Dies Natalis TU Delft

On 8 January, 2022, TU Delft celebrates its 180th anniversary. We will mark this on 14 January during our Dies Natalis ceremony, when we will also kick-off of our anniversary year. From that day on, everyone can participate in a 180-day anniversary programme devoted to the energy transition. More information can be found on the anniversary homepage. 

Speeding up the Energy Transition

The energy transition is an important pillar in the fight against climate change and with 1.000 energy scientists TU Delft is a major player. We want to use our knowledge and expertise to accelerate the success of the energy transition. To lend force to this ambition, “Speeding up the Energy Transition“ is the theme of our anniversary year. For 180 days we will focus extra attention on this topic, both within TU Delft and in the world around us. The energy transition is a huge undertaking that calls for innovation and radical change on many fronts. It will only succeed by means of cooperation within and outside the scientific community. That is why we are not taking on this challenge by ourselves, but together with industry, governments, alumni and other stakeholders.

Energy Accelerator Team

At the Dies Natalis, we will also introduce our Energy Accelerator Team: a multidisciplinary team of ten talented Delft energy scientists. They will identify and drive TU Delft's impact on the energy transition and its intended acceleration. The Energy Accelerator Team will propagate our active role in the energy transition and take the lead therein within the university.

Honorary doctorates

Honorary doctorates are traditionally awarded during the Dies Natalis; this year there are three.

Two scientific honorary doctorates to:
Jürgen Janek, Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, for his fundamental work on Solid State Electrochemistry and his global leadership in disseminating his knowledge and experience in this field.

Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of the US carbon recycling company LanzaTech, for her pioneering work on Industrial Biotechnology and her inspirational leadership focused on achieving a circular carbon economy.

An honorary doctorate for societal contributions to:
Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, for his efforts in the social arena to put climate issues on the agenda and to get governments, businesses and institutions in the Netherlands, Europe and the world to take the necessary action.

During the ceremony, the honorary professors will award the honorary doctorates and deliver a speech (‘laudatio’) in praise of the recipients.

Watch the Dies Natalis online

Click here to watch the recording of the Dies Natalis ceremony.