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50th Dies Natalis

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On Friday 23 January 2026, Maastricht University will celebrate its 50th Dies Natalis. This edition is particularly special: fifty years of education, research and collaboration come together in one moment. Not merely as a reflection on the past, but as an opportunity to strengthen what we continue to build together, with the same pioneering spirit that guided the university at its founding.

This jubilee edition promises a celebration like no other. The event  will be especially festive, featuring music and performances that will give the 50th Dies Natalis an unforgettable celebratory spirit. During the ceremony, no less than three honorary doctorates will be awarded, followed by short lectures from the recipients. In addition, the Wynand Wijnen Education Prize, the Dissertation Prize and the Master’s Student Prizes will be awarded. The Bachelor’s Student Prizes will be presented earlier in the day during a separate live ceremony.

You can register via the invitation sent to you through your UM email.
Watch the livestream of the event on this page on Friday 23 January from 15:15.
During a live morning ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibović will present the Bachelor’s Student Prizes. You can follow this ceremony via the livestream on this page.

UM50: A milestone and another step – we keep innovating and serving society 

Grateful for what we’ve been given, proud of what we’ve become, steadfast in our determination to keep improving: UM celebrates 50 years, looking back and ahead. A small medical faculty at the end of the Netherlands, but in the heart of Europe, has grown into an international centre of learning with a global reputation. An achievement that makes us proud and gives us courage to take the next step: to foster transformational partnerships with society and industry to tackle major societal challenges. 


 

+1 – Celebrating 50 years together, beyond our own circle

A 50th anniversary is not meant to be celebrated alone, but with the world around us – with our city, our region, and everyone who feels connected to the university.

In this jubilee year, we are opening our doors wider than ever. We invite staff to bring someone who would not normally be involved with the university: a partner, neighbour, friend, or anyone curious about what happens within our community.

Likewise, during the Dies Natalis, staff are welcome to bring a +1 – not because it is required, but because we want celebrate this milestone together.

 

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

Photo: © Niels Ackermann / Lundi13

Awarding no less than three honorary doctorates

During this Dies Natalis, three honorary doctorates will be awarded. Each recipient has made an international impact in their respective field and will share their insights in short lectures:
 

 

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an organisation for global humanitarian work in conflict and disaster zones. The Red Cross, regardless of borders or interests, continues to act from a position of neutrality and humanity. Egger receives the honorary doctorate in recognition of her commitment to this organisation.
 

 

Mr Roger Cox
Lawyer, renowned for his pioneering work in climate jurisprudence. With landmark cases such as the Urgenda case and the Climate Case against Shell, he has made history in international law. Thanks in part to his work, climate justice has secured a firm place in legal and academic debate worldwide. He receives an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Law.

Roger Cox

Mr. Roger Cox.

Professor Peter Stenvinkel
Professor of nephrology at the Karolinska Institutet, known for his groundbreaking research at the intersection of health, climate and ageing. He is internationally recognised in the field of planetary health and climate health, investigating how environmental and climate changes affect biological processes. He receives an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.

Professor Peter Stenvinkel

Professor Peter Stenvinkel.

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