New Rector Magnificus Jantine Schuit at the 111th Dies Natalis: 'Listening as a remedy for gaze narrowing'

The theme of the 111th Dies Natalis of Erasmus University Rotterdam was "Engaging Minds, Advancing Science". A highlight of the programme was the transfer of the rectorship from Annelien Bredenoord, now President of the Executive Board, to Jantine Schuit. In her first Dies Natalis speech, the new Rector Magnificus made a plea for good, genuine listening and announced that she will engage in this herself through "A hundred days, a hundred voices". A new Erasmus Professor was also announced, and, as is traditional, honorary doctorates and other awards were handed out.

As she indicated in her first Dies Natalis speech, Professor Jantine Schuit sees her role as that of a bridge builder. Deep and genuine listening is an essential ingredient for success and "the best remedy against gaze narrowing". 'I believe deep listening can help our university become more adaptable, more entrepreneurial and more open-minded and live up to our Erasmian values', Schuit said.

A hundred days, a hundred voices

Schuit announced that she will start this immediately by organising discussion sessions with a total of one hundred randomly selected people from our university in her first few months as Rector Magnificus: "A hundred days, a hundred voices". 'I hope this will help me to get a clear picture of what is going on at our university – from young to old, students and staff – and to hear your opinions on how we can make things better', Jantine Schuit said.

Frank van Oort appointed as new Erasmus Professor

Through scholarship, Erasmus University Rotterdam aims to contribute to a sustainable, just and peaceful world, where no one is left behind. Someone who embodies this goal better than anyone is Prof. Frank van Oort, professor of Urban and Regional Economics at the Erasmus School of Economics. For this reason, he has been appointed as an Erasmus Professor from 1 January 2025. At the heart of his work is an exploration of a broader, better definition of the complex concept of well-being.

Honorary doctorates for Koen Lenaerts and Alison Wylie

Professor Koen Lenaerts (President of the European Court of Justice) received an honorary doctorate from his honorary supervisor, Professor Fabian Amtenbrink. He was praised for his sharp, analytical mind and his encyclopaedic knowledge that goes far beyond EU law and is an expression of his intellectual curiosity. 'His work inspires us all and reflects the values of Erasmus School of Law: dedication, innovation and a deeply rooted pursuit of knowledge and progress', Harriët Schelhaas, dean of Erasmus School of Law, said in the jury report.

Honorary supervisor Dr Conrad Heilmann had the privilege of presenting an honorary doctorate to Prof. Alison Wylie, professor at the University of British Columbia. Wylie has raised a number of important ethical issues in the social sciences relating to epistemic injustice. Wylie has highlighted what it means to be a "civic university": accountable to the diverse communities affected by research.

Awards for Kjell Noordzij, Aalt-Jan Smits and Pilar García-Gómez

A traditional part of the Dies Natalis celebrations is the presentation of university awards to members of our community who have achieved something special.

Sociologist Dr Kjell Noordzij received the Research Prize 2024 for his research on political dissatisfaction and the perceived distance from politics among less-educated citizens. Noordzij was praised by the jury for his contribution to this important issue in society and the social debate on the gap between citizens and politics.

In the spring of 2023, Aalt-Jan Smits, MSc. LLM graduated with outstanding results: a master degree in Financial Law Cum Laude and a master degree in Economics and Business (Financial Economics). His master’s thesis was also published. For these achievements, he received the Lambers Student Excellence Award 2024 at the ceremony.

Professor Pilar García-Gómez received the FAME Athena Award because, as professor and vice-dean of Research at the Erasmus School of Economics, she is a true role model for young female economists. 'You embody equal opportunities and highlight the fact that a lack of diversity and gender equality hinders progress. And you call on everyone to take action.'