STUDIUM GENERALE
Studium Generale offers a programme of lectures, debates and talkshows, lecture series, art, film, theatre and we organise the biennial PAS Festival.
Scroll down for an overview of our upcoming (English) program.
Heb je interesse in ons Nederlandstalig programma? Verander rechtsboven de taal van de website.
The Human Footprint and the Path to Coexistence with Biodiversity | Lecture
TUE 3 FEBRUARY, 19:30
Lecture hall, Nassaustraat 36, Venlo
Register (free)
Christopher O’Bryan leads the Planetary Health Lab, studying how our actions reshape the natural world, how people and wildlife coexist, and how nature supports human well-being. In this lecture, he takes us inside his research—from mapping the impacts of the global human footprint to uncovering the unique benefits biodiversity provides—and shows how we can create futures where both people and nature can thrive.
Let's Talk about Porn | Talk Show
TUE 10 FEBRUARY, 19:30
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
Pornography is everywhere, yet conversations about it often remain uncomfortable, polarized, or oversimplified. This event rethinks porn through the perspectives of researchers, feminist and freelance filmmakers, and actors. Rather than offering one “right” answer, the event creates space for dialogue, reflection, and open discussion about how porn shapes society, sexuality, relationships, and stereotypes.
Digital alchemy. How do you convert a digital euro into cash? | Lecture
TUE 24 FEBRUARY, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
The European Central Bank (ECB) is hard at work developing the digital euro, as a full replacement for cash. But cash has unique features that are difficult to copy in digital form. This presentation will look at the ECB’s plans and at what technology is required to approximate the features of cash in the digital domain. The digital euro will, however, never be the equivalent of cash.
Stoicism as a Lens for Modern Challenges | Lecture
MON 2 MARCH, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
Today we are confronted with multiple, overlapping crises: ecological instability, technological acceleration, political polarisation, and a growing sense of individual disorientation. The ancient Stoics articulated a striking guiding principle: ‘living in accordance with nature’. In a time in which our relationship with nature, technology and ourselves feels increasingly strained, this idea invites renewed attention. What did the Stoics understand by nature, reason and human responsibility?
Food and the City: Building Fairer, More Sustainable Urban Food Systems | Venlo Lecture
WED 4 MARCH, 19:30
Lecture hall, Nassaustraat 36, Venlo
Register (free)
From street vendors to fine dining, and from local, seasonal produce to exotic foods flown in from around the world, eating in a city means experiencing many worlds at once. But as our cities continue to expand, the systems that feed it are struggling to keep up. In this lecture, Madhura Rao takes a closer look at what it really means to eat well in a city, and explores how the growing challenge of feeding urban populations can be met in ways that lead to a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future.
War in the Shadows: Russian Hybrid Operations against Europe | Lecture
TUE 10 MARCH, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
Over the past three years, Russia has waged an increasingly brazen covert campaign of sabotage and subversion against Ukraine’s European allies. In this presentation, Professor Bart Schuurman will discuss the nature and extent of these ‘hybrid’ operations, outline why they are taking place and reveal who is carrying them out. The findings paint a chilling picture of just how far Russia is willing to go to obtain its military objectives in Ukraine and undermine European unity.
The Psychology of Eating | Lecture Series
THU 12 AND 19 MAR, AND 16 AND 23 APRIL – 19:30 TO 21:30
Karl Dittrich Hall, Student Services Centre, Bonnefantenstraat 2
Register
In this series of lectures, we delve into the psychology of eating – from picky eaters to eating disorders, from myths about obesity to the importance of a healthy body image. A team of scholars from UM’s Eatlab will present their research about picky eating and food refusal (ARFID) in young children and adults, the treatment of eating disorders, and misconceptions about weight and health. They also consider what influences our body image – and what that means for our well-being.
The Ten Myths about Sex | Info Session
TUE 17 MARCH, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
Tonight we will take you on an eye-opening journey through sexual desire, pleasure and connection. From youthful curiosity to mature intimacy, we unravel the truths behind gender differences, fantasies, porn, consent and the rich diversity of human sexuality. It’s time to replace myths with understanding and reclaim the joy of a lifelong sexual discovery.
Smoke Free Generation? | Lecture
MON 23 MARCH, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6
Register (free)
In this lecture, expert Daphne Raad debunks persistent vape myths by analysing the health effects of vapes compared to cigarettes. She dissects the clever marketing strategies used by the smoking lobby to attract young customers. Raad also discusses the role of platforms like Snapchat and the deliberate youth-oriented design of vapes. Finally, she advises on ways to defend ourselves against the smoking industry, how to talk about this in home or school settings, and the role played by effective government policy.
