50th Dies Natalis:
looking back
On Friday 23 January 2026, Maastricht University celebrated its 50th Dies Natalis. The special jubilee ceremony was held in the Basilica of Saint Servatius, where the university’s academic story began in 1976.
During the celebration, we looked back on 50 years of pioneering spirit. With His Majesty King Willem-Alexander as the guest of honour, no fewer than three honorary doctorates were conferred: one for societal impact and two for academic achievement. The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize, the Dissertation Prize and the Student Awards were also presented in recognition of outstanding achievements in education and research.
A surprise performance by André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, together with the Mastreechter Staar choir, capped off a memorable day.
UM50: A milestone and another step – we keep innovating and serving society
The theme of this special jubilee celebration was ‘A milestone andanother step – we keep innovating and serving society.’ The Dies Natalis marked the start of a year of celebrations across the university. In her speech, Rector Magnificus Pamela Habibović stressed:
“Every day, we choose what kind of university this will be in the next 50 years. Let’s continue to choose innovation, courage, and openness.”
Royal visit and musical surprises
In 1976, Queen Juliana signed the founding charter of the then Rijksuniversiteit Limburg in the Basilica of Saint Servatius. Fifty years later, King Willem-Alexander signed Maastricht University’s commemorative document in the same place – a symbolic moment on historic ground.
André Rieu’s orchestra and the Mastreechter Staar choir performed a festive repertoire, including the Coronation Waltz, Mestreech is neet breid and the UM anthem Ode an die Freude.
Videos from the 50th Dies Natalis
Watch the full livestream and all videos shown during the ceremony.
Three honorary doctorates
This year, no fewer than three honorary doctorates were awarded.
The honorary doctorate for societal impact went to Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. She received this honour in recognition of her international leadership and commitment to humanitarian values. Egger:
“Today, I share this honorary doctorate with colleagues and millions of volunteers around the world, as well as with the visionary individuals whose efforts led to the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”
Peter Stenvinkel, professor of Nephrology at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and a pioneer in planetary and climate health, received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. In his lecture, he said:
“I see this honorary doctorate as a recognition of the importance of connecting the dots between nature, the environment, and medicine.”
Roger Cox, a leading lawyer in international climate jurisprudence, received an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Law. He observed:
“The interest of nature, the poor, children, and future generations are worth fighting for. This honorary doctorate strengthens my determination to continue this work.”
Honouring excellence
The Wynand Wijnen Education Prize was awarded this year to Dr Nicole Kornet, in recognition of her academic leadership and vision in the redesign of the European Law School bachelor’s programme. Her efforts resulted in a thoroughly revised, future-focused curriculum.
The Dissertation Prize went to Dr Uyên Châu Nguyên of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences for her impressive PhD dissertation Multi-modality imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Student Awards
Each year during the Dies Natalis, the university recognises excellent student theses. Award winners receive a €500 cash prize, a certificate and a small gift presented by the Rector Magnificus.
Bachelor’s awards
In 2025, 23 students completed their bachelor’s programme with a thesis assessed as ‘excellent’ by their faculty.
Master’s awards
In 2025, 8 students completed their master’s programme with a thesis assessed as ‘excellent’ by their faculty.
Photos: Marcel van Hoorn en Philip Driessen
