Leiden University celebrates 450 years amid protests and budget concerns
Leiden University marked its 450th anniversary with a grand celebration in the Pieterskerk, featuring honorary doctorates, student involvement, and a rap performance about its history. The event was attended by Princess Beatrix, who studied in Leiden and received an honorary doctorate in 2005.
The milestone comes at a time of mounting concerns over budget cuts in higher education. Red protest flags were displayed on several university buildings, and many staff members wore red symbols to express opposition to government-imposed financial reductions. Outside the venue, about 15 activists demonstrated against the university’s ties with Israeli institutions.
The event opened with an expanded academic procession, including professors, rectors, students, and a marching band. Two primary school classes from Leiden and The Hague, who had attended guest lectures earlier in the day, led the procession. One student from The Hague said they had learned about radiology and how “light we couldn’t see before can now be made visible.” Another student from Leiden emphasized the importance of children’s rights, saying, “We are all human beings.”
In her keynote address, Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl reflected on the university’s founding on February 8, 1575, during a time of war. She drew parallels between past and present, emphasizing the university’s commitment to freedom and service. Bijl expressed concerns over proposed budget cuts and legislation that could threaten academic independence. She urged the academic community to remain steadfast in its mission, saying, “This university is more than an institution. Like in 1575, it is a promise.”
Egbert Koops, professor of legal history, highlighted moments from Leiden’s past that inform today’s debates on academic freedom. He referenced a strict oath once required of students to obey university teachings, which initially excluded Catholics. This policy was later revoked after local authorities realized it was driving students to universities in Heidelberg and Leuven, where tuition was lower. Koops said, “Leiden was ahead of its time as a free-thinking academic institution. Or perhaps it was just pragmatic city leadership?”
During the ceremony, Leiden University awarded honorary doctorates to three individuals. Kelly Chibale, a professor of organic chemistry, was recognized for his work in combating endemic diseases like malaria and mentoring African scientists. “You continue to inspire and strengthen future generations of African researchers,” said Rector Hester Bijl.
Feminist and legal theorist Bonnie Honig was honored for her contributions to democratic theory and its intersection with law, literature, and popular culture. Bijl praised her research for breathing “new life into democratic thought and challenging intolerance.”
Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative journalism collective Bellingcat, received the award for advancing democracy and justice through open-source investigations. He “revolutionized how we uncover truth through digital forensic research,” Bijl said.
British science rapper Jon Chase and singer Celesta da Vinci performed a specially written rap about Leiden’s academic history, which received an enthusiastic response. Board Chair Annetje Ottow then presented the Gratama Jubilee Gift, a 100,000 euros research grant, to an interdisciplinary team studying 19th-century ecological changes in the Netherlands.
Ottow also announced the launch of the LUF Kinderfonds, a new initiative supporting research projects aimed at improving the future of vulnerable children. She encouraged financial support for the program.
Ottow acknowledged the challenges posed by impending government budget cuts, which threaten Leiden’s long-standing commitment to academic freedom. “We are proud of what we have built together,” she said, vowing to oppose the reductions. Despite the concerns, she struck a hopeful tone, urging the academic community to face the future with resilience. “We have weathered storms before, and we will again. We are ahead of our time—and have been for 450 years.”
As the ceremony concluded, Bijl thanked attendees and called on them to celebrate the university’s milestone while continuing its mission. “Let us move forward with courage.”
