50th Dies Natalis Maastricht University 2026

Maastricht University proudly celebrates its 50th Dies Natalis on Friday, 23 January 2026.

A milestone in a year that invites us to reflect, celebrate and imagine. For fifty years, UM has grown with, and through, its community. During this Dies Natalis, we honour that shared journey and look back on everything we have built together.

This year’s theme, “UM50: A milestone and another step – we keep innovating and serving society”, captures that spirit perfectly.

00:00 Arrival of the cortege
15:32 Word of welcome and speech by rector Pamela Habibović
18:49 UM50 anniversary video
21:47 Introduction honorary doctorates
23:39 Video and laudatio honorary doctorate Peter Stenvinkel
30:55 Response and lecture by Peter Stenvinkel
38:14 Entrance André Rieu. Johan Strauss Orchestra and Mastreechter Staar
42:37 Halleluja (Händel) - André Rieu, Johan Strauss Orchestra and Mastreechter Staar
47:11 Video and laudatio honorary doctorate Roger Cox
54:29 Response and lecture by Roger Cox
01:04:02 Master's Student Prizes 2025
01:15:24 Arrival of His Majesty the King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
01:17:37 Kroningswals - André Rieu. Johan Strauss Orchestra and Mastreechter Staar
01:20:54 Mestreech is Neet Breid - André Rieu, Johan Strauss Orchestra and Mastreechter Staar
01:23:54 Speech by rector Pamela Habibović
01:37:03 Introduction honorary doctorate Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
01:37:55 Video and laudatio honorary doctorate Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
01:48:26 Response and lecture by Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
01:59:07 Uyen Chau Nguyen: Winner Dissertation Prize 2025
02:06:53 Nicole Kornet: Winner Wynand Wijnen Education Prize 2025
02:14:57 Announcement "Ode an die Freude"
02:16:12 Ode an die Freude - André Rieu, Johan Strauss Orchestra and Mastreechter Staar
02:20:29 Closing and departure of the cortege