My UM
My UM
Search

Opening Academic Year 2025/26: a recap

On Monday 1 September, Maastricht University officially opened the academic year 2025/26 in Theater aan het Vrijthof. This year’s theme was UM innovates – today’s education, tomorrow’s skills. 

The keynote speaker was Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. In addition, Professor Mark Levels, programme director of the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA), and dr. Ellen Bastiaens, director of EDLAB, shared their perspectives. Each offered inspiring contributions on the theme. The Hustinx Science Award and the UM Student Award were also awarded, highlighting both scientific and societal excellence. The day was rounded off with performances by FHML student Jolijn van Vugt with the dance group Maastricht Oxygen, and by the Conservatorium Maastricht.

 

 Read more about the event
 View a slideshow of photos of this day
 Watch all the videos
 Discover the winners of the awarded prizes

OAY

UM Innovates - today’s education, tomorrow’s skills

This year’s theme revolved around the question: how does Maastricht University continue to rethink education in order to make a lasting impact? In a world where technology and society are changing faster than ever, the university is strongly committed to providing education that prepares our students for the challenges and labour market of tomorrow.

In her keynote, Roxana Mînzatu emphasised that Europe’s response to all challenges must remain people-centred. Europe’s strength lies not only in its market and its treaties. It lies in our people. When we invest in people and their talents, we are investing in the very core of Europe’s DNA. That is why people, their education and their skills are at the heart of Europe’s priorities.

Mark Levels, programme director of the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA), highlighted the significant and unpredictable impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market. 

“Upskilling and reskilling workers is crucial if we want to harness the economic benefits of automation and mitigate its potential negative social effects.”

Mark Levels, programme director of ROA

Dr. Ellen Bastiaens, director of EDLAB, demonstrated how Maastricht University’s Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach has been providing a solid foundation for the future for fifty years. 

UM President Rianne Letschert opened the 2025/26 academic year with a call for resilience and collaboration. She emphasised that educational innovation and diversity are structurally embedded in the university’s DNA, which prepares students not only for a career, but also for citizenship and societal impact.

“Every day I see a community that responds creatively and innovatively to the changing needs of our society. In doing so, we are building competences that are indispensable today and tomorrow.”

Dr. Ellen Bastiaens, Director of EDLAB

The celebration was given extra flair by regional talent


Internationally renowned dance group Oxygen and their competition team O2, featuring our own FHML student Jolijn van Vugt, performed with impressive shows. The finale came from students of the Conservatorium, who, together with Jolijn, surprised the audience with a rendition of Ode to Joy – a performance in which tradition and innovation came together in an inspiring way.

The Opening of the Academic Year 2025/26 in pictures

Relive all highlights of this day by watching the photos that we have collected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Click on the icon to browse through the photos

Photography by Philip Driessen

Opening Academic Year - cortege

Videos of the Opening Academic Year 2025/26

Watch all the videos of the event here.

Dr. Roman Briker winner of the Hustinx Science Award

 

Dr. Roman Briker’s research focuses on collaboration and trust between humans and artificial intelligence. In doing so, he provides innovative insights into the future of work and organisations. As an ambassador for Open Science, he also makes research more accessible and relevant to society. The prize, worth €15,000 and made possible by the Hustinx Foundation, underlines the strength and impact of science in South Limburg.

Opening Academic Year - Pamela Habibovic and the winner of the Hustinx Award for Science

Busted! winner of the UM Student Award

 

Every year, the UM Student Award is awarded to students who, in addition to their studies, have made exceptional social or cultural contributions. This year, the prize went to Busted!, a unique initiative by Eva de Groeve and Laura de Raeve. Through creative workshops, they raise awareness about breast health and breast cancer, and teach participants how to carry out monthly self-checks.

Opening Academic Year - Pamela Habibovic and the winner of the Student Award

Also read