Summer 2009

Right from the start of the University of Groningen in 1614, students and professors came to Groningen from many different countries. With students coming from 113 different nationalities this is still the case today. The University of Groningen is aware of the importance of international networks and the communication tools of the 21^st century mean that such networks are easy to maintain and strengthen. This newsletter is a good example. 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

Princess Máxima and Minister Plasterk attended the installation of the Rosalind Franklin Fellows

On Wednesday 20 May, the Rosalind Franklin symposium was held in the Academy Building of the University of Groningen. Nineteen new top female academics, coming from more than 10 different countries, were installed as Rosalind Franklin Fellows. HRH Princess Máxima and Dutch Minister Ronald Plasterk of Education, Culture and Science attended this symposium as honorary guests. Speeches were made by two of the Fellows, and by Ms Jennifer Glynn, Rosalind Franklin’s sister, Ms Brenda Maddox, author of a biography of Dr Franklin, and Minister Plasterk.

Great interest in the first international medical degree programme in Groningen

In September 2009 the University of Groningen will offer its first medical degree programme taught in English. This International BSc in Medicine is unique in the Netherlands, in the sense that it will be open to both Dutch and foreign students. The new programme has the same objectives as the regular programme but will place special emphasis on the international aspects of medicine.

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. > more

University of Groningen supports Bosscha Observatory in Bandung, Indonesia

During an official visit by the Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen, Prof. Frans Zwarts, to the Bandung Institute of Technology, one of the venues was the Bosscha Observatory. Named after the Dutch tea plantation owner Bosscha in 1928, it remains until this day the only observatory for the study of astronomy in Southeast Asia. The University of Groningen has contributed € 5,000 to the guesthouse of the observatory that is to accommodate visitors , and would encourage others to support the Bosscha as well.

International Research

Honorary doctorate for Prof. Hisashi Owada, president of the international Court of Justice

In celebration of its 395th anniversary, on 5 June 2009 the University of Groningen will be awarding a double honorary doctorate to Prof. Hisashi Owada, President of the International Court of Justice in the Hague and Professor of Japan-European Relations at the University of Leiden.

Other recipients of an honorary doctorate are writer Kader Abdolah, psychologist Marilynn Brewer and biologist Michael Menaker.

Alumni of the University of Groningen

Indonesian students gather in Groningen for Groens Cup sports tournament

Honouring a fine tradition, the Groningen chapter of the Indonesian Student Association, PPI-G, used the Ascension Day holiday weekend to organise the Groens Cup. The Groens Cup, taking its name from what the first Indonesian students called Groningen, is open to teams of Indonesian students from all universities and hogescholen in the Netherlands.

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International alumni meetings in France and Spain

‘When did you last visit Groningen?’ ‘Where can I find a decent restaurant in the city centre these days?’ French and Spanish ‘Groningers’ were given the opportunity to meet up in Paris, Madrid and Barcelona this spring. On 8 April, the Dutch Ambassador Hugo Siblesz in cooperation with ten Dutch universities organized a meeting for alumni living in France. His colleague Como van Hellenberg Hubar organized similar events for alumni in Spain on 6 and 7 May. > more  

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