The winner of the Leiden University Thesis Prize has made an original and substantial contribution to argumentation theory. This is what Annetje Ottow, President of the Executive Board and member of the LUF board, said at the online ceremony for the University’s thesis prizes. The winner of the first prize is Charlotte van der Voort. She received her Master’s degree in Dutch Discourse Studies with the summa cum laude distinction.

‘What is the best electoral system for a democracy? First prize in the Leiden University Thesis Prizes 2021 goes to someone who has added their own deftly argued vision to this socially relevant topic.’ These were the words of Annetje Ottow, president of the Executive Board and board member of the Leiden University Fund, at the online University Thesis Prizes ceremony on 3 March. The lucky winner, Suzanne Bloks, studied philosophy.

Leiden University and Unicef have already been working together for ten years to increase and share information on children’s rights. They are extending this cooperation. Professor of Children’s Rights Ton Liefaard explains what has already been achieved and what he wants to achieve in the next five years.

In the Alumni Room at the Faculty Club on Rapenburg, a new named fund was established on 7 September 2022: the Bouwens Astrophysics Fund. This fund was established by Dr Rychard Bouwens, an associate professor at the Leiden Observatory, who wants to give young researchers the chance to develop their skills.

A signing ceremony in the Academy Building on Monday 17 March marked the launch of the Mariella-Aura-Migraine Fund. This named fund, established by Mariella Calis-Maussen, aims to generate more knowledge, attention and awareness of migraine aura. It will support the research group led by Professor of Neurology Gisela Terwindt at the LUMC.

Before the Dies Festival for Alumni, friends, family, benefactors and thesis supervisors came to the Grotius lecture hall in the Kamerlingh Onnes building to celebrate the achievements of a group of young talents. These had been nominated for the Leiden University Thesis Prizes and the Schild-de Groen Research Prizes.

In a packed Grotius Hall, family and friends came together to pay tribute to young talent at Leiden University. The celebration was part of the annual Dies Natalis Festival for Alumni and gave dozens of visitors the chance to get to know a new generation of academics.