TU Delft honours and commemorates Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Our events and activities in the national Antoni van Leeuwenhoek year
Thanks to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Delft is known as the birthplace of microbiology. In the national Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Year, TU Delft honours this passionate and curious researcher and his contributions to microbiology with a series of podcasts, stories, tours and activities. The highlight will be the "LOOK!" exhibition in the Oude Kerk in Delft, revealing the fascinating world of microbiology and its relation to Delft.
Exhibition "LOOK!"
Enter the invisible world of micro-organisms in the temporary exhibition "LOOK!" (Dutch: KOM KIJKEN) at the Oude Kerk in Delft. This is where Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is buried. This exhibition around his grave shows Delft's indispensable role in the world of microbiology, reveals how microbiology shapes our environment and offers an inspiring glimpse of a possible future. Experience how Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's homemade microscopes opened up a whole new universe and how his research laid the foundations for our understanding of micro-organisms. Discover the impact of his research on our daily lives.
On 26 August 2023, exactly 300 years after Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's death, the exhibition will open to a private audience. From Monday 28th of August, everyone is welcome to travel along in the world of microbiology. The exhibition will be on display until the 28th of October. Visitors of all ages are welcome.
Read more: www.komkijken.nl
Walk in the footsteps of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
TU Delft Tours developed a tour of Delft city centre on behalf of TU Delft Science Centre to explore the highlights of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and microbiology in the city. Participants have the choice of walking the tour on their own or accompanied by an expert guide. The tour will visit iconic locations related to Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's life and work, such as the site of his birthplace, a memorial and other microbiology highlights.
Read more:
https://www.uitagendadelft.com/nl/uitagenda/2358613186/ontdek-antoni-met-een-gids
Podcast series 'A world of secrets'
Together with the University of the Netherlands, TU Delft developed the (Dutch) podcast series 'A world of secrets: scientists in the footsteps of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek'. In this podcast, we follow Antoni's steps, 300 years after his death. And we walk on, in his footsteps, with today's new Antonis: 5 scientists from TU Delft, who, like Antoni, are driven by curiosity and wonder in search of new worlds. Listen to the podcast from the 26th of August via Spotify and other podcast apps.
In episode 1, Dirk van Delft, author of Antoni's biography, takes you on a journey through 17th-century Delft and the Gouden Hooft, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's home. The next five episodes introduce you to today's Antonis: TU Delft researchers Cees Dekker, Doris van Halem, Mathias Peirlinck, Willemijn Elkhuizen and Dimphna Meijer.
Stories of scientists
As part of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Year, TU Delft is sharing ten stories of contemporary scientists following in Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's footsteps. These scientists represent the new generation of explorers in the world of microbiology and show how their work has an impact on society.
Workshops
Several organisations in Delft jointly offer microbiology workshops to observe microscopic organisms and learn more about the latest developments and applications of microbiology. The workshops are usually free and by registration. They are organised every Wednesday and on weekends at various locations.
Read more: https://www.uitagendadelft.com/nl/antoni-van-leeuwenhoek
Thematic teaching suitcase
Extra is the thematic teaching case developed by TU Delft Science Centre, full of experiments and assignments appropriate to Van Leeuwenhoek's research. Children get to work with lenses, microscopy and microbiology and can choose from 10 assignments or experiments that can be carried out in small groups, so that a total of 30 children can be busy at the same time. The suitcase is suitable for groups 6, 7 and 8 and can be borrowed from September via educatie-sciencecentre@tudelft.nl.
22 October Science Day
TU Delft's annual Science Day is also dedicated to Van Leeuwenhoek. On this annual recurring day, part of TU Delft opens its doors to the public free of charge. Taking place on the 22nd of October, Science Day will focus on the wonderful world of microbiology.
Read more: https://www.tudelft.nl/sciencecentre/activiteiten/events/science-day
Collaboration
The Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Year and the "LOOK!" exhibition have come about through close cooperation between TU Delft, dsm-firmenich Delft/Biotech Campus Delft, Erfgoed Delft, the Old and New Church, Prinsenhof Delft and various other partners. Thanks to the support of the Delft Entrepreneurs Fund and its entrepreneurs, it is possible to organise these exceptional events and engage a wide audience with the wonders of microbiology.