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The future of freedom 12 May 2026 19:30 - 21:00

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How free are we, and what can we draw hope from?

The question of how freedom continues to develop occupies many of us. Authoritarian leadership is gaining ground, technology influences how we think and act. At the same time, it is becoming more difficult to step outside existing frameworks.

In cooperation with the National Committee 4 and 5 May, VU Amsterdam organizes an evening where lectures and discussion come together around this theme. Jörgen Raymann will host the evening. He is a board member of the National Committee and a passionate connector who brings younger generations and diverse groups in society closer together.

During the evening, professor Jeroen de Ridder, along with professors Marianne Hirsch Ballin and Nikki Sterkenburg, who are affiliated with the National Committee for 4 and 5 May, will share insights from their research and engage in dialogue with one another. They will demonstrate how Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam contributes, through research and dialogue, to a deeper understanding of freedom, and how these insights can be used to help safeguard the freedom of others.

What do these insights mean for how we view freedom?

About The future of freedom

Starting date

  • 12 May 2026

Time

  • 19:30 - 21:00

Location

  • Auditorium, Hoofdgebouw

Address

  • De Boelelaan 1105
  • 1081 HV Amsterdam

Language

  • Dutch

About the speakers

About the speakers

Jeroen de Ridder

Professor of political epistemology at VU Amsterdam, researching reliable information and knowledge, and how democratic institutions use citizen and expert insights, as well as the reliability of science, disinformation, and how information is used to undermine knowledge and sow confusion.

Marianne Hirsch Ballin

Professor of criminal law and criminal procedure and head of the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology at VU Amsterdam, her research focuses on the intersection of investigation and privacy in a digital and international context, examining how criminal law, administrative law and intelligence and security services relate to each other, and how criminal procedure law continues to evolve within these developments. She is also a board member of the National Committee for May 4 and 5.

Nikki Sterkenburg

Associate Professor of Investigative Journalism at VU Amsterdam and Head of National Security Analysis at the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security. Her research focuses on the role of investigative journalism within a free and open society. She investigates the democratic significance and social impact of this field. She is also vice chairman of the National Committee May 4 and 5.

Jörgen Raymann

Board member of the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei. He is committed to connecting different groups within society and actively engaging younger generations in remembrance. In addition, he delivers workshops and training sessions on workplace happiness, inclusivity, and leadership, focusing his work on social and societal issues.

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