Spring 2009

International networks are crucial for universities. This is something that the University of Groningen has been aware of ever since its foundation in 1614. Even then, students and professors came to the metropolis of the Northern Netherlands from all corners of the globe. The communication tools of the 21^st century mean that such networks are easy to maintain and strengthen. This newsletter is a good example of this. It contains all sorts of news from and about the University of Groningen.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you enjoy reading it and that you will keep in touch with our university. If we are ever in your area for a fair or an international mission, I do hope you will come along to shake hands!

Prof. Frans Zwarts, Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen

News from Groningen

University of Groningen 395th anniversary

The University of Groningen currently celebrates its 395^th anniversary, or, as the Dutch academic tradition has it, its 79^th ‘Lustrum’. The celebrations consist of an extensive programme around the theme of ‘Arts Meet Science’. Everyone who has ever been connected to the University of Groningen is of course welcome to celebrate this Lustrum with us. A variety of activities are planned, such as the Alumni Day and 'Arts & Sciences Night' on 13 June.

Royal visit to the University of Groningen

As part of their official state visit to the Netherlands, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden visited the University of Groningen on 23 April in the company of Queen Beatrix. There was a reception for the royal guests in the Academy Building, where they met students and staff members. > watch a video

International Student barometer: Groningen good value for money

Twice a year, the University asks all its international students to fill in a questionnaire to help us get a better idea of our performance in the areas of learning, living, arrival facilities and support. This International Student Barometer is a good way to gauge the feelings of our international students, and, where necessary and possible, introduce improvements to our range.  > more  

University of Groningen worldwide

University of Groningen climbing the world ranking list fast

The University of Groningen holds the 144th place on the world ranking list of top universities in the Times Higher Education – QS World University Rankings. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities the University of Groningen figures at a shared number 101, in Europe a joint 35th place. In the CHE Excellence Ranking the University of Groningen is among the best in Europe with Physics and Biology in the Excellence group and Chemistry and Mathematics in the Top Group.

Groningen delegation visits Saudi Prince Mohammad

On Monday 16 March, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, emir of the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, welcomed a delegation from the University of Groningen led by Prof. Sibrand Poppema.

International Research

Chirality medal for prof. Ben Feringa

The 2009 international Chirality Medal has been awarded to Prof. Ben L. Feringa, Jacobus van ’t Hoff Distinguished Professor of Molecular Sciences at the University of Groningen. The Chirality Medal will be awarded at the Symposium on Chirality, which this year will be held in Colorado. Previous winners of this prestigious medal include Ryoji Noyori and K. Barry Sharpless, two chemists who were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2001 for their work on chiral catalysis.

Alumni of the University of Groningen

Two alumni receive 'Alumni of the Year Award'

Mr Bin Zhang (alumnus 2006) and Ms Qixuan Zhang (alumna 2005) are awarded the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and Alumni Service Award respectively. They receive their awards  from the Ambassador Mr. Rudolf Bekink on 13 December in Beijing, at the Netherlands Alumni Network China (NANC) annual general event.

Interesting links

> Job opportunities at the University of Groningen

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