During his first public appearance as UvA Executive Board president, Vinod Subramaniam will speak about the university's direction for the coming years. The new UvA strategy will take centre stage in that discussion, showing how students and staff, together with partners in the city and society, will work towards a strong, open and future-oriented university in the coming years.

The event will also mark the farewell of Peter-Paul Verbeek. As rector magnificus, he led the UvA for four years during turbulent times. In addition, he temporarily held the presidency of the Executive Board during the same period. Verbeek is becoming president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. During the Opening of the Academic Year, he will speak about the history and significance of the rector magnificus's chain of office.

Subsequently, Anniek de Ruijter will be sworn in as the new rector magnificus. De Ruijter has strong roots at the UvA and has been professor of Health Law and Policy since 2022. Her appointment marks the beginning of a new phase at the university.

During the opening, the new UvA strategy will be highlighted from various perspectives by Vaisakh Karuvath (UvA student), Bruce Mutsvairo (dean of Amsterdam University College), and Eefje Cuppen (director of the Rathenau Institute). Musical accompaniment will be provided by ZO! Gospel Choir. A new campaign video about the strategy will also premiere.

Read more about the practical information of the Opening of the Academic Year 2026-2027.