Rotterdamlezing 2026

How Rotterdam is helping to tackle dementia worldwide

Dementia is often seen as a medical problem. But it goes far beyond that. It's about how we live, how we care for each other, and how we coexist in a city like Rotterdam.

Professor
Prof. Dr. MA (Arfan) Ikram
Date
Monday 11 May 2026, 19:00 - 22:00
Type
Lecture
Spoken Language
Dutch
Location

Debatpodium Arminius, Museumpark 3, 3015CB Rotterdam

Register for the Rotterdamlezing 2026 Add to calendar
Prof. Arfan Ikram walks past the Erasmus Building.

During the Rotterdamlezing 2026 Prof. Arfan Ikram will explain what dementia means for our city. What actually happens in the brain when someone has dementia? Why does Rotterdam play a special role in global dementia research? And what can we do to better prevent or treat dementia in the future?

Rotterdam laid the foundations for much of what we know today about dementia, among others through the well-known ERGO study. In this talk, Arfan Ikram looks not only back, but above all forward. How can research contribute to a healthier city? And what is needed to involve new generations of Rotterdammers in future research?

A lecture full of new insights, personal stories and ideas for the future of our city. Come along and join the discussion on how Rotterdam can contribute to a better understanding of dementia and brain health.

The Rotterdamlezing will take place on Monday 11 May at the Arminius debate venue and is free to attend for anyone interested. We do ask you to register in advance via our website. After the lecture, there will be a drinks reception where you can chat with the speaker and other attendees.

Please note: This event is in Dutch.

Claim your spot for the Rotterdamlezing 2026

More information

TimeProgramme
19:00Walk-in debate venue Arminius
19:30Start Rotterdamlezing
21:15Drinks reception
22:00Closure

Debate venue Arminius is fully accessible for wheelchair users. The building has a lift and a disabled toilet. There are also two parking spaces reserved right outside the entrance.

Watch the previous edition of Rotterdamlezing

Frank van Oort on stage during the Rotterdamlezing 2025.

Rotterdamlezing 2025 - Full broadcast

More information

The Rotterdamlezing has been organised every year by Erasmus University Rotterdam since 2003. The Rotterdamlezing is a gift from the university to the city. Rotterdamlezingen always focus on the most pressing issues facing Rotterdam.

Do you have any questions regarding this invitation? Please feel free to send us a message at ceremonies@eur.nl. We’ll be happy to help.

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