Frans Timmermans at UT’s Dies Natalis

30 / 03 / 2023 | Redactie

Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, will be the keynote speaker at the 61st Dies Natalis of the University of Twente on 12 May. The academic ceremony will focus on the challenges of creating a more sustainable environment.

Photo by: Lauri Heikkinen

Frans Timmermans. (FinnishGovernment, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

The central theme of the event is societal impact, more specifically sustainability. During his keynote speech, Frans Timmermans will share his thoughts on what is necessary for the green transition, and how we should tackle the climate crisis and move to renewable energy. Timmermans is a Dutch politician and diplomat serving as First Vice President of the European Commission since 2014. He has also been worked on the European Green Deal and served as European Commissioner for Climate Action.

On top of the main lecture, various UT scientists, including professor Albert van den Berg, will offer their views on how to battle climate change. Traditionally, a number of prizes will also be handed out during the event. The Dies will serve as an award ceremony for the Overijssel PhD Award, The Professor de Winter Award and the Marina van Damme scholarship.

The ceremony will begin at 15:00 on 12 May in the Waaier building. It’s possible to attend in person, but the Dies celebration can also be followed online. You can find more details about the programme and register here.

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