On Monday, 9 November 2026, Erasmus University Rotterdam will celebrate its 113th Dies Natalis. This academic ceremony marks the founding of our predecessor, the Nederlandsche Handels-Hoogeschool, on 8 November 1913. Since then, the university has been dedicated to academic excellence, social engagement and international cooperation.
- Date
- Monday 9 Nov 2026, 15:00 - 16:30
- Type
- General
- Space
- Aula
- Building
- Erasmus Building
- Location
- Campus Woudestein
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is at the heart of society and aims to further strengthen that position in the coming years. As an engaged university, we offer education in which our students actively work on solutions to current social issues. We are committed to meaningful collaborations with our environment, to accessibility and visibility, and to a strong focus within our five impact domains:
- Resilience and robustness of our society
- Sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive prosperity
- A just transition to a sustainable society
- Healthy society & accessible, affordable healthcare
- The responsible use of technologies
We want to highlight the expertise we have in-house, what people can turn to us for, and how our knowledge actually makes a difference. At the same time, we are building stronger internal cohesion: a One Connected EUR. This means improving interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering curiosity as a driver of change. A EUR where people meet, know and appreciate each other across disciplinary boundaries. Where interdisciplinary collaboration is a matter of course and curiosity is the driving force behind change.
Academic ceremony in the Aula
The celebration will begin, as is tradition, with the arrival of the cortège: professors in gowns, the university board, and representatives of study and student associations. The Rector Magnificus will then deliver the Dies speech, in which she will reflect on the current challenges and ambitions of our academic community.
University prizes
The Dies Natalis is also the moment when the Research prize, the Lambers Student Excellence Award and the FAME Athena Award are presented to students and researchers from our community who have distinguished themselves remarkably. The Research Prize and the Lambers Student Excellence Award are made possible by the Erasmus Trustfonds.
Livestream
Dies Natalis can also be followed via a livestream that is publicly accessible. The ceremony will be bilingual (Dutch/English).
Reception
There will be a reception after the ceremony. The reception will take place from 16:30 to 17:30 hrs at the Theil Hall.
Photography & Video
Photographs and video recordings will be made during the Dies Natalis. You may be recognisable in the images. As a visitor, you consent to the storage and use of these images for commercial purposes.
Sustainability
The Dies Natalis will be a carbon-conscious celebration, with vegetarian catering and offsetting of CO2 emissions.
- More information
Do you have any questions? Please send an email to ceremonies@eur.nl.
