On Monday September 3 at 15:00 hrs we will celebrate the ceremonial start of the Academic Year 2012-2013 in the Pieterskerk, Pieterskerkhof 1a, Leiden.

Minister Maxime Verhagen

The power of connecting, speech by Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, also Deputy Prime Minister.

Professor Paul Schnabel

Keynote speech Getting to the top 5! Can the Netherlands join the elite group of the world's most competitive economies? to be given by Professor Paul Schnabel, President of the Netherlands Institute for Social Research and University Professor at Utrecht University.

Musical interlude performed by the Leiden University Baroque Ensemble.

Subsequently, Professor Paul F. van der Heijden, Rector Magnificus and President of the Executive Board, will deliver a speech, entitled Making choices, sharing decisions.

The Mr. K.J. Cath Prize 2012 and the Gratama Science Prize will then be presented.

You are requested to be seated before 14.55 hrs. The programme will commence at 15.00 hrs promptly.

After the ceremony, at approximately 16.30 hrs, there will be a reception in the Pieterskerk.