In these challenging times, where uncertainty often looms large, hope is essential. Hope is a longing for improvement, for which we are prepared to take action. It ensures that people continue courageously, it strengthens our bonds, and inspires us to build a positive future. The Opening of the Academic Year 2024/2025 launches hope as the theme for this academic year.
Margrethe Jonkman, President of the Executive Board, will welcome the attendees and outline the context of the event. She will provide examples of inspiring projects within VU Amsterdam in the fields of education, research, and valorisation.
Keynote by Eric van der Burg
Eric van der Burg, former Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, is now a VVD MP. He is known for his can-do attitude and is convinced that tomorrow will be better than today and yesterday. Together with him, we will look at examples of hope.
Interviews with Scientists
Following the keynote, moderator Anne de la Croix will engage in discussions with Jan Jorrit Hasselaar, Bas Teusink, and Eveline Tiekink.
Jan Jorrit Hasselaar: Hope in Relation to Uncertainty
In his research, economist-theologian Jan Jorrit Hasselaar focuses on the attitude, not just the action, with which complex issues around infrastructure are tackled. He highlights the dangers of optimism and pessimism leading potentially to polarisation and paralysis. Hasselaar brings together hope and radical uncertainty in an interdisciplinary manner, in interaction with societal partners.
AIMMS: Bridging Science to Society
AIMMS is committed to positively influencing life and the environment by accelerating breakthroughs in molecular science. The scientists at AIMMS aim to bridge scientific knowledge to society, with practical applications that have a broad impact.
Bas Teusink, director of AIMMS, and Eveline Tiekink, AIMMS PhD council member and PhD candidate in theoretical chemistry, demonstrate how they achieve this. For instance, they talk about innovative initiatives such as organising hackathons, which bring together a new generation of researchers to find solutions for complex challenges.
Presentation by Désanne van Brederode
Désanne van Brederode is Writer in Residence for the academic year 2024/2025. She will deliver a column on the representation of hope.
Afterwards, we will raise a glass to a promising academic year. The afternoon is set to be an inspiring one, brimming with moments of hope.
Programme
14:30 - 15:15 - Arrival and registration
15:30 - 15:45 - Opening by Margrethe Jonkman
15:45 - 16:05 - Keynote by Eric van der Burg
16:05 - 16:10 - Intermezzo
16:10 - 16:30 - Interviews with Jan Jorrit Hasselaar, Bas Teusink and Eveline Tiekink
16:30 - 16:40 - Column by Désanne van Brederode
16:40 - 16:45 - Closing
16:45 - 17:30 - Reception
Language of the event: Dutch
* The event will be translated into English for non-Dutch speakers
Registration
Registration is possible until Monday, 2 September, by sending an email to relaties@vu.nl.