182nd Dies Natalis & Delta week

Redesigning deltas is the theme for our 182nd anniversary week, culminating in our traditional Dies Natalis celebration on 12 January 2024.

Sea level rise and salt intrusion, an ever-growing population and planning issues, urban flooding and summer droughts: the earth’s water – be it fresh or salt – is not just a lifeforce but increasingly poses threats and challenges. To keep Deltas around the world safe and liveable in the future, we urgently need to rethink them, and plan and design them differently.
These complex and intertwined delta challenges can only be solved with an integrated and interdisciplinary approach towards climate adaptation. Already, we are joining disciplinary forces within our university, Dutch engineering alumni are renowned the world over for their knowledge on water safety and management, and we are educating future generations of engineers, instilling them with a mindset of integral thinking.

Yet much remains to be done. Our birthday celebration, including the preceding Deltaweek programme, is the perfect occasion to share best practices, sharpen our methods and shape our knowledge. Let’s discuss the way forward.


Programme


15.30 uur: doors to the Auditorium open

15.45: start of the academic ceremony

Opening speech by Rector Magnificus prof. Tim van der Hagen

Dance performance by Xclusive Company

Dies Lecture: Redesigning deltas in the 21st century by prof. Bas Jonkman

Honorary doctorate – Henk Ovink

Honorary doctorate – Kate Orff

Musical intermezzo by Marlies Ruigrok

17.05: Closing by Rector Magnificus prof. Tim van der Hagen

17.15: Reception in the Foyer
               


Delta Week activities

We invite all students, employees, alumni, partners and peers to take part in the Delta week leading up to our birthday, from 8 to 12 January. With student hackathons, a design session for policymakers and our Delta Innovation event, there should be something to meet your needs.