completed their master's degree with a thesis evaluated as 'excellent' by their faculty.
Watch the video