50th Dies Natalis: looking back

The theme of this special jubilee celebration was ‘A milestone and another step – we keep innovating and serving society.’ The Dies Natalis marked the start of a year of celebrations across the university. In her speech, Rector Magnificus Pamela Habibović emphasised the resilience needed to reach the age of 50 and to keep forging ahead in the coming years. She also launched the first call for Join UM50, through which UM is funding initiatives that strengthen the connection between the university and society.

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Photos: Marcel van Hoorn and Philip Driessen.

In 1976, Queen Juliana signed the founding charter of the then Rijksuniversiteit Limburg in the Basilica of Saint Servatius. Fifty years later, King Willem-Alexander signed Maastricht University’s commemorative document in the same place – a symbolic moment on historic ground.

André Rieu’s orchestra and the Mastreechter Staar choir performed a festive repertoire, including the Coronation Waltz, Mestreech is neet breid and the UM anthem Ode an die Freude.

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Photos: Marcel van Hoorn and Philip Driessen.

Watch the full livestream and all videos shown during the ceremony.

This year, no fewer than three honorary doctorates were awarded.

The honorary doctorate for societal impact went to Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. She received this honour in recognition of her international leadership and commitment to humanitarian values. 

She wants to ''share this honorary doctorate with colleagues and millions of volunteers around the world, as well as with the visionary individuals whose efforts led to the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.’’

Peter Stenvinkel, professor of Nephrology at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and a pioneer in planetary and climate health, received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. He sees ''this honorary doctorate as a recognition of the importance of connecting the dots between nature, the environment, and medicine.”

Roger Cox, a leading lawyer in international climate jurisprudence, received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Law. He observed: ‘’The interest of nature, the poor, children, and future generations are worth fighting for. This honorary doctorate strengthens my determination to continue this work.’’

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The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize was awarded this year to Dr Nicole Kornet, in recognition of her academic leadership and vision in the redesign of the European Law School bachelor’s programme. Her efforts resulted in a thoroughly revised, future-focused curriculum.

The Dissertation Prize went to Dr Uyên Châu Nguyên of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences for her impressive PhD dissertation Multi-modality imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

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Photos: Marcel van Hoorn and Philip Driessen.

Each year during the Dies Natalis, the university recognises excellent student theses. Award winners receive a €500 cash prize, a certificate and a small gift presented by the Rector Magnificus.